Charming Charlottetown: Explore the City with a Sixth-Generation Islander

Like many cities, Charlottetown has been shaped by the industries it’s nurtured. On this walking tour of the city’s historic downtown area, you’ll learn about its past from me, Josh, a sixth-generation islander who has a direct connection to lots of the stories from Prince Edward Island (PEI) that I’ll be sharing. I’ll also let you in on plenty of little secrets along the way.

The tour starts in front of the gazebo at Confederation Landing Park. As you walk along Charlottetown’s Waterfront, you won’t just learn about our interesting past – you’ll feel it in the salt air and the howling of the wind on your skin. You’ll head into the charming city center where you’ll see colorful buildings and friendly locals who are proud of their heritage and culture.

As you make your way gradually back to the tour’s starting point, you’ll hear about early Charlottetown, the Great Fire of 1866, and the industries that have shaped the city, namely farming, tourism, and fishing. You’ll also have an opportunity to stroll through Rochford Square, Connaught Square, and around Government House, the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Prince Edward Island, known as Fanningbank. Back at Charlottetown’s Waterfront, you’ll have a chance to check out local shops or enjoy the sea breeze with some fresh seafood.

Along the way, you’ll discover:

• Great George Street, a National Historic Street filled with beautiful buildings and important landmarks, including The Great George Hotel and St. Dunstan’s Basilica
• Charlottetown City Hall, one of Canada’s oldest, and Province House, the local seat of government, where you’ll hear about the little-known Charlottetown Conference
• Rodd Charlottetown, the historical hotel originally built by CN Rail for train passengers in the 1930s
• Beaconsfield Historic House, where you’ll hear stories of heartbreak and success in today’s home of the PEI Heritage and Museum Foundation
• The Culinary Institute of Canada, one of the best in the country
• Haviland Club, one of the few houses solely owned by a woman back in the day
• Prince Edward Island Regiment, a museum dedicated to the island’s military history

My family has been here for a long time and I’m happy to share our history with you on this hour-long stroll. By the end of the tour, you’ll see why I love this place so much.