Making the most of Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Charlottetown's new pier and cruise terminal opened on September 25th, 2007. When more than one ship is present, tenders may use the same terminal.
Ships dock in the downtown area. Just after leaving the ship in historic, attractive Charlottetown, visitors walk the streets used by the Fathers of Confederation before Canada became a country.
Port cruise calendar information.
Charlottetown takes its name from Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, King George III of the United Kingdom's queen consort. It became a city in 1855.
Charlottetown offers a distinctive way to celebrate Canadian history. Follow the Fathers of Confederation along one of Canada's National Historic Streets, where buildings and corners tell stories; historical figures including Sir John A MacDonald and Sir George Etienne Cartier accompany walks that uncover Canada's Birthplace. Every step reveals the city’s important national story.
Getting around
As Canada's Birthplace, Charlottetown tells the national story unlike anywhere else. Spend the day taking in its history and culture.
See painted, colourful buildings, explore quiet back streets and follow the city's graceful passage of time. At Founders' Hall, Canada's Birthplace Pavilion, the "Time Travel Tunnel" carries visitors through Canadian history, from the 1864 Charlottetown Conference to Nunavut joining in 1999.
St. Dunstan's Cathedral Basilica, one of the city's many notable churches, is worth stopping at.
Food and shopping
Charlottetown has two major shopping centres: Confederation Court Mall downtown opposite Province House, and Charlottetown Mall in West Royalty on University Avenue outside town. Both have usual anchors including Zellers and SportsChek, plus smaller shops. West Royalty also has standalone big-box stores such as Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire and Future Shop.
Away from the usual routes, many specialist shops await. Queen St., University Ave. and other walks bring worthwhile shopping surprises. These streets offer individual stores alongside the larger centres.
Money
The Canadian dollar is used here.
ATMs are available in grocery stores, malls, airports and elsewhere, usually linked to international networks including Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. Major credit cards can withdraw cash, but this is more expensive because of service fees and immediate interest. This applies wherever those cards are used.
Staying connected
Opposite the terminal, Founders' Food Hall provides free wireless Internet.