15 Great Things To Do in Charlottetown, PEI

Looking for the best things to do in Charlottetown, PEI? You've come to the right place!

We spent 6 weeks road-tripping around Prince Edward Island in our 24 ft RV, exploring as much of the province as we could.

Charlottetown was our first major stop after crossing the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick. We stayed for more than a week and even came back after exploring the North Cape region.

In this guide, we'll share our favourite things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, based on our own experience, along with a few places we'd love to visit next time.

If you'd like to explore more of Prince Edward Island, check out our other guides:

• The Best Prince Edward Island Itinerary (5 to 7 Days)
• 20-Day Prince Edward Island Road Trip Itinerary: Complete Guide

Best Things to do in Charlottetown, PEI

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest province. Located on the southern coast of the island, it has a population of approximately 39,000 people (2021 Census).

Below, we'll share what we consider some of the best things to do in Charlottetown, based on our own experience exploring the city.

1. Walk Around Downtown Charlottetown

There are so many things to see in downtown Charlottetown just by going for a walk!

You'll find historic buildings, restaurants, local shops, and some of the city's main attractions, including St. Dunstan's Basilica, Queen Street, and Richmond Street.

We highly recommend taking some time to walk around downtown and explore at your own pace. We did this on several occasions, sometimes on foot and other times by bike, and it was a great way to get to know the city.

You can explore downtown on your own, but if you'd like to learn more about Charlottetown's history, you can also book a guided walking tour.

2. Walk Down Victoria Row

One of the places you shouldn't miss when exploring downtown Charlottetown is Victoria Row, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with restaurants, cafés, and local shops.

Located just across from the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, you'll recognize it by the distinctive arch at its entrance.

We walked along Victoria Row during our visit, checking out the restaurants and enjoying the atmosphere. We didn't stop for a meal this time, but we'd love to return and try one of the restaurants in the future.

During the summer, this area becomes a popular spot for outdoor dining, making it a great place to spend some time while exploring the city.

3. Visit St. Dunstan's Basilica

Another one of the best things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, especially if you enjoy historic buildings, is visiting St. Dunstan's Basilica.

We stopped here one day while biking around downtown Charlottetown. There was a bike rack outside where we could leave our bikes before heading inside.

We didn't have much time to explore, but even a short visit was enough to appreciate how beautiful the church is, especially its interior.

If you have more time, there's also a free audio tour you can follow to learn more about the basilica's history. We noticed information about it posted outside during our visit.

4. Visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts

Another place we discovered while walking around downtown Charlottetown was the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

This is a large arts and cultural centre where you can enjoy theatre performances, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year.

We spent some time walking around the building and checking out the upcoming performances.

We really wanted to see Anne of Green Gables: The Musical, but unfortunately, we were two days too late! The season had just ended when we looked for tickets.

There wasn't anything else happening at the time that caught our attention, but if we return to Charlottetown, attending a performance here will definitely be on our list.

If you're looking for things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, I'd recommend checking the Confederation Centre's event calendar before your visit. You might find something you'd love to attend!

5. Walk along Confederation Landing Park and the waterfront

One of our favourite free things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, was walking along the waterfront and exploring Confederation Landing Park.

During our walk, we passed by the Charlottetown Cruise Ship Terminal, explored the waterfront, and stopped several times to read the historical displays explaining Charlottetown's role in Canadian Confederation.

Something we found interesting was learning more about the Charlottetown Conference of 1864, which helped set the stage for Canada's Confederation in 1867, even though Prince Edward Island didn't join until 1873.

I remember this walk took us longer than expected because I wanted to stop and read almost every historical display!

One story that caught my attention was about how Charlottetown was also hosting a circus during the 1864 conference, making accommodations difficult to find for some of the delegates. I thought that was such an interesting detail!

We also stopped by the Love-Lock Sculpture, where Aldo took a photo. It was a little busy when we arrived, but we waited a bit and managed to get a good look.

From the waterfront, you can also see the Prince Edward Island Convention Centre. We didn't go inside, but we walked around the area before continuing our exploration.

If you enjoy walking and learning a little history along the way, I'd definitely recommend adding this area to your Charlottetown itinerary. It's free, and you can explore it at your own pace.

6. Eat at Founders' Food Hall & Market

During one of our walks around downtown Charlottetown, we came across Founders' Food Hall & Market, a place with several food vendors and local shops.

We were a little skeptical at first because we're vegan, and we weren't sure if we'd find something for us.

One of the things we had heard about was the famous PEI potato fudge. We asked at one of the counters, but unfortunately, all the varieties contained dairy, so we didn't get to try it.

As we continued exploring, we found a Lebanese shop called Caraz, where they offered smoothies and other drinks, including Lebanese coffee.

It was a hot summer day, so we ended up getting a smoothie and an iced matcha, if I remember correctly, and both were great!

There were also tables outside and live music, so we sat down, enjoyed our drinks, and listened to the music for a while.

Even if you're not planning to eat here, Founders' Food Hall & Market is worth checking out while exploring downtown. It's another easy stop to add to your list of things to do in Charlottetown, PEI.

7. Spend a Morning at Charlottetown Farmers' Market

One of our favourite things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, was visiting the Charlottetown Farmers' Market!

The market is generally open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and it's a great place to explore local vendors, fresh produce, baked goods, and food from different cultures. Just make sure to check the opening hours before visiting.

We arrived by bike and spent some time walking around, looking for vegan options. And we weren't disappointed!

Our first stop was Angelika's Pastries, where we found a pretzel that the vendor confirmed was vegan. Of course, we had to try it!

Then we discovered a food stall called Out of Africa, where we ordered some delicious savoury patties served with a homemade sauce.

They were SO good that we bought a few, went outside to eat them, and then came back for more!

The people working there were also incredibly friendly, which made the experience even better.

If you visit the Charlottetown Farmers' Market, we'd highly recommend checking out Out of Africa, especially if you're looking for vegan-friendly food. Just confirm the ingredients when ordering, as menus and recipes can change.

If you're travelling in an RV or campervan, here's another tip!

We found the Charlottetown Farmers' Market parking lot through iOverlander and stayed overnight here several times during our visit, along with a few other RVs. It worked really well for us!

Just make sure to check the latest overnight parking rules before staying, as regulations can change. If the market is operating the next morning, leave early so the parking spaces are available for visitors.

And, as always, take your garbage with you and leave the area clean so other travellers can continue enjoying places like this.

8. Spend an afternoon at Victoria Park

We spent a lot of time at Victoria Park during our stay in Charlottetown, and it quickly became one of our favourite places in the city!

Located right along the waterfront, the park has plenty of green space, walking paths, a boardwalk, picnic tables, and quiet spots where you can sit and relax. We even found it a great place to get some work done while enjoying the views.

We visited on several occasions, and each time we did something different.

One day, we parked our RV nearby and took our bikes out for a ride. Another day, we went for a long walk along the waterfront boardwalk. We also brought our picnic blanket one afternoon and enjoyed lunch on the grass.

And, of course, we came back several times to watch the sunset, but I'll tell you more about that in the next section!

If you enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking, or simply spending time outdoors, Victoria Park is definitely one of the best free things to do in Charlottetown, PEI.

There are several parking areas along the waterfront and within the park, although arriving early is a good idea on busy summer days, especially if you're travelling in a larger vehicle.

9. Watch the Sunset from Victoria Park

If there's one thing to do in Charlottetown that we'd tell you not to skip, it's watching the sunset from Victoria Park.

Seriously, some of the most beautiful sunsets we saw during our five months travelling around Eastern Canada were right here in Charlottetown!

We loved them so much that watching the sunset became a little tradition during our stay.

We weren't the only ones, either. As the sun started going down, we'd see people arriving along the boardwalk, finding a spot to sit, and enjoying the views.

One evening, Aldo even watched the sunset from the roof of our RV!

These are some of our favourite memories from Charlottetown, and the best part is that you don't have to spend a dollar to enjoy them.

So, if you're visiting on a clear evening, make some time to head to Victoria Park before sunset. Bring something to sit on, find a spot along the waterfront, and enjoy the show!

10. Bike around Charlottetown

Charlottetown is a great city to explore by bike, and since we were travelling with our bikes on the back of our RV, we definitely made good use of them!

We biked around downtown, visited Victoria Park, and even made our way to the Charlottetown Farmers' Market.

We found it relatively easy to get around, especially when using Google Maps to find routes with less traffic.

Some areas have dedicated cycling paths, particularly around Victoria Park, while in other parts of the city, we had to share the road with cars.

If you enjoy cycling, we'd definitely recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Charlottetown, PEI. It's a fun way to explore the city, and you can cover more ground than you would on foot.

Don't have your own bike? No problem! You can rent one from a local bike shop and explore at your own pace.

11. Walk or Bike part of the Confederation Trail

Did you know that Prince Edward Island has an extensive trail network that stretches across much of the province?

It's called the Confederation Trail, and its main route runs for approximately 273 km, from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east. Including its branches, the network covers around 449 km!

The trail follows former railway lines and passes through small communities, forests, and rural landscapes. It's a popular route for walking and cycling, with a relatively gentle grade along much of the way.

And the good news is that you don't have to travel far from downtown Charlottetown to enjoy it!

During our stay, we walked along a section of the Confederation Trail near the city. It was a nice change of pace from exploring downtown, and we enjoyed getting outside and walking without worrying about traffic.

If you're travelling with bikes, you can also use the Charlottetown section to enjoy a longer ride beyond the downtown area.

You don't need to complete the entire trail to enjoy it. Even a short walk or bike ride is worth adding to your Charlottetown itinerary.

And best of all, accessing the trail is free!

12. Visit Government House

Another place worth checking out while exploring Victoria Park is Government House, also known as Fanningbank.

This historic building is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island and dates back to the 1830s.

During one of our walks around Victoria Park, we stopped by to admire the building and explore the surrounding grounds.

Unfortunately, we were short on time that day, so we didn't get to take a tour inside. We promised ourselves we'd return, but our schedules never quite worked out.

If we visit Charlottetown again, this is definitely something we'd love to do!

Guided tours are sometimes available during the summer, so if you're interested in learning more about the building and its history, I'd recommend checking the current visitor information before your trip.

Even if you don't go inside, it's worth stopping by while exploring Victoria Park.

13. Find Charlottetown's lighthouses

One of the things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, that we really enjoyed was looking for lighthouses!

Prince Edward Island has dozens of lighthouses scattered around its coastline, and while many require a drive to reach, you can actually visit a couple right in Charlottetown.

During one of our walks, we made our way from Victoria Park to the Brighton Front Range Light and Brighton Rear Range Light.

These two historic lighthouses were built to work together, helping vessels navigate safely into Charlottetown Harbour.

They're located in the Brighton neighbourhood, not far from Victoria Park, making them an easy addition to your waterfront walk.

If you're already spending time at Victoria Park, we'd definitely recommend continuing your walk to see them. It's another free activity you can enjoy in Charlottetown, especially if you love lighthouses as much as we do!

14. Eat Vegan Food in CHarlottetown

If you follow a plant-based diet like us, you'll be happy to know that we found several places to eat vegan food in Charlottetown!

While the places we visited weren't exclusively vegan, they had options we enjoyed and would recommend.

Here are some of our favourites:

• Gaia: Located downtown, across from the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, this was one of our favourite stops. We tried their vegan carrot cake, and it was delicious! If you have a sweet tooth, we'd definitely recommend checking it out.
• Blaze Pizza: This was probably our favourite place for a meal in Charlottetown. You can build your own pizza with plant-based ingredients, and we loved ours so much that we went back for more! Definitely worth considering if you're craving pizza.
• Charlottetown Farmers' Market: As we mentioned earlier, we found some great vegan options here, including a pretzel from Angelika's Pastries and delicious savoury patties from Out of Africa. We'd happily eat both again!

• Founders' Food Hall & Market: We didn't find many vegan food options during our visit, but we enjoyed a smoothie and an iced matcha from Caraz. It was a nice place to sit outside, listen to live music, and support a local business.

• Fat Cat Bakery: We discovered this local bakery while looking for something special for Aldo's birthday. They had a few vegan options, which was a nice surprise!

If you're looking for vegan-friendly things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, exploring the local food scene is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Just keep in mind that menus and ingredients can change, so it's always a good idea to confirm what's vegan before ordering.

15. Experience the Brackley Drive-In

Okay, this one isn't technically in Charlottetown, but it's only about a 20-minute drive away, and we enjoyed it so much that we had to include it!

The Brackley Drive-In Theatre has been around since the 1950s, and it's a fun way to spend a summer evening on Prince Edward Island.

During our visit, we decided to make a night of it and watched two movies: Freakier Friday and Fantastic Four.

Since we were travelling in our RV, we also arranged to stay overnight after the movies, which worked out really well for us.

If you've never been to a drive-in theatre, it's a different experience from watching a movie at a regular cinema. You get to enjoy the movie from your own vehicle, bring some snacks, and spend an evening outdoors.

We'd definitely recommend checking it out if you're visiting Charlottetown during the summer, especially if you're looking for something to do in the evening.

Just make sure to check the movie schedule, seasonal opening dates, and vehicle rules before visiting. And if you're travelling in an RV and hoping to stay overnight, contact the theatre directly to confirm whether that's permitted.

Things we Didn't do in Charlottetown (but you might want to)

Even though we stayed in Charlottetown for more than a week, we were combining work with travelling, so we didn't have time to do everything.

There were a few places we missed that might be worth adding to your list of things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, depending on your interests.

1. Beaconsfield Historic House

We walked and biked near Beaconsfield Historic House several times, but unfortunately, the timing never worked out for us to go inside.

Built in 1877, this historic home offers a glimpse into what life was like for a wealthy Charlottetown family in the late 19th century.

Today, visitors can explore the house and learn more about its history, architecture, and the people who lived there.

If you enjoy visiting historic homes, this could be a great addition to your Charlottetown itinerary, especially since it's located near Victoria Park.

You can find more information about visiting Beaconsfield Historic House here.

2. COWS Creamery

You'll probably see COWS mentioned on almost every list of things to do in Charlottetown, PEI!

It's a popular Prince Edward Island ice cream brand, known for its ice cream, fun merchandise, and cow-themed souvenirs.

We stopped by one of its downtown locations during our visit, and it was packed!

Since we're vegan, we weren't particularly interested in waiting in a long line just to ask whether they had any plant-based options, so we decided to skip it.

But if you love ice cream, it might be worth checking out while exploring downtown Charlottetown.

And if you're vegan like us, I'd recommend asking about their current dairy-free options before visiting, as availability can vary.

3. Take a Harbour Cruise or Harbour Hopper Tour

This is one of the activities we regret missing during our time in Charlottetown!

We were busy with work and never found the time to book a tour, but it's definitely something we'd love to experience if we return.

A harbour cruise is a great opportunity to see Charlottetown from the water, enjoy the coastal views, and learn more about the city's history.

Another interesting option is the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious vehicle that takes you on a sightseeing tour through the streets of Charlottetown before heading into the water!

If you're looking for fun things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, especially during the summer, we'd recommend checking out these tours.

Just make sure to check their schedules and availability in advance, as tours are seasonal.

4. Visit Red Shores Racetrack & Casino

Another place we considered visiting was Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, located just a short drive from downtown Charlottetown.

We were actually tempted to go there for dinner and check out the atmosphere, but when we looked at the restaurant menu online, we couldn't find any vegan options.

Since we follow a plant-based diet, we decided to skip it this time.

Besides the casino, Red Shores is also known for its live harness racing, which might be interesting if you're looking for something different to do in Charlottetown.

Maybe next time we'll stop by and ask whether the restaurant can accommodate a vegan meal.

If you're interested in visiting, we'd recommend checking their current dining menus, racing schedule, and opening hours before heading over.

Day Trips from Charlottetown

If you're planning to use Charlottetown as your base while exploring Prince Edward Island, there are several day trips we'd highly recommend!

We spent six weeks road-tripping around PEI, and while we loved Charlottetown, some of our favourite experiences were outside the city.

Here are a few places we'd recommend visiting:

• Prince Edward Island National Park: One of our favourite places on the island! You can explore beautiful beaches, coastal trails, sand dunes, and some of PEI's famous red sandstone cliffs. There are several sections of the park to discover, including Cavendish, Brackley-Dalvay, and Greenwich.
• Anne of Green Gables attractions: If you're familiar with Anne of Green Gables, visiting the Cavendish area is definitely worth it. We explored attractions connected to Anne and author L.M. Montgomery, and really enjoyed learning more about the places that inspired her stories. Even if you're not a huge fan of the books, it's an interesting part of PEI's history.

• North Cape: This one is a longer drive from Charlottetown, but we loved exploring this part of the island! Located at the western tip of PEI, North Cape is known for its coastal views, wind turbines, and the meeting of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait. We'd recommend making a full day of it and exploring other stops along the North Cape Coastal Drive.

• Victoria-by-the-Sea: This small coastal village is a great stop if you're travelling between Charlottetown and the Confederation Bridge. You'll find colourful buildings, local shops, and waterfront views. We tried stopping herewhen we first arrived on the island, but unfortunately, we couldn't find suitable parking for our RV. It's still a place we'd love to explore properly next time!

If you have more than two days in the area, we'd definitely recommend getting outside Charlottetown and discovering more of Prince Edward Island.

And if you're looking for more ideas to plan your trip, check out our other PEI guides:

• The Best Prince Edward Island Itinerary (5 to 7 Days)
• 34 Things to Do in Prince Edward Island
• 20-Day Prince Edward Island Road Trip Itinerary

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning a longer road trip, there's so much more to PEI than its capital city!

PLanning Your Visit to Charlottetown

If you're planning a trip to Prince Edward Island, we want to help you make the most of your time here!

A little planning can go a long way, especially if you're visiting during the busy summer months.

How many days do you need in Charlottetown?

We spent more than a week in Charlottetown, but we were also working full-time from our RV, so we had to balance sightseeing with our regular workdays.

If you're visiting purely for sightseeing and have the entire day to explore, we'd recommend spending at least two days in Charlottetown.

That should give you enough time to walk around downtown, visit the main attractions, explore Victoria Park, enjoy some local food, and hopefully catch one of those beautiful sunsets we loved so much!

Of course, you can see quite a bit of Charlottetown in just one day, especially since many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

But if your schedule allows, we'd recommend staying a little longer so you can explore without feeling rushed.

Can you see Charlottetown in one day?

You can see many of the main attractions in Charlottetown in one day, although it might feel a little rushed.

If you only have one day, we'd recommend focusing on downtown Charlottetown, where many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Here's how we'd spend a day in Charlottetown:

• Morning: Start by walking around downtown, exploring Queen Street and Victoria Row. Stop by St. Dunstan's Basilica and the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
• Lunch: Head to Founders' Food Hall & Market to grab something to eat and explore the local vendors.
• Afternoon: Walk along Confederation Landing Park and the waterfront, then make your way to Victoria Park. If you enjoy lighthouses, continue walking to the Brighton Range Lights.
• Evening: Grab dinner downtown and return to Victoria Park to watch the sunset. Trust us, it's worth it!

If you're visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, you could also start your morning at the Charlottetown Farmers' Market before exploring downtown.

Of course, you can adjust this itinerary depending on your interests and how much time you have.

What can you do in Charlottetown for free?

One of the things we loved about Charlottetown is that you don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the city.

In fact, some of our favourite things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, were completely free!

Here are some activities we'd recommend:

• Victoria Park: Walk along the waterfront, enjoy a picnic, ride your bike, or watch the sunset.
• Charlottetown Waterfront: Enjoy the harbour views and explore the area around the cruise ship terminal.
• Victoria Row: Walk along this pedestrian-friendly street and check out the restaurants and local shops.
• St. Dunstan's Basilica: Step inside and admire the beautiful architecture when it's open to visitors.
• Confederation Landing Park: Walk around the park and learn more about Charlottetown's role in Canadian Confederation.
• Brighton Range Lighthouses: Take a walk from Victoria Park to see these two historic lighthouses.
• Confederation Trail: Walk or bike a section of this extensive trail network.
• Downtown Charlottetown: Explore the historic streets, admire the buildings, and enjoy the atmosphere.

You could easily spend an entire day enjoying these free activities without paying for admission anywhere!

Do you need a car in Charlottetown?

Not necessarily! If you're planning to stay in Charlottetown and explore the main downtown attractions, you can easily get around on foot.

Many of the places we mentioned in this guide are relatively close to each other, including Victoria Row, St. Dunstan's Basilica, Confederation Landing Park, and Founders' Food Hall & Market.

We also found Charlottetown easy to explore by bike. Since we were travelling with our own bikes, we used them several times to get around the city, including visiting Victoria Park and the Farmers' Market.

However, if you're planning to explore more of Prince Edward Island, we'd definitely recommend having a car.

Many of the island's beaches, lighthouses, small towns, and other attractions are spread out, and having your own transportation will give you much more flexibility.

So, for Charlottetown itself, you can manage without a car. But for a PEI road trip, having one makes a big difference!

Is Charlottetown worth visiting?

Absolutely! We really enjoyed our time in Charlottetown, and we'd definitely recommend adding it to your Prince Edward Island itinerary.

From exploring downtown and visiting historical sites to trying local food and watching those incredible sunsets at Victoria Park, we made some great memories here.

Even if you only have one day, we think Charlottetown is worth visiting. And if you can stay longer, even better!

Where to stay in Charlottetown

We explored Charlottetown in our RV, so we didn't stay in any hotels during our visit.

However, if you're travelling without an RV, we'd recommend staying in or near downtown Charlottetown. That way, you'll be within walking distance of many of the attractions we've mentioned in this guide.

Here are three accommodation options worth considering for your visit:

• The Sonata Inn
• Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottetown
• Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

Conclusion

After spending more than a week in Charlottetown, we can confidently say there are plenty of things to do in Charlottetown, PEI, whether you enjoy history, exploring local food, or simply spending time outdoors.

We shared our favourite experiences, but we also encourage you to explore at your own pace and discover a few places of your own!

We hope this guide helps you plan your visit and enjoy Charlottetown as much as we did.

If you're exploring more of Canada, don't miss our other travel guides for more road trip ideas, places to visit, and tips from our own adventures!

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• Jasper on a budget: 10 Free or Cheap Things To Do
• The Best 3-Day Jasper Itinerary from Edmonton (2026)
• Is St. John Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
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