HISTORICAL Landmarks & Experiences

Charlottetown, as it's known today, can be traced back to the original French military settlement established on the site in 1720. From there, waves of immigration, from the French Acadians, to the British, to people from all over the world have also called this place home and helped to shape its history, landscape, culture, and architecture. This history, despite its darkness, also includes outstanding people and events, with justice advocates ensuring the voices of Mi'kmaq and Black people, women, and others were and continue to be heard. Charlottetown still has a long way to go, but is finally facing and acknowledging its shadows and working towards a brighter future where everyone feels accepted, valued, and respected.

• BEACONSFIELD HISTORIC HOUSE – Designed and built by W.C. Harris in 1877 for James and Edith Peake, Beaconsfield was one of Charlottetown’s most elegant homes. Today, Beaconsfield Historic House stands as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture with many original features and has a fascinating story to tell! It's open year-round for tours. | 2 Kent St

• ST. DUNSTAN’S BASILICA – St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Cathedral National Historic Site of Canada is a large, stone church in the centre of Charlottetown. It’s an excellent example of the High Victorian Gothic style in Canadian architecture. Erected between 1897 and 1907, it creates an imposing presence that can be seen from many vantage points in Charlottetown. It’s open daily from 9am - 4pm | 65 Great George St

• ALL SOULS' CHAPEL – All Souls' Chapel is an Island sandstone, High Victorian Gothic chapel that stands next to St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral and overlooks the beautiful Rochford Square. The chapel was designated a National Historic Site in 1990 as an outstanding example of a High Victorian Gothic chapel with murals. | 7 All Souls' Ln

• GOVERNMENT HOUSE – Known as Fanningbank, this large, wood framed, Georgian influenced residence was built for Prince Edward Island's Lieutenant Governors. Set on a sloping, treed lot, it has a spectacular view of the Charlottetown Harbour. The home is not only protected municipally but has also been recognized by the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board and the Province of Prince Edward Island. | 1 Terry Fox Dr

• CONFEDERATION CENTRE OF THE ARTS – Home to The Story of Confederation, a striking replica of Province House’s Confederation Chamber. Check out the artifacts, interpretive panels, and exhibits to learn about the 1864 Charlottetown Conference and discover more about the founding and ongoing evolution of the nation. | 145 Richmond St

• THE HERITAGE PLAYERS – Partake in a historic walking tour of downtown to learn about the defining moments in both Prince Edward Island and Charlottetown’s pre-Confederation history. From Mi’kmaq histories to French and English colonization to the union of Canada, discover how this city came to be. | confederationcentre.com