Uptown & All Around: Discover More of Charlottetown

Beyond downtown’s historic charm, there’s a whole other side of Charlottetown waiting to be explored. Head a little farther and you’ll find cool pockets in midtown and uptown, plus the nearby communities of Stratford and Cornwall – all packed with their own flavour. From beaches and breweries to parks and sweet spots, these neighbourhoods are full of fun surprises.

MIDTOWN CHARLOTTETOWN

SEE: For a unique Island experience, head to Top of the Park at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino where you can dine overlooking the Charlottetown Driving Park.

DO: Uptown and downtown Charlottetown are connected by the Confederation Trail, so you could easily walk or bike in either direction, stopping at different hot spots in midtown along the way. Nearby Belvedere Golf Club is an idyllic place to enjoy a round of golf in the warmer months or to snowshoe and cross-country ski once the snow flies.

TASTE: Don’t sleep on bar1911, the best place to plug in or unplug, Famous Peppers Bistro for wood-fired pizza, Helen’s Bakery for incredible baked goods and desserts, or Papa Joe’s for classic local eats. To shop for fresh local food, visit the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (and Wednesdays in the summer) or Riverview Country Market and KJL Meats. Love craft beer or cider? Add Red Island Cider, and the PEI Brewing Co. to your itinerary.

UPTOWN CHARLOTTETOWN

SEE: Take your pup to Upton Farmlands, located at Regis Duffy Drive, which offers a spacious off-leash area for dogs. This 20-acre designated zone allows dogs to play freely in a natural setting, featuring wooded paths, and open fields.

DO: Splash the day away inside the Aquatics Facility at the Bell Aliant Centre or pay a visit to Owl’s Hollow, an independent kids’ store that has a ton of toys, books, board games, a café, and an indoor children’s play area. Start your day at the all-new Oxygen Yoga & Fitness, known for its energizing far infrared classes – then catch a lively Ceilidh at The Benevolent Irish Society. Cap it all off with some retro arcade fun at 7s Pinballorama.

TASTE: Feeling peckish? The Local and Coach’s are both great pub-style spots nestled in the Uptown shopping district, while Mezza Lebanese Kitchen offers a fresh take with fast, flavourful Lebanese fare. Just on the outskirts, Gallant’s & Co. is a hidden gem for hot local food or something to-go.

SHOP: Royalty Crossing has over 50 stores, including Lululemon, Winners, and Samuel & Co. Home decor enthusiasts will want to check out independent boutiques like Tosh Co. Home Store and CROFT, which carries everything from local pottery and candles to MacAusland’s wool blankets.

FURTHER UPTOWN (CORNWALL AREA)

SEE: Just past the town of Cornwall, you’ll find some of the most picturesque south shore beaches, like Canoe Cove and Argyle Shore, as well as the historical site Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst. Bonshaw and Strathgartney Provincial Parks also offer some of the most beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails around.

DO: Have your kids in tow? Crank up the outdoor fun at the Rise & Climb Adventure Park, or head across country to one of the happiest places on earth, Island Hill Farm in Hampshire, to hang out with adorable farm animals.

TASTE: On your way back to Charlottetown, drop by the Milky Way (along the North River Causeway) where you’ll find a collection of cool local shops and great places to eat, like Coastal Culture, How Bazaar!, Receiver Coffee Co., BOOMburger, COWS Creamery, MOO MOO BBQ Grilled Cheesery, Lone Oak Brewpub, and ANNE of Green Gables Chocolates.

STRATFORD

SEE: Head to nearby Kinlock and Tea Hill beaches to beach comb and search the sandbars for hidden treasures all year long.

DO: A separate bike lane now runs across the Hillsborough Bridge and connects Charlottetown to Stratford, making it easier (and greener) than ever to visit this growing community. Head out for a round at Fox Meadow Golf Course, take the kiddos to Off the Wallz Trampoline Park, or chase an extra thrill at Red Rock Climbing Wall. Meanwhile, indoor cycling (AKA “spin”) fanatics will fall in love with the positive energy at SPINCO.

TASTE: Take the crew for a treat at What’s the Scoop Dairy Bar, dine with a view over looking the golf course at Lone Oak Fox Meadow, or refuel at The Kettle Black’s new Stratford location.

PLACES TO STAY
Outside of the downtown core

Rodd Royalty
A family-friendly hotel near downtown and the airport, featuring a large indoor pool and waterslide.

Holiday Inn Express
Just 10 minutes from downtown attractions. Enjoy free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre.

Hampton Inn & Suites
A modern, amenity-filled hotel on Capital Drive with spacious rooms, free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre.

Canada’s Best Value Inn & Suites
A locally-owned property offering a variety of room options, free buffet breakfast, an outdoor heated pool, greenspace, and a picnic area.

Comfort Inn
This newly renovated property offers free hot breakfast and coffee, a business centre, and is just minutes from downtown.

Banbridge Inn
A family-run boutique motel with apartment-style suites, an on-site pond, and plenty of green space to explore.

Holiday Haven Campground
Located on the West River just minutes from Charlottetown, this scenic, family-friendly campground is perfect for RVs, tents, cabins, and trailer rentals.

Charlottetown’s charm doesn’t end at the downtown core. From shops and sweet treats to trails, beaches, and buzz-worthy places to eat or sip, exploring beyond downtown is full of little surprises – and well worth the detour.