Charlottetown’s History & Heritage

Has Charlottetown got stories to tell? You bet! History comes alive in our little city with a big past—for better and for worse. While being the Birthplace of Confederation was once one of Charlottetown’s biggest claims to fame, the history of this place is much fuller and a lot longer than that one event. The original inhabitants of Prince Edward Island were the Mi’kmaq, who called the island Epekwitk which means “lying in the water.” For 12,000 years, they have been on the Island’s land and waterways.

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 our history. Epekwitk history includes horror and heartbreak, with the takeover and occupation of Mi’kmaq land, the largest Acadian Expulsion taking place across the Charlottetown harbour, slavery by government leaders, bigotry and racism. It also includes outstanding people and events, with justice warriors ensuring the voices of Mi’kmaq and Black people, women, and others were heard.

Although the meeting of the premiers at the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 eventually led to Canada forming as a nation, we can’t overlook the fact that decisions were made and actions taken that still have negative impacts today. It is important that we see a fuller picture of Charlottetown’s history and explore various perspectives, including the injustices at play, and those who did not have a seat at the table at the time of Confederation.

Historical Landmarks & Experiences

THE HERITAGE PLAYERS | confederationcentre.com
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.

BEACONSFIELD HISTORIC HOUSE | 2 Kent St
Designed and built by W.C. Harris in 1877, Beaconsfield Historic House stands as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture with many original features and a fascinating story to tell. It’s open year-round for tours.

ST. DUNSTAN’S BASILICA | 65 Great George St
This large stone church is 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. Open daily 9am – 4pm.

ALL SOULS’ CHAPEL | 7 All Souls’ Ln
This Island sandstone chapel stands next to St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral and overlooks the beautiful Rochford Square. This High Victorian Gothic chapel was designated a National Historic Site in 1990.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE | 1 Terry Fox Dr
Known as Fanningbank, this large Georgian-influenced residence was built for Prince Edward Island’s Lieutenant Governors and overlooks the Charlottetown Harbour. It has been recognized by the National Historic Sites & Monuments Board and the Province of Prince Edward Island.

CONFEDERATION CENTRE OF THE ARTS | 145 Richmond St
This National Centre has a rich history in visual and performing arts, arts education, and heritage programming.

PROVINCE HOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE | 165 Richmond St
Reopening in late 2025 after extensive conservation work, Province House has many stories to tell and voices to share. A Charlottetown landmark, it is celebrated for its architecture, its role as home to the second-oldest legislature in Canada, and its significance in the story of Canadian Confederation. Over the past decade, in-depth research and preservation efforts have uncovered new insights into its history. As it prepares to welcome visitors once again, they invite you to come, listen, learn, and be part of the conversation.

ARDGOWAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE | 2 Palmers Ln
Experience the serenity of restored Victorian grounds, enjoy a family picnic, or just a leisurely stroll in this beautiful green space close to the heart of Charlottetown. Once the home of William Henry Pope, lawyer, politician, and delegate to the Charlottetown Conference of 1864, the building now houses administrative offices for Parks Canada in PEI.

Ways To Honour & Embrace Mi’kmaq Culture

ATTEND A MI’KMAQ HERITAGE ACTORS PERFORMANCE
Celebrating over a decade as Atlantic Canada’s only Indigenous Theatre Company, the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors perform shows all across the Island, including during Street Feast and the Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival in Charlottetown.

VISIT THE MEDICINE WHEEL GARDEN WITH MI’KMAQ BENCH
Located in Confederation Landing Park, the display is an artistic, horticultural rendition of the Medicine Wheel, a symbol shared by Indigenous Peoples across Canada and abroad. It includes carvings by Charlottetown artist Levi Cannon Whitebear and former Chief Francis Jadis of Abegweit First Nation.

PARTICIPATE IN A POWWOW OR MAWI’OMI
The term Mawi’omi refers to a gathering of Mi’kmaq people to celebrate life. Sometimes referred to as a Powwow, this event includes an Indigenous ceremony, storytelling, dance, drumming, and gathering with friends and family. Keep an eye out for gatherings happening in Charlottetown throughout 2025.

VISIT A PARKS CANADA SITE
L’nuey and Parks Canada regularly work together toward the accomplishment of their mutual goals. Among those goals are the active engagement of PEI Mi’kmaq First Nations in the management of the Prince Edward Island National Park and National Historic Sites; and the presentation of Mi’kmaq history and culture at Parks Canada sites and beyond.

SUPPORT LOCAL INDIGENOUS MAKERS
Find Indigenous art at some of the following locations…
Indigenous PEI Store | 111B Grafton St
The Guild | 111 Queen St
PEI Crafts Council Retail Gallery | 98 Water St
Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market | Nov 29
Crow’s Nest | 138 Richmond St
The Mack | 128 Great George St