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20+ Things To Do This Summer in Charlottetown
June 11, 2026
Looking for the perfect antidote to the city grind? Charlottetown’s got you! From vibrant festivals and events to refreshing coastal vibes to exceptional culinary experiences, there are so many reasons to fall in love with Charlottetown this year. Read on to find out why so many people are flocking to Charlottetown this summer.
And with lots of options for direct flights to Charlottetown with West Jet, Flair, Porter, and Air Canada, getting to Charlottetown has never been more convenient – or more affordable! Connected to the mainland of Canada by traversing the iconic Confederation Bridge or by taking a scenic ferry ride with Northumberland Ferries, Prince Edward Island is also very accessible by car from many major Canadian cities, as well as US cities along the East Coast. Did someone say road trip?
1) Take a Walking Tour of the Historic Downtown
Uncover hidden secrets of our history-rich city through authentic, local knowledge. During the warmer months, a variety of walking tours are on offer with Olde Charlottetown Walking Tours, Heritage Players Historic Walking Tours, Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tours, and Walk the Walk Tours PEI. Foodie lovers will also enjoy the “Taste the Town” tours around the city with Experience PEI.
2) Enjoy the Serenity of Victoria Park
Sunset strolls or bike rides in Victoria Park are highly recommended, with a special stop at Kiwanis Dairy Bar for ice cream to enjoy on the nearby floating dock. Or pack a picnic and set up for the afternoon in one of their lush green spaces. Families will love the splash pad, exploring the trials through the woods, and exploring the accessible playground.
3) Sleep in a Unique Accommodation
From penthouses with stunning views to grand Victorian abodes to Floating Cottages on the Quay, you’ll find something that suits your style and allows you to unwind in comfort and peace. That deep exhale you’ve been searching for? You’ll find it here.
4) Dine Along the Water’s Edge
A warm sea breeze pairs perfectly with fresh seafood and other culinary delights crafted by some of PEI’s finest chefs. There are plenty of dining options along the Charlottetown waterfront, including (from east to west) Grotto, Lobster on the Wharf, JC’s Tiki Bar, The Shell Shack, The Chip Shack, Peake’s Quay Restaurant, Dave’s Lobster, Brakish, Salt & Sol, and more.
5) Enjoy World-Class Theatre and Live Music
The sound of music can often be heard wafting through our city on the daily. Catch an acoustic set at one of our many pubs and restos, or swing by Peake’s Wharf or Founders’ Food Hall & Market to hear local talent as part of The Sounds Of The Waterfront. Over on Victoria Row, live outdoor performances light up the stage every evening. For traditional music sessions, be sure to check out The Old Triangle. Meanwhile, Trailside Music Hall provides an intimate setting to see both well-known and up-and-coming artists. In search of an authentic PEI Ceilidh? Look no further than the Benevolent Irish Society. Theatre lovers can enjoy jaw-dropping performances of all kinds at a selection of top-tier venues like Confederation Centre of the Arts, The Arts Guild, PEI Brewing Company, and Florence Simmons Performance Hall.
6) Shop (and Eat) in a Historic Train Station
Built in 1906 during the railway era, Founders’ Food Hall & Market is located in a stunning, light-filled brick building that sits at the bottom of Prince Street. Iconic for its brick exterior shell and large round top windows that were all completely restored to modern standards, it truly is a piece of living art. With a growing selection of food vendors from all around the world and shops that feature local makers, artisans, and crafters from across Prince Edward Island, you’ll be delighted by this urban market where the sense of community radiates throughout the space.
7) Participate in a Powwow or Mawi’omi
The term Mawi’omi refers to a gathering of Mi’kmaw people to celebrate life. Sometimes referred to as a Powwow, this event includes Indigenous ceremony, storytelling, dance, drumming and gathering with friends and family. Keep an eye out for gatherings happening in Charlottetown throughout 2025. Find more info at www.indigenouspei.ca
8) Indulge in ALL the Culinary Delights
Get a true taste of Charlottetown—literally. Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves in a commercial kitchen or sampling your way through the city’s top foodie spots, there are so many delicious ways to explore the capital this summer. Sign up for a Culinary Bootcamp at the Culinary Institute of Canada or catch a live demo at Founders’ Food Hall with chefs like Brittany Boothroyd of Wild Kitchen. Pop into COWS Creamery for a free, self-guided tour of how Canada’s Best Ice Cream is made (plus award-winning cheese, of course).
Pro tip: Don’t skip out on a feast at Ada Culinary Studio. Their private events are must-dos, but they sell up FAST!
9) Visit St. Dunstan’s Cathedral
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
10) Explore Nearby Beaches & Trails
Charlottetown is the perfect base to explore PEI’s 800 km of beachfront. From National and Provincial Park beaches with all the amenities to those with barely any road signs, your options are endless. Whether you hit the red cliffs of the south shore or the white sandy dunes of the north, a day at the beach is never far away.
Don’t miss our blog post, Best PEI Beaches Loved by Locals, to get the inside scoop on all the best Island beaches just minutes from Charlottetown!
11) Cruise the City on an Electric Scooter
Downtown Charlottetown is a perfect blend of modern taste and old-world design. Grab yourself an electric scooter with Epic Electric Scooters, located at various businesses and public spaces throughout the city. Every nook and cranny will have you pausing to take in the contrasting sights of modern architecture, historic red brick buildings, and radiant seaside homes.
12) Soak Up the Coastal Vibes on the Water
The marinas offer peaceful water views and serve as a launch point for unforgettable adventures on the historic Hillsborough River. Lobster fish with Top Notch Charters, spot seals with Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours or Adventures Marine Zodiac Boat Tours, or rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski with Explore More Watersports. For a unique ride, hop aboard the Harbour Hopper or take a Ride Solar Harbour Cruise. Want to sail? Let Saga Sailing Adventures make your sailing dreams come true.
13) Eat the World’s Best Ice Cream
It’s no secret that Prince Edward Island is home to COWS Ice Cream, some of the world’s very best ice cream. And with three locations in Charlottetown (Peake’s Quay, Queen Street and The Milky Way), there’s really no excuse not to get your ice cream fix at least once—or once a day.
14) Hit the Links
Is there anything better than heading out for a rejuvenating (if not challenging) round of golf? From links-style courses to the more traditional approaches, there are over 400 fairways for golfers of all levels to choose from. There are also lots of affordable rounds and packages, so it’s easy to fit a round into any vacation. Nearby Fox Meadows Golf Course in Stratford or Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown are great options close to the city centre. No matter which courses you choose to play, charming pastoral scenery and gorgeous waterscapes are practically guaranteed. Find out more at golfpei.ca
15) Taste the Best Chocolate of Your Life
Before you think this is the overstatement of the century, get your buns to Anne of Green Gables Chocolates and sample their house-made chocolates. All of their Anne of Green Gables-inspired handmade chocolates, including sweets like fudge, chocolate caramels, and chocolate creams are a nod to recipes from 1908. Inspired by one of PEI’s most dominant crops, potatoes, their most famous product is their chocolate-covered potato chips, known whimsically as COW Chips. Drop by their downtown location on Queen Street or head to their flagship store at 15 Milky Way on the North River Causeway.
16) Tour a Micro Brewery or Cidery
For a small city, Charlottetown has several breweries that are happy to take you behind the scenes and share their beer-brewing secrets. Take a tour with Gahan House Brewery, PEI’s original microbrewery, PEI Brewing Co. To learn about the cider-making side of things and sample the goods in their cozy taproom, visit Red Island Cider on Longworth Avenue.
17) Mingle with the Locals at a Farmers’ Market
A must-visit in mid-town is the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market where mingling is as popular a pastime as shopping for farm fresh items. This longstanding market features 60+ vendors, including farmers, food producers, hot food vendors, crafters, and artisans. Open Saturdays (9am – 2pm) throughout the year and Wednesdays (9am – 2pm) in July and August. Temporarily operating at 614 North River Road, Charlottetown.
Every Sunday throughout the summer (July – Sept, 10am – 3pm), the Downtown Farmers’ Market sets up a beautiful outdoor market with vendor tents that line the green space of Confederation Landing. You can find homemade treats, local produce, a hot lunch, artisan wares, and lots of other goodies. Don’t miss this quintessential PEI shopping experience!
18) Spend an Inspiring Time on Victoria Row
Among the number of restaurants and patios on this one-block pedestrian strip are a slew of adorable shops that you’ll quickly find yourself being drawn into. Some of the city’s most unique treasures can be found at Kuriosities and Crow’s Nest, Northern Watters Knitwear & Tartan Shop, and Details Fine Art Gallery. Above Vicinato Ristorante on Victoria Row, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the city and a vibe that just won’t quit. Enjoy italian-inspired eats & drinks as you watch the sun go down. Live music also plays from morning until night, so you’re always in for a toe-tapping good time!
19) Take a Coastal Drive
Once you’ve got your bearings and spent some time getting acquainted with Charlottetown as your home base, be sure to explore the rest of our special little Island. Stretching from east to west and every point in between, you’ll find endless beaches and golf courses, unique culinary experiences, picturesque fishing villages, and some of the most genuine locals on PEI. No matter where you choose to go, you’re never far from a good meal, a smiling face, and a coastal view.
READ: PEI DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS
20) Hunt for Vintage Goodies
Hit up antique shops across the island or hunt for vintage goods in town at Green Eye Designs, Luxury Market Consignment Boutique, Back Alley Music, The Bookman, or the Charlottetown Flea Market (Sundays). The 70-mile yard sale every September is also a local favourite—pack the car with snacks and get ready for the ultimate treasure hunt!!
2026 Summer & Fall Events:
CAPITAL CITY CANADA DAY – Celebrate Canada Day in the Birthplace of Confederation with free, family-friendly activities, live musical performances, delicious treats, and the largest fireworks display east of Ottawa. July 1
CAVENDISH BEACH MUSIC FEST – Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor music festival returns to the beach town of Cavendish, PEI, with three days of world-class performances and unforgettable summer vibes. July 9-11
CHARLOTTETOWN RACE WEEK – Come for the sailing, stay for the tradition. This long-standing event welcomes Atlantic Canadian sailors and fans for three days of racing and fun. Everyone’s invited! July 16-18
PEI PRIDE FESTIVAL – A joyful celebration of PEI’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Enjoy 10 days of vibrant events, including the iconic Pride Parade and Rainbow Road street party. July 24 – August 2
NATAL DAY CELEBRATIONS – Charlottetown turns 170! Celebrate with free concerts, family activities, food and drink, and more during this birthday weekend bash. July 30 – August 2
OLD HOME WEEK – A beloved Island tradition that brings a touch of the country to the city. Enjoy agricultural exhibits, harness racing, live entertainment, and more. August 14 – 22
ACADIAN DAY CELEBRATIONS – Mark this cultural holiday in downtown Charlottetown with a flag-raising, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. August 15
GOLD CUP PARADE – The largest parade east of Montreal features over-the-top floats, marching bands, antique cars, and colourful spectacles that attract over 60,000 spectators annually. August 21
GRANFONDO PEI – Three days of breathtaking cycling adventures through PEI’s scenic countryside and coastline. Combine culture, cuisine, and community in this unforgettable ride. August 28 – 29
ART IN THE OPEN – A free contemporary art festival that transforms Charlottetown’s downtown, green spaces, and heritage sites into a vibrant open-air gallery. From day to night, enjoy dynamic installations, performances, and exhibitions for all ages—including the March of the Crows, a costumed parade that honours the city’s iconic crow population in Victoria Park. Throughout August
CHARLOTTETOWN BUSKER FESTIVAL – Street performers anD entertainers transform downtown into a lively open-air stage. September 4-6
SOMMO FESTIVAL – A beachside celebration of music, food, and drink featuring some of the biggest musical acts from around the world and across Canada. September 11 & 12
PEI INTERNATIONAL SHELLFISH FESTIVAL – Get your seafood fix at Canada’s largest shellfish celebration. Expect oysters, mussels, and lobster galore, plus kitchen parties, chef competitions, and live music. September 17 – 20
PEI FALL FLAVOURS FESTIVAL – Experience over 60 culinary events spotlighting PEI’s tastes and traditions. Celebrity chefs join local talent to serve up one of Canada’s top food festivals. Sept 24 – Oct 10
MOONLIGHT BAZAAR – Dance beneath a glowing moon at this one-night-only street festival full of music, art, food, and surprises on Victoria Row. September 26
CHARLOTTETOWN SCARECROW FESTIVAL – Discover hundreds of handcrafted scarecrows across downtown Charlottetown during this whimsical celebration of fall. Enjoy themed events, food & drink tastings, haunted walks and more! October 3-31
TREATY DAY – Celebrate and learn about traditional Mi’kmaq customs through cultural demonstrations, games, music, stories, and art. Everyone is welcome. October 1
PEI FIBRE FESTIVAL – Woolcome to the PEI Fibre Festival! Dive into the world of fibre with workshops, a lively marketplace, Maritime entertainment, and more. October 1 – 3
FARM DAY IN THE CITY – Join over 180 vendors and thousands of visitors for PEI’s largest outdoor market and street festival. Featuring farmers, producers, food trucks, handmade goods, live music, and more. October 4
THE ISLAND FRINGE FESTIVAL – Celebrate independent art and alternative performances in downtown Charlottetown. The Island Fringe gives local, Canadian, and international artists the opportunity to create and perform new theatrical works in unconventional venues throughout the city. October 7 – 11
THE PEI MARATHON – Whether you’re running your first 5K or chasing a personal best, this beloved Island race has something for everyone. Celebrate 21 years of community, fitness, and fun. October 16 – 18
View our entire 2026 events calendar here.
And there you have it! There are plenty of reasons to escape city life and come enjoy the rejuvenating quality of life in Charlottetown. Now, when are you coming?
Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious about what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.
Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the coastal city love!
