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Charlottetown

Charlottetown, the compact capital of Prince Edward Island, pairs Victorian streets and waterfront boardwalks with a lively arts, food and festival scene rooted in its role as the Birthplace of Confederation.

Country
Canada
Population
38,809
Area
44.33 km²
Time zone
AST (UTC-4)
Language
English
Nearby airport
Charlottetown Airport (YYG)

Passengers

Luggage

About Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is the capital and largest city of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and is widely known as the Birthplace of Confederation. Set on the island's south shore, it pairs a compact, walkable historic core with a working waterfront, green parks and a distinctly maritime pace of life.

The city's defining moment came in 1864, when the Charlottetown Conference at Province House brought together colonial leaders for talks that helped shape Canadian Confederation. That legacy remains visible at Province House National Historic Site, St. Dunstan's Basilica, Government House and the restored streetscapes of the downtown historic district.

Central Charlottetown revolves around Victoria Row, Peake's Wharf and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, home to theatres, galleries and the long-running Anne of Green Gables musical. Nearby Victoria Park offers waterfront trails and harbour views, while the Charlottetown Farmers Market, craft breweries and seafood-focused restaurants anchor the local food scene.

As the provincial capital, Charlottetown is also Prince Edward Island's administrative and business centre, with strengths in government, education, bioscience, technology, agriculture and tourism. The University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College support a year-round student and innovation community, while the Charlottetown Festival and seasonal events draw visitors each summer.

For leisure travellers, Charlottetown is a welcoming base for exploring beaches, golf courses, Anne of Green Gables sites and coastal drives. Business visitors benefit from a central location, conference facilities and Charlottetown Airport (YYG), making the city a practical gateway to the rest of Prince Edward Island.

Red sandstone dunes and a white wooden lighthouse on Prince Edward Island's north shore at golden hour

Prince Edward Island Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn is ideal, with warm weather and most festivals running from June to September. Summer brings the Charlottetown Festival and a lively waterfront, while early autumn offers quieter sightseeing and fall colours.

How to Get Around

Downtown Charlottetown is compact and easy to explore on foot. T3 Transit buses cover the city and nearby areas, while taxis, rental cars and private drivers are useful for reaching beaches, Cavendish and other parts of Prince Edward Island.

Where to Stay

Downtown and the waterfront put you near Victoria Row, the harbour, theatres and restaurants. The University Avenue and Brighton areas offer quieter, residential settings with easy access to Victoria Park and the airport road.

Food & Drink

Local cuisine centres on fresh seafood, including lobster, Malpeque oysters and mussels. Victoria Row, Peake's Wharf and the Charlottetown Farmers Market offer cafés, restaurants, craft breweries and seasonal local produce.

Ground Transportation Services in Prince Edward Island

Airport Transfers

Travel between Charlottetown Airport (YYG) and downtown hotels, the waterfront, event venues and other destinations across Prince Edward Island.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private driver by the hour for business meetings, conferences, sightseeing and flexible travel around Charlottetown and the island.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Charlottetown for independent travel around the city and convenient day trips to Cavendish, national parks and coastal communities.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for conferences, weddings, corporate travel, airport transfers and guided tours across Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island.

Frequently Asked Questions