Charlottetown Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Charlottetown
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’kmaq people, long before European arrival. The first European settlement in the area began in 1720, when French colonists from Louisbourg established Port-la-Joye on the opposite side of the harbour. In 1758, during the Seven Years’ War, the British took control of the island, deporting many French settlers and establishing military control.
After the British took over, surveyor Samuel Holland chose the present site as the seat of government and in 1764 designated the area as capital of Queens County. The name “Charlottetown” was adopted soon after, in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Over the years, streets and public squares were laid out, and Charlottetown grew steadily as a colonial administrative centre.
Formal colonial government presence increased when Governor Walter Patterson arrived in 1770 and military infrastructure, such as Fort George, were established to defend the growing settlement. Charlottetown was incorporated as a city on April 17, 1855.
Its most famous moment arrived in September 1864, when it hosted the Charlottetown Conference, a meeting among colonial leaders of British North America. Although originally intended to discuss union among the Maritime colonies, the conference pivoted—and laid some of the intellectual and political groundwork for Canadian Confederation. When Prince Edward Island eventually joined Confederation in 1873, Charlottetown’s role as the island’s capital and political center was cemented.
Through the 19th and 20th centuries, Charlottetown remained modest in size but evolved in character—shipbuilding, local trade, governance, educational institutions, and cultural life became central to its identity.
Walking through downtown Charlottetown, you’ll pass charming red brick buildings, heritage homes, and narrow streets laid out by colonial surveyors. The highlights are the Province House—the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference—flanked by Victorian façades, stately Government House, and public sculptures. Shops, cafés, and galleries nestle among tree-lined sidewalks. Waterfront views over Hillsborough Bay, with small boats and piers, add a maritime frame to the city’s historic core.
Charlottetown has been plundered, rebuilt, celebrated, and reimagined. From a raided outpost to the “Birthplace of Confederation,” the transformation has been remarkable. Let your imagination run free and add your own narrative to the archives of this small but mighty city.
Charlottetown lies on the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people, long before European arrival. The first European settlement in the area began in 1720, when French colonists from Louisbourg established Port-la-Joye on the opposite side of the harbour. In 1758, during the Seven Years’ War, the British took control of the island, deporting many French settlers and establishing military control.
After the British took over, surveyor Samuel Holland chose the present site as the seat of government and in 1764 designated the area as capital of Queens County. The name “Charlottetown” was adopted soon after, in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Over the years, streets and public squares were laid out, and Charlottetown grew steadily as a colonial administrative centre.
Formal colonial government presence increased when Governor Walter Patterson arrived in 1770 and military infrastructure, such as Fort George, were established to defend the growing settlement. Charlottetown was incorporated as a city on April 17, 1855.
Its most famous moment arrived in September 1864, when it hosted the Charlottetown Conference, a meeting among colonial leaders of British North America. Although originally intended to discuss union among the Maritime colonies, the conference pivoted—and laid some of the intellectual and political groundwork for Canadian Confederation. When Prince Edward Island eventually joined Confederation in 1873, Charlottetown’s role as the island’s capital and political center was cemented.
Through the 19th and 20th centuries, Charlottetown remained modest in size but evolved in character—shipbuilding, local trade, governance, educational institutions, and cultural life became central to its identity.
Walking through downtown Charlottetown, you’ll pass charming red brick buildings, heritage homes, and narrow streets laid out by colonial surveyors. The highlights are the Province House—the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference—flanked by Victorian façades, stately Government House, and public sculptures. Shops, cafés, and galleries nestle among tree-lined sidewalks. Waterfront views over Hillsborough Bay, with small boats and piers, add a maritime frame to the city’s historic core.
Charlottetown has been plundered, rebuilt, celebrated, and reimagined. From a raided outpost to the “Birthplace of Confederation,” the transformation has been remarkable. Let your imagination run free and add your own narrative to the archives of this small but mighty city.
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Charlottetown Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Charlottetown Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Canada » Charlottetown (See other walking tours in Charlottetown)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 12
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Canada » Charlottetown (See other walking tours in Charlottetown)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 12
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Peakes Wharf
- Great George Street Historic District
- St. Dunstan's Basilica
- Province House
- St. Paul's Anglican Parish
- The Mack
- Confederation Centre of the Arts
- Charlottetown City Hall
- St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral
- Beaconsfield Historic House
- Government House
- Victoria Row
1) Peakes Wharf (must see)
Peake’s Wharf took shape in 1872, when the Peake Brothers of Peake Bros. & Company built their third pier on Charlottetown’s waterfront, extending their father’s trading enterprise. Through the later 1800s and into the early 1900s, the wharf moved everyday Island goods-oats, potatoes, dried fish, and timber-out to markets across the Maritimes, Britain, and the United States.
By 1904, the federal Department of Marine and Fisheries had added practical infrastructure-storage and testing facilities, an oil depot, and a lifesaving station. Decades later, as shipping patterns changed, the waterfront’s purpose began to shift.
A major renewal in 1989, led by the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, transformed the area while keeping its character. Historic wooden buildings were kept and reimagined as seasonal shops and eateries, a broad pedestrian boardwalk linked the district to the city’s shoreline paths, and a 150-slip marina replaced the old warehouse.
Today, you can browse craft studios, clothing boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and food counters; grab a table at Peake’s Quay Restaurant & Bar-home to the city’s largest waterfront patio-and track down a cone of “Cows” ice cream nearby. The atmosphere peaks in summer and early fall, when warm weather, live music, and occasional festivals animate the boardwalk and most merchants are open.
Harbour tours push the experience out onto the water. From seal-watching and lobster-trap demos to sunset cruises, operators such as Captain Kenny MacDonald’s Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours run relaxed, story-rich outings aboard the cozy, safety-certified M/V Fairview, with other companies offering narrated wildlife and coastal-history trips, sometimes with lobster dinners.
By 1904, the federal Department of Marine and Fisheries had added practical infrastructure-storage and testing facilities, an oil depot, and a lifesaving station. Decades later, as shipping patterns changed, the waterfront’s purpose began to shift.
A major renewal in 1989, led by the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, transformed the area while keeping its character. Historic wooden buildings were kept and reimagined as seasonal shops and eateries, a broad pedestrian boardwalk linked the district to the city’s shoreline paths, and a 150-slip marina replaced the old warehouse.
Today, you can browse craft studios, clothing boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and food counters; grab a table at Peake’s Quay Restaurant & Bar-home to the city’s largest waterfront patio-and track down a cone of “Cows” ice cream nearby. The atmosphere peaks in summer and early fall, when warm weather, live music, and occasional festivals animate the boardwalk and most merchants are open.
Harbour tours push the experience out onto the water. From seal-watching and lobster-trap demos to sunset cruises, operators such as Captain Kenny MacDonald’s Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours run relaxed, story-rich outings aboard the cozy, safety-certified M/V Fairview, with other companies offering narrated wildlife and coastal-history trips, sometimes with lobster dinners.
2) Great George Street Historic District
One of the oldest and most storied streets in the city, Great George Street holds a particularly special place in Canadian history. In September 1864, the Fathers of Confederation disembarked at the harbour and walked up this very route toward Province House to plan the birth of a nation. Today, it stands as a National Historic Site-designated in 1990-for its crucial role in Canada's formation and its well-preserved collection of pre‑Confederation architecture.
The spacious streetscape is lined with an array of architectural styles-from Georgian-inspired homes to Gothic Revival details-harmoniously unified in scale and setback. Landmarks like Saint Dunstan’s Basilica-with its twin spires in Gothic Revival style, completed in the early 20th century-and the Neoclassical Province House anchor the street’s historical narrative.
Each building-from 19th-century stores to restored heritage residences-echoes stories of settlers, politicians, working pilgrims, and the evolving town that shaped the nation. Theatrical reenactments in the summertime recreate the Fathers of Confederation’s arrival and procession up the street, complete with stops at places like the Pavilion, now part of The Great George Hotel, that offered hospitality to these early visionaries.
Visitors can wander through its boutique-lined thoroughfare filled with artisan shops, charming cafés, cozy restaurants, and live entertainment from local musicians and performers.
The spacious streetscape is lined with an array of architectural styles-from Georgian-inspired homes to Gothic Revival details-harmoniously unified in scale and setback. Landmarks like Saint Dunstan’s Basilica-with its twin spires in Gothic Revival style, completed in the early 20th century-and the Neoclassical Province House anchor the street’s historical narrative.
Each building-from 19th-century stores to restored heritage residences-echoes stories of settlers, politicians, working pilgrims, and the evolving town that shaped the nation. Theatrical reenactments in the summertime recreate the Fathers of Confederation’s arrival and procession up the street, complete with stops at places like the Pavilion, now part of The Great George Hotel, that offered hospitality to these early visionaries.
Visitors can wander through its boutique-lined thoroughfare filled with artisan shops, charming cafés, cozy restaurants, and live entertainment from local musicians and performers.
3) St. Dunstan's Basilica (must see)
Saint Dunstan’s Basilica stands as a cornerstone of Charlottetown’s identity, built of Island sandstone in the High Victorian Gothic style. It presents an imposing profile with a richly detailed façade, ornamented portals, and sharply defined pinnacles.
The story of the basilica begins humbly with a wooden chapel erected in 1816, followed by two later wooden churches. A first stone cathedral rose between 1896 and 1907, only to be devastated by fire in 1913. From that tragedy emerged a renewed determination: Islanders worked together to preserve the surviving walls, while architect J. M. Hunter guided the reconstruction. By 1919, the church reopened with an English Gothic interior set within its original French Gothic stonework.
In recognition of the community’s perseverance and sacrifice, Pope Pius XI elevated the cathedral to the rank of Basilica in 1929, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Charlottetown. Decades later, in 1990, it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada, honoured as a leading example of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.
Inside, visitors encounter a cruciform layout with vaulted ceilings, clustered stone piers, and finely carved woodwork. Stained-glass windows cast rich colour across the interior, while the ornate altar provides a focal point. Today, Saint Dunstan’s Basilica remains the spiritual heart of Catholic life on Prince Edward Island, open to worshippers and visitors alike.
The story of the basilica begins humbly with a wooden chapel erected in 1816, followed by two later wooden churches. A first stone cathedral rose between 1896 and 1907, only to be devastated by fire in 1913. From that tragedy emerged a renewed determination: Islanders worked together to preserve the surviving walls, while architect J. M. Hunter guided the reconstruction. By 1919, the church reopened with an English Gothic interior set within its original French Gothic stonework.
In recognition of the community’s perseverance and sacrifice, Pope Pius XI elevated the cathedral to the rank of Basilica in 1929, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Charlottetown. Decades later, in 1990, it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada, honoured as a leading example of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.
Inside, visitors encounter a cruciform layout with vaulted ceilings, clustered stone piers, and finely carved woodwork. Stained-glass windows cast rich colour across the interior, while the ornate altar provides a focal point. Today, Saint Dunstan’s Basilica remains the spiritual heart of Catholic life on Prince Edward Island, open to worshippers and visitors alike.
4) Province House
Province House stands proudly as a symbol of Prince Edward Island’s governmental legacy and Canada’s very beginnings. Built between 1843 and 1847, it ranks as Canada’s second-oldest provincial legislature. Its storied halls have been in use since the building’s inauguration in January 1847, designed by Isaac Smith in the neoclassical style and crafted by local island artisans.
One of its most significant moments came in September 1864, when Province House welcomed the Charlottetown Conference, the first gathering of delegates to discuss the foundation of Canadian Confederation. Today, visitors can step into the Confederation Chamber-restored to mirror its 1864 setting-along with other period rooms and the province’s active legislative assembly.
Inside, it once housed not only the Legislative Assembly and Council but also the Island’s Supreme Court until 1872. Over the years, it has functioned as both a seat of politics and a social center, hosting formal events, banquets, and dances for dignitaries and local society.
Designated a National Historic Site in 1973, Province House is one of only three provincial legislatures in Canada to receive this honour.
Around Province House, visitors will come across notable landmarks: a bronze Veterans Memorial at the front, plaques dedicated to PEI’s Fathers of Confederation, a Boer War monument, and even the playful figure of Eckhart the Mouse. Beside the building lies a Victorian-inspired garden, while nearby cultural institutions add to the setting’s appeal.
One of its most significant moments came in September 1864, when Province House welcomed the Charlottetown Conference, the first gathering of delegates to discuss the foundation of Canadian Confederation. Today, visitors can step into the Confederation Chamber-restored to mirror its 1864 setting-along with other period rooms and the province’s active legislative assembly.
Inside, it once housed not only the Legislative Assembly and Council but also the Island’s Supreme Court until 1872. Over the years, it has functioned as both a seat of politics and a social center, hosting formal events, banquets, and dances for dignitaries and local society.
Designated a National Historic Site in 1973, Province House is one of only three provincial legislatures in Canada to receive this honour.
Around Province House, visitors will come across notable landmarks: a bronze Veterans Memorial at the front, plaques dedicated to PEI’s Fathers of Confederation, a Boer War monument, and even the playful figure of Eckhart the Mouse. Beside the building lies a Victorian-inspired garden, while nearby cultural institutions add to the setting’s appeal.
5) St. Paul's Anglican Parish
Saint Paul’s Anglican Church stands as a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture rendered in rich, locally sourced sandstone. Designed by renowned Island architect William Critchlow Harris, the present church was constructed in 1896, replacing earlier wooden and brick structures that once served the parish. The roots of the parish stretch back to the earliest days of Prince Edward Island’s settlement.
Anglican services were held in informal settings-such as Richardson’s Coffee House ballroom-before the first dedicated church was built in the late 18th century. Despite setbacks like the second church being blown down by a violent windstorm in 1833, the congregation eventually consecrated a rebuilt church in 1836 and later expanding it with features like a brick chancel and imported stained-glass windows in the 19th century.
Inside, the church offers a richly detailed and acoustically resonant space, with a wooden groined ceiling and a capacity of around 450 worshippers. A magnificent Casavant Frères organ, installed in 1936 and later rebuilt in 1996, sits to the north of the chancel. Along the interior walls, memorial tablets-from earlier incarnations of the parish-offer glimpses into the lives of early clergy and notable community figures.
Beyond worship, Saint Paul’s also serves as a cultural space. The parish hall, completed in 1906 and renovated in the late 1960s, supports social gatherings and outreach efforts. The church occasionally hosts contemplative “Night Music” performances-featuring works by Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and others-in a serene setting, perfect for listening.
Anglican services were held in informal settings-such as Richardson’s Coffee House ballroom-before the first dedicated church was built in the late 18th century. Despite setbacks like the second church being blown down by a violent windstorm in 1833, the congregation eventually consecrated a rebuilt church in 1836 and later expanding it with features like a brick chancel and imported stained-glass windows in the 19th century.
Inside, the church offers a richly detailed and acoustically resonant space, with a wooden groined ceiling and a capacity of around 450 worshippers. A magnificent Casavant Frères organ, installed in 1936 and later rebuilt in 1996, sits to the north of the chancel. Along the interior walls, memorial tablets-from earlier incarnations of the parish-offer glimpses into the lives of early clergy and notable community figures.
Beyond worship, Saint Paul’s also serves as a cultural space. The parish hall, completed in 1906 and renovated in the late 1960s, supports social gatherings and outreach efforts. The church occasionally hosts contemplative “Night Music” performances-featuring works by Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and others-in a serene setting, perfect for listening.
6) The Mack
The Mack is an intimate live-performance theatre run by the Confederation Centre of the Arts, with a compact layout-complete with cabaret-style tables, excellent sightlines, and cozy ambiance. Originally opened around 1927 as the Capitol Theatre, The Mack served as a cinema seating over 500. In 1965, it closed as a movie house and was later incorporated into the Confederation Centre for the Arts.
Through renovation and reimagining, it was transformed into a performance-focused venue with a reduced capacity of around 200. Thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of physician Dr. David Wallace MacKenzie Jr., the venue became the David MacKenzie Building-fondly shortened over time to The Mack. Today, it continues to host music performances, cabaret, comedy, and original Island theatre.
During the 2025 edition of the Charlottetown Festival, The Mack staged showcased local creativity and storytelling with a lineup of shows featuring local Island talent-including cabaret, comedy, and interactive storytelling. Productions such as The Creator’s Plan, Have Jokes, Will Travel, Chase the Ace, and Becoming Dolly showcase the depth and creativity of Atlantic Canadian voices.
Through renovation and reimagining, it was transformed into a performance-focused venue with a reduced capacity of around 200. Thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of physician Dr. David Wallace MacKenzie Jr., the venue became the David MacKenzie Building-fondly shortened over time to The Mack. Today, it continues to host music performances, cabaret, comedy, and original Island theatre.
During the 2025 edition of the Charlottetown Festival, The Mack staged showcased local creativity and storytelling with a lineup of shows featuring local Island talent-including cabaret, comedy, and interactive storytelling. Productions such as The Creator’s Plan, Have Jokes, Will Travel, Chase the Ace, and Becoming Dolly showcase the depth and creativity of Atlantic Canadian voices.
7) Confederation Centre of the Arts
Opened in 1964, the Confederation Centre of the Arts was commissioned as a national memorial marking the centennial of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference-the birthplace of Canadian Confederation. Built with contributions from all provincial governments and matched by the federal government, it stands as a collective national tribute to Canada's founders.
The Centre occupies an entire city block and is an admirable example of Brutalist architecture, characterized by its monolithic exterior, terraced plazas, and U-shaped layout of four pavilions surrounding Memorial Hall. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2003, it received designation as a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.
The complex houses the Sobey Family Theatre-a 1,100-seat mainstage, the largest of its kind east of Montreal-alongside additional studio theatres and an art gallery. The Charlottetown Festival, launched in 1965, is held annually here and is renowned for hosting Anne of Green Gables-The Musical, the longest-running annual musical theatre production in the world.
The Confederation Centre Art Gallery, part of the Centre since it opened, features over 17,000 works in its permanent collection-showcasing historic and contemporary Canadian art across its expansive exhibition space. In addition to visual arts programming, the Centre offers comprehensive arts education including classes, camps, and workshops across dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
The Centre occupies an entire city block and is an admirable example of Brutalist architecture, characterized by its monolithic exterior, terraced plazas, and U-shaped layout of four pavilions surrounding Memorial Hall. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2003, it received designation as a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.
The complex houses the Sobey Family Theatre-a 1,100-seat mainstage, the largest of its kind east of Montreal-alongside additional studio theatres and an art gallery. The Charlottetown Festival, launched in 1965, is held annually here and is renowned for hosting Anne of Green Gables-The Musical, the longest-running annual musical theatre production in the world.
The Confederation Centre Art Gallery, part of the Centre since it opened, features over 17,000 works in its permanent collection-showcasing historic and contemporary Canadian art across its expansive exhibition space. In addition to visual arts programming, the Centre offers comprehensive arts education including classes, camps, and workshops across dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
8) Charlottetown City Hall
Charlottetown City Hall, designed by architects John L. Phillips and Charles Benjamin Chappell, is a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture, completed between 1887 and 1888. From the outset, the building was intended to accommodate a wide range of civic needs. Its main floor housed the police station and the fire hall, while the upper levels contained the council chambers, courtroom, and municipal offices.
Its commanding façade-characterized by rounded arches, deeply set windows, and a prominent corner tower-reflects the grandeur and growth that Charlottetown sought to project as the provincial capital. As a testament to its architectural and historical significance, Charlottetown City Hall was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984.
In 1931, an expansion was added to accommodate evolving municipal needs-specifically a fire hall extension based on 1916 plans. Through periodic updates, the building has retained much of its original interior detailing, including elements like the council chamber ceiling, preserving its historical essence even as it continues to serve as the city's administrative heart.
Its commanding façade-characterized by rounded arches, deeply set windows, and a prominent corner tower-reflects the grandeur and growth that Charlottetown sought to project as the provincial capital. As a testament to its architectural and historical significance, Charlottetown City Hall was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984.
In 1931, an expansion was added to accommodate evolving municipal needs-specifically a fire hall extension based on 1916 plans. Through periodic updates, the building has retained much of its original interior detailing, including elements like the council chamber ceiling, preserving its historical essence even as it continues to serve as the city's administrative heart.
9) St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral
Saint Peter’s Anglican Cathedral is a living testament to the influence of the Oxford Movement-an Anglican revival of Catholic tradition-that inspired its founding in 1869. The cathedral was officially designated in 1879 by Bishop Hibbert Binney and continues to serve the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as a place of worship and spiritual community.
Despite being described as possibly the smallest cathedral in Canada, Saint Peter’s makes a remarkable impact. Built starting in 1867, with services beginning by mid‑1869 and consecration celebrated on the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul a decade later, the cathedral represents a thoughtful blend of devotion, tradition, and community involving local leadership and benefaction.
Attached to the cathedral’s west side is All Souls’ Chapel, a reverent memorial built in 1888 for the cathedral’s first clergy leader, Father George Hodgson. Designed by architect William Critchlow Harris, with captivating interior paintings by his brother artist Robert Harris, the chapel is constructed of local sandstone in rich High Victorian Gothic style. Its eighteen murals-featuring scenes from the New Testament and figures from Church history-along with statues of Christ and the apostles and a Ascension scene above the altar, make this chapel a designated National Historic Site since 1990.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Saint Peter’s Cathedral invites visitors with its rich liturgical life and community spirit. The church is known for its beautiful Anglican liturgy, strong orthodox teaching, and inspiring choral music-continuing a legacy of spiritual richness and service to the city.
Despite being described as possibly the smallest cathedral in Canada, Saint Peter’s makes a remarkable impact. Built starting in 1867, with services beginning by mid‑1869 and consecration celebrated on the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul a decade later, the cathedral represents a thoughtful blend of devotion, tradition, and community involving local leadership and benefaction.
Attached to the cathedral’s west side is All Souls’ Chapel, a reverent memorial built in 1888 for the cathedral’s first clergy leader, Father George Hodgson. Designed by architect William Critchlow Harris, with captivating interior paintings by his brother artist Robert Harris, the chapel is constructed of local sandstone in rich High Victorian Gothic style. Its eighteen murals-featuring scenes from the New Testament and figures from Church history-along with statues of Christ and the apostles and a Ascension scene above the altar, make this chapel a designated National Historic Site since 1990.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Saint Peter’s Cathedral invites visitors with its rich liturgical life and community spirit. The church is known for its beautiful Anglican liturgy, strong orthodox teaching, and inspiring choral music-continuing a legacy of spiritual richness and service to the city.
10) Beaconsfield Historic House (must see)
Beaconsfield Historic House is a Victorian mansion, widely regarded as one of Charlottetown’s most refined heritage landmarks. Built in 1877 by architect W.C. Harris, it was commissioned for James and Edith Peake, who belonged to one of the city’s most prominent families in the shipbuilding and mercantile trade.
The property’s story, however, did not end with the Peake family. In 1883, Henry Cundall, known for his diverse career as a land surveyor, real estate agent, philanthropist, and estate trustee, took up residence with his sisters, and in later years the house transitioned to different purposes. It became a home for young women, and eventually, student nurses lived within its walls.
Today, Beaconsfield forms part of the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation’s network of heritage sites. Visitors encounter meticulously restored rooms, furnished with period antiques, patterned wallpaper, and elegant touches like porcelain chandeliers that bring the late 19th century vividly to life.
The grounds add to the experience, with a peaceful garden and broad veranda. Nearby, the Carriage House, part of the same historical property, functions as a cultural venue, hosting an active program of events ranging from lectures and concerts to Victorian tea gatherings and seasonal highlights. Before leaving, many visitors pause at the gift shop, which showcases local crafts, books, and keepsakes.
The property’s story, however, did not end with the Peake family. In 1883, Henry Cundall, known for his diverse career as a land surveyor, real estate agent, philanthropist, and estate trustee, took up residence with his sisters, and in later years the house transitioned to different purposes. It became a home for young women, and eventually, student nurses lived within its walls.
Today, Beaconsfield forms part of the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation’s network of heritage sites. Visitors encounter meticulously restored rooms, furnished with period antiques, patterned wallpaper, and elegant touches like porcelain chandeliers that bring the late 19th century vividly to life.
The grounds add to the experience, with a peaceful garden and broad veranda. Nearby, the Carriage House, part of the same historical property, functions as a cultural venue, hosting an active program of events ranging from lectures and concerts to Victorian tea gatherings and seasonal highlights. Before leaving, many visitors pause at the gift shop, which showcases local crafts, books, and keepsakes.
11) Government House
Government House was built in 1834 as the official residence for the colony’s 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’s 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‑19th‑century elegance.
Before PEI achieved responsible government in 1851, Government House functioned not merely as a residence but also as the colonial administration’s 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‑19th‑century elegance.
Before PEI achieved responsible government in 1851, Government House functioned not merely as a residence but also as the colonial administration’s 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.
12) Victoria Row (must see)
Victoria Row is a pedestrian-only street mall, renowned for its picturesque Victorian-era architecture-graceful red-brick facades and detailed Italianate design. Victoria Row hasn’t always looked this polished. Originally made up of simpler wooden buildings known as “Cheapside” or the “south side of Queen Square,” the area was devastated by a catastrophic fire in 1884 that destroyed all but one building.
In the aftermath, business owners invested in fire-resistant brick buildings, sparing no expense in craftsmanship; the resulting blocks-including the Morris, Brown, Stamper, Newson, and Cameron blocks-were designed by renowned local architects Philips & Chappell and William Critchlow Harris, and the fine architecture still holds firm today.
In 1997, the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, the City of Charlottetown, and local merchants teamed up to transform Richmond Street into Victoria Row-a charming pedestrian-friendly haven. Closed off to vehicle traffic in warmer months, the street now features brick pavers, trees, atmospheric lighting, a decorative entry archway, a bandstand, a fountain, and patio seating.
Today, visitors can explore artisan boutiques, cafés, pubs, and local eateries offering everything from cozy coffee to farm-to-table fare-all set against a backdrop of live music and performance. In summer, the atmosphere becomes particularly festive, with outdoor entertainment powered by “Always on Stage,” which has been presenting live musical performances here since 2000.
In the aftermath, business owners invested in fire-resistant brick buildings, sparing no expense in craftsmanship; the resulting blocks-including the Morris, Brown, Stamper, Newson, and Cameron blocks-were designed by renowned local architects Philips & Chappell and William Critchlow Harris, and the fine architecture still holds firm today.
In 1997, the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, the City of Charlottetown, and local merchants teamed up to transform Richmond Street into Victoria Row-a charming pedestrian-friendly haven. Closed off to vehicle traffic in warmer months, the street now features brick pavers, trees, atmospheric lighting, a decorative entry archway, a bandstand, a fountain, and patio seating.
Today, visitors can explore artisan boutiques, cafés, pubs, and local eateries offering everything from cozy coffee to farm-to-table fare-all set against a backdrop of live music and performance. In summer, the atmosphere becomes particularly festive, with outdoor entertainment powered by “Always on Stage,” which has been presenting live musical performances here since 2000.
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