Meet your local step-on guide and depart on your PEI trip. Begin your day with a drive through historic downtown Charlottetown. Then, depart for the North Shore of Prince Edward Island. Later visit a local fishing harbour in North Rustico. At the Prince Island Preserve Company on the bank of the River Clyde, sample homemade jam or explore the gardens on site. Back in Charlottetown, enjoy shopping and dining downtown.
Historic Downtown Charlottetown
A drive through historic downtown Charlottetown will orient you with Prince Edward Island’s capital city. The historic capital is the centre of not only the government and business for the Island, but also a rich venue for its cultural activity. Drive through the city and see historic homes, churches and buildings. Highlights include Fanningbank and Beaconsfield homes, Victoria Park, the Marina and Peake's Wharf.
Fanningbank and Beaconsfield Homes
The Government House of Prince Edward Island, often referred to as the Fanningbank, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, as well as that in Charlottetown of the Canadian monarch. Learn about the government and business for the Island. Beaconsfield Historic House, designed and built by W.C. Harris in 1877, is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. Discover its role in Charlottetown over the years.
Victoria Park
Established in 1873, Victoria Park is one of Charlottetown’s most beautiful and popular parks. As you make your way through the park, delight in views of its beautiful harbour-front boardwalk, open green spaces and colorful displays of annual and perennial flowers.
The Marina and Peake's Wharf
See boats of all shapes and sizes and learn about the Charlottetown Marina as you pass by on your tour of the city. Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront is where the fathers of confederation landed during the late 1800s. People gather at the historic waterfront today to explore over 20 unique shops, restaurants and live entertainment.
Fishing Harbor in North Rustico
Later, you’ll make your way to North Rustico, a town strongly connected to its proud fishing tradition. Your tour guide will share facts about the fishing industry, teach you how lobster trap works and explain the different industries on Prince Edward Island.
Prince Edward Island Preserve Company
Continue to the Prince Island Preserve Company, nestled along the River Clyde. Established in 1987, the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company carries food with integrity and flavor. Sample and shop homemade preserves and other speciality food and gift items.
Gardens of Hope
If time permits, wander the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company’s Gardens of Hope. Established in 2005, the Gardens of Hope is a 12-acre garden sanctuary created for Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island.
Shopping and Dining in Downtown Charlottetown
Return to downtown Charlottetown to explore its shops and taste local cuisine.
Shopping
Shopping opportunities abound in downtown Charlottetown. Explore shops on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Queen Street and Victoria Row. The Confederation Court Mall, in downtown Charlottetown, covers a whole city block. Downtown is known for its artists and artisan who occupy the storefronts with working studios. Drop in and experience their talents first-hand and shop one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes. Your step-on-guide can point you in the direction of the best local artist and artisan shops in downtown Charlottetown.
Dining
Fine dining, charming pubs, modern lunch counters and cozy tea houses dot downtown Charlottetown and many are known for the locally sourced, fresh food they serve. Don’t leave Charlottetown without trying its world famous shellfish, lobster, mussels, oysters or fish harvested in salty waters. The variety of farms in the area mean Charlottetown eateries offer a rich variety of fresh vegetables, mouth-watering beef and pork and delectable dairy products. Ask your tour guide for recommendations on the best food and drinks in downtown Charlottetown.
- Don’t forget your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities during your North Shore of Prince Edward Island trip.
- Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear.