While a rainy day may not be everyone’s cup of tea, PEI’s landscapes become extra striking, like a watercolour painting that’s come to life. Charlottetown, in particular, is especially romantic. Suddenly a warm mug in your hands feels sacred in contrast to the blur of muted grey, red, and green outside, while a misty drive to the seaside sparks wonder and unleashes your inner adventurer. So, throw on your rain gear (and the right mindset), and get ready to embrace the moodier weather of our Island.
Play the day away inside Charlottetown’s hot spot for all ages, PonyBoat Social Club. From darts, pool and ping pong to arcade games and carnival-style snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Challenge your brain with a round of trivia at places like Churchill Arms, PEI Brewing Company, Hunter’s Ale House, HopYard, or The Old Triangle.
Play a few rounds of glow bowling at The Alley and treat the gang to their famous “5-pin platter” afterward or head to 7s Pinballorama for classic pinball arcade machines from the early 1960’s, brand new machines, and everything in between.
Head to the Confederation Court Mall and work on your swing at Shanky’s Golf & Sports or mini golf on the lower level.
Enjoy a well-deserved spa day at Pure Spa or Grand Senses Spa.
Stretch it out with a yoga class at Modo Yoga, Infrared Fitness, or Charlottetown Yoga Space.
Treat yourself to a facial with Fresh Face by Amber – one of the most magical experiences you’ll have in just one hour!
Take a drizzly drive out to the rejuvenating Mysa Nordic Spa in Saint Peters Bay, PEI’s first (and only) nordic spa experience
Hit up antique shops across the island or hunt for vintage goods in town at Green Eye Designs, Luxury Market Consignment, or Back Alley Music.
Visit Moonsnail Soapworks and You Little Witch & Co for handcrafted, natural body care, crystals, and more feel-good finds.
Get lost in one of our many independent bookstores like The Bookman and The Bookmark. Take the kids to The Chocolate Chicken to view their gallery of artwork from the beloved classic children’s author Phoebe Gilman and their well-equipped makerspace for arts and crafts.
Did someone say “one-stop shopping”? Spend time at Founders’ Food Hall & Market (year-round) or the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays (seasonally) & Saturdays (year-round) enjoying their selection of hot food, fresh produce, tasty treats, and artisan wares.
Royalty Crossing in uptown Charlottetown or The Confederation Court Mall in the downtown core both have numerous retail stores all under one roof.
Catch an indie movie or classic film at City Cinema, the city’s independent (& licensed) theatre, take in a live performance at The Guild’s black box theatre, or browse local artwork at The Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Arts Guild.
Art & culture seekers will definitely want to hit up the Confederation Centre Art Gallery or step into another world during a show on the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ Main Stage at the Charlottetown Festival (summer months) or Live at the Centre (winter months)!
Visit the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, which features a cozy work and hangout spaces, The Shed coffee Bar, programs for all ages, media rentals, and more!
Drop in or book a tour of Beaconsfield Historic House, a fine example of Victorian-era architecture with a fascinating story to tell. History buffs can also visit the PEI Regiment Museum to discover artifacts, uniforms, and stories of Islanders who served.
Enjoy live music on any given day or night at our pubs and restos or catch a drag show performance at various venues throughout the year.
Hit the beach or experience a coastal drive! The rainy weather makes a trip along the coast all the more mystical. READ: PEI Day Trip Destinations.
No sun? No problem! Head to the fully accessible Aquatics Facility at the Bell Aliant Centre where you can enjoy their two pools, plus the hot tub, waterslide, and leisure pool for kids of all ages.
Head to Off the Wallz Trampoline Park in Stratford for hours of bouncy fun in their state-of-the-art facility. Or check out Rise & Climb Adventure Course where the whole family can have fun climbing, zip-lining, and even playing laser tag in the nearby community of Cornwall.
Take a tour with Gahan House Brewery, PEI’s original micro-brewery, PEI Brewing Co., or COWS Creamery at the Milky Way.
Tuck in with a frothy drink at one of our numerous cafés downtown. Many of them even double as galleries and feature local art on their walls, including The Gallery, Receiver Coffee Co, and Salvador Dali Cafe.
Who says you need to choose just one place to eat? Have your own food crawl. Hop from restaurant to restaurant in the downtown core, enjoying a dish or two at each spot.
Get caught in the rain, we dare ya!
Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.
Happy puddle jumpin’
Sundrift Sound Festival transforms Charlottetown with DJs, waterfront energy, and electronic music July 2–4. Expect headline performances from Skratch Bastid and Pineo & Loeb, plus pop-up sets in unexpected places across the city.
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