Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island
Red shores, Victorian streets and the island of Anne of Green Gables.
Get Charlottetown Cruise QuotesCanada’s Smallest Province
Prince Edward Island is a gentle place of red soil, farm fields, sandy beaches and lighthouses. Its capital, Charlottetown, is a small, walkable city where cruise ships berth within easy reach of the historic downtown.
Charlottetown calls itself the birthplace of Confederation. In 1864 delegates met here in a conference that led to the creation of Canada three years later, and the story is told in exhibits around the city center.
In Town
From the pier, the historic district is a short walk. Victorian streets, churches and the waterfront Peake’s Wharf area, with shops and seafood restaurants, are easy to explore at your own pace. The arts centre downtown hosts exhibitions and, in summer, theatre productions.
The city’s churches and red-brick streets reward a slow stroll, and the harbor views are best from the waterfront boardwalk. Many visitors simply wander, stop for chowder or Island oysters, and return to the ship without ever boarding a bus.
Island Excursions
Green Gables
Cavendish, on the north shore, is the setting of L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Green Gables Heritage Place is the most popular tour from the ship.
North shore beaches
Prince Edward Island National Park protects dunes, red sandstone cliffs and long beaches along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Lighthouses and harbors
Coastal drives pass lighthouses and small fishing harbors where lobster boats unload.
Island food
Mussels, oysters, lobster and potatoes are island specialties, and food tours are offered in season.
Charlottetown on Your Voyage
Charlottetown appears most often on longer one-way voyages between Boston or New York and Quebec City or Montreal, as the island lies inside the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If PEI is high on your list, filter for these longer routes. Our sister site First Time Cruise has tips for travelers on their first sailing who are choosing between round trips and one-way voyages.
A Relaxed Port Day
Charlottetown rewards an easy pace. Many guests spend the morning on a tour to the north shore and the afternoon strolling the downtown, or skip tours altogether and rent a bicycle to follow the waterfront paths. Because the city is small, there is little pressure to rush, and it makes a gentle contrast with busier ports such as Halifax and Quebec City on the same voyage. Ships usually leave in the late afternoon or early evening, so check the all-aboard time before you set off for a sunset drink on the harbor.
Charlottetown Questions
Is Charlottetown walkable from the cruise pier?
Yes. The pier is at the edge of the historic downtown, and the main streets, churches and waterfront shops are a short, mostly level walk away.
How far is Green Gables from the ship?
Cavendish is on the north shore, roughly a 40-minute drive each way, so it fills a half-day tour with time to look around.
What should I eat in Charlottetown?
Island mussels and oysters, lobster in season, seafood chowder and anything made with PEI potatoes. Local ice cream is a summer favorite too.
Cruise to Prince Edward Island
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