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Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown and Cavendish
PEI's little capital, where the 1864 Charlottetown Conference led to Confederation, with red-sand beaches and Green Gables less than an hour away.
Photo: Red cliffs at Cavendish, PEI National Park, rokker, CC BY 3.0
Charlottetown is a small, walkable harbour city of brick streets and churches. In 1864, the Charlottetown Conference at Province House started the talks that led to Canadian Confederation.
About 40 minutes north, Prince Edward Island National Park protects red sandstone cliffs, dunes and beaches at Cavendish. Green Gables Heritage Place is there too. Kick off your shoes on the red sand.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Check price
PEI National Park, Cavendish
Red sandstone cliffs, dunes and beaches on the north shore.
Check price
Brackley and Dalvay beaches
Long sandy beaches and dunes in the national park, closer to the city.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Cheap
Green Gables Heritage Place
The farm that inspired Anne of Green Gables, with trails through the woods.
Paid
Confederation Centre of the Arts
An art gallery and theatre, home of the Charlottetown Festival.
Check price
Province House National Historic Site
The birthplace of Confederation, under long-term conservation.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Free
Charlottetown Farmers' Market
PEI's biggest farmers' market, year-round on Saturdays. Currently at a temporary location, check before you go.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
The Charlottetown Festival
Summer musicals at the Confederation Centre.
Green Gables Heritage Place
Parks Canada admission.
Confederation Trail cycling
Ride the island rail trail.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- The north shore beaches and Green Gables take a full day.
- The Charlottetown Festival stages musicals on summer evenings.
- The Saturday farmers' market is a good reason to stay through the weekend.
Nearby and worth the drive
Halifaxabout 3 h 30 · Guide ↗
The harbour capital of Nova Scotia.
Cavendishabout 40 min
Beaches, Green Gables and the national park.
Ready-made trips with Charlottetown and Cavendish
Good to know
- Tourism: tourismpei.com and discovercharlottetown.com.
- Province House: The building is closed for a long conservation project. Check Parks Canada for the current status.
- Getting there: Cross on the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, or take the ferry from Nova Scotia (seasonal).
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Red cliffs at Cavendish, PEI National Park, rokker, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Victoria Park, Charlottetown, Peter_Rukavina, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Province House, Charlottetown, Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: St. Dunstan's Basilica, Charlottetown, SoftwareSimian, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: The house at Green Gables Heritage Place, Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, CC BY 2.0