Government House, Charlottetown
Government House was built in 1834 as the official residence for the colony鈥檚 governor-and today serves as the home of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1971, it sits on land known as Fanning鈥檚 Bank, a parcel of Crown land set aside in 1789 by Governor Edmund Fanning specifically for this purpose.
This finely proportioned, two-storey wood-frame building is celebrated for its neoclassical-sometimes described as Georgian or Palladian-inspired architecture. Its most prominent feature is a double-height portico supported by Doric columns, framed by a wrap-around verandah, symmetrical sash windows, and a hipped roof-ingredients that embody early鈥�19th鈥慶entury elegance.
Before PEI achieved responsible government in 1851, Government House functioned not merely as a residence but also as the colonial administration鈥檚 seat of power. Over the years, it has continued to host formal events-state dinners, investitures, receptions, and ceremonial occasions-underscoring its civic importance and social stature. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests here during their 1959 visit to the island.
While Government House continues to fulfill its ceremonial functions, it also welcomes the public during certain periods in the summer-offering visitors a glimpse into its stately interiors and serene gardens. The house also retains original fine interior elements and is set within landscaped estate grounds offering harbor vistas.
This finely proportioned, two-storey wood-frame building is celebrated for its neoclassical-sometimes described as Georgian or Palladian-inspired architecture. Its most prominent feature is a double-height portico supported by Doric columns, framed by a wrap-around verandah, symmetrical sash windows, and a hipped roof-ingredients that embody early鈥�19th鈥慶entury elegance.
Before PEI achieved responsible government in 1851, Government House functioned not merely as a residence but also as the colonial administration鈥檚 seat of power. Over the years, it has continued to host formal events-state dinners, investitures, receptions, and ceremonial occasions-underscoring its civic importance and social stature. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests here during their 1959 visit to the island.
While Government House continues to fulfill its ceremonial functions, it also welcomes the public during certain periods in the summer-offering visitors a glimpse into its stately interiors and serene gardens. The house also retains original fine interior elements and is set within landscaped estate grounds offering harbor vistas.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charlottetown. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Government House on Map
Sight Name: Government House
Sight Location: Charlottetown, Canada (See walking tours in Charlottetown)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charlottetown, Canada (See walking tours in Charlottetown)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Create Your Own Walk in Charlottetown
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charlottetown is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Charlottetown Introduction Walking Tour
During a 1775 raid by American privateers, Charlottetown was plundered and several officials were taken captive. Yet the residents had the last laugh. They rebuilt the town the following year.
Charlottetown lies on the traditional territory of the Mi鈥檏maq people, long before European arrival. The first European settlement in the area began in 1720, when French colonists from Louisbourg... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Charlottetown lies on the traditional territory of the Mi鈥檏maq people, long before European arrival. The first European settlement in the area began in 1720, when French colonists from Louisbourg... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles