When you think about Canadian city destinations, what comes to mind? For example, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are three world-class, cosmopolitan Canadian provincial capitals that are big draws for tourists, and with good reason. But if you are looking to head to the Great White North and get to know a city that’s slower, laid-back, but just as great to visit, Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island is one option that you should consider.
Despite hosting a population of just 36,000 (the metropolitan area reaches 77,000), Charlottetown is full of stuff that you will enjoy. Located on the southern coast of the island and hosting a natural harbor, this city was settled by British colonists in the mid-18th century and still has traces of its colonial past. The best example of this is the Province House, constructed nearly 200 years ago and still serving as the home of the PEI government.
Victorian houses and St. Dunstan’s Basilica can also be seen in Charlottetown, but this city is so much more than just old buildings. You can get lost in the city’s gorgeous boardwalk, seeing old cannons that once protected the city from invasion and marveling at the beauty of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Foodies will also be in heaven in Charlottetown, as it is a world-renowned destination for seafood lovers. Oysters and lobsters are both locally sourced from the Atlantic and served up at both hip and chic restaurants as well as mom and pop favorites.
If you are looking for a blend of history, nature, and food, Charlottetown might just be the perfect choice for your next Canadian excursion.