Charlottetown in Brief
Charlottetown, aka "The Birthplace Of Confederation," has been described as the most charming city on the East coast of Canada.
Located on Prince Edward, it is the provincial capital and rapidly becoming a tourist mecca in the summer season.
Her unique history, culture, architecture and people all contribute to its special place in the hearts of anyone who visits.
History and Important Events: Charlottetown has a population of roughly 35, 000 people within the old city limits.
However, since amalgamation of outlying municipalities in 1995 the greater Charlottetown area can be counted at 58, 000.
Nearly half of Island residents live in Charlottetown which makes it the definite hub of commercial activity on Prince Edward Island.
Charlottetown became a township in 1855 and only later, in 1885, earned its status as a city.
Its history goes back a lot farther than 1855 though.
The first known residents of the area we know today as "Old Charlottetown" were the Shellfish people.
Not much is known about these early residents other than it seems they left significant piles of shells near present day Victoria Park.
Some estimates have the Shellfish people living here close to 5000 years ago.
Before Europeans arrived Charlottetown was occupied by the Mic Mac First Nation.
They lived on P.
E.
I.
for thousands of years and were the people who would have met John Cabot in 1534.
They are very active in Island culture, economy, and politics to this day.
The whole of Prince Edward Island fell into British hands after the French, due to several serious setbacks in the Seven Years War, abandoned the colony to the British Navy in 1758.
It was chosen the capital of the new colony in 1764 after the Royal survey was completed by General Samuel Holland.
Subsequent surveys were conducted that would lay the grid system in "Old Charlottetown" we witness today.
The city received its name from the reigning king of the day - King George III, more accurately, from his consort, Queen Charlotte.
At this time, the colony was known as St.
John's Island In 1798, the colony of St.
John's Island became the colony of Prince Edward Island, named after the distinguished future father of Queen Victoria, as he was the British Commander- in- Chief of all British possessions in North America.
Other significant happenings in Charlottetown during the 1st half of the 19th century include the construction of Ford Edward (1805) to the west of the city.
This was a defensive battery used to defend the city from enemy ships.
Also, near Victoria Park just behind and to the east of Fort Edward, a "Government House" was built (1835) to house the colony`s appointed Governors.
It is called Fanningbank.
The legislative chamber, referred to as the Colonial Building was completed in 1847.
Today we know this as "Province House".
The year 1864 is the year Charlottetown became famous throughout Canada.
The city hosted the Charlottetown Conference - the initial meeting to discuss the joining, or confederating, of the colonies in British North America.
An ironic fact is that Prince Edward Island held out when in 1867 Canada formally became a country.
P.
E.
I.
did not join until 1873 after bankruptcy loomed due to economic mismanagement.
Throughout the 20th century the city naturally grew by encompassing villages and farmland to the north.
This geographic growth was not necessarily coupled with population growth.
The shipbuilding industry`s heyday was long gone and people emigrated to the "Boston States".
The World Wars saw activity and commerce increase in Charlottetown.
During WWII, the city hosted hundreds of British servicemen from the Royal Flying Corps.
The Charlottetown airport and surroundings proved to be an excellent training facility for Allied pilots.
Today Charlottetown enjoys all the modern characteristics of a vibrant city - 3 theatres, numerous green spaces, shopping districts, a cruise ship terminal, plenty of bar and restaurants, and an active political community.
These items and much more are why many choose to visit Charlottetown, again and again.
Top 5 Things to Experience: 1.
Confederation Centre of the Arts: Was built in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canada becoming a country.
The most popular summer play is, of course," Anne of Green Gables.
".
Other notable recent productions are "Hair" and "Buddy Holly".
The provincial museum is also located at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
2.
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino: Some might know this as the former Charlottetown Driving Park.
In any case, it's the racetrack where standardbred horses compete in 1 mile races.
Race nights are usually Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights in the summer and only once per week in the off season.
Adjoining the racetrack is the Red Shores Casino.
It mostly consists of slot machines but does have regular poker action the past 2 years.
3.
Shopping on Victoria Row: This is a roadway shut off to cars in the summer time and essentially turned into a pedestrian promenade.
There are local shops that sell clothing, Folk art, high art, jewellery, keepsakes, etc.
The Row also comprises several quality outdoor cafes serving food and drinks by day and morphing into happening nightspots when the sun goes down.
Some of the oldest architecture in Charlottetown can be found on Victoria Row.
4.
Fox Meadows Golf Course - The Canadian Golf academy: Not technically in Charlottetown but in Stratford across the Hillsborough River.
In any case, it is only a ten minute drive from downtown Charlottetown.
Can be pricey compared to other courses but the fairways, greens, views, and service is certainly worth a few extra bucks.
Different rates apply to the time of day you want to play but I will say that line-ups are rare on the tee boxes.
You can even purchase lessons as the Canadian Golf Academy is located there as well.
5.
Historic Walking Tours with the Fathers of Confederation: Tours leave several times each day from Founders Hall on Lower Prince Street.
The Fathers give a tour through the historic area in Old Charlottetown always in character and dress of the 19th century.
Very reasonably priced and will take upwards of 2 hours to complete.
Best time to Visit: The best time for your Charlottetown vacation is anywhere between June and October.
If you are on a family vacation I recommend between Canada Day (July 1) up until the 4th week of August.
Although autumn is a beautiful time of year the weather can significantly cool down when September hits, especially at night.
Good to Know: Overall Charlottetown is an extremely safe city.
Personal assaults and theft are rare occurrences even during the summer tourist season.
Like anywhere, normal attention to your surroundings and a modicum of situational awareness is well advised.
A Charlottetown transit system has been in operation for several years and is growing in popularity.
Taxis are usually plentiful although it is the custom in Charlottetown to call ahead.
Rarely will a taxi stop for customers who try to flag one down.
Here is a list of " good to know" phone numbers - · Charlottetown Police Non- Emergency calls - (902) 629-4172 · Island EMS( Ambulance) - 911 · Queen Elizabeth Hospital - (902) 894- 2111, Emergency Dept.
- (902)894-2200 · Provincial Visitor Information - (902) 368-4444 · Founders' Hall Tourism Information - (902)368-1864 To find out more about Charlottetown I suggest you first do your own Google search and browse the growing number of websites catering to Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island's history, culture, things to do lists, and many vacation options.
Located on Prince Edward, it is the provincial capital and rapidly becoming a tourist mecca in the summer season.
Her unique history, culture, architecture and people all contribute to its special place in the hearts of anyone who visits.
History and Important Events: Charlottetown has a population of roughly 35, 000 people within the old city limits.
However, since amalgamation of outlying municipalities in 1995 the greater Charlottetown area can be counted at 58, 000.
Nearly half of Island residents live in Charlottetown which makes it the definite hub of commercial activity on Prince Edward Island.
Charlottetown became a township in 1855 and only later, in 1885, earned its status as a city.
Its history goes back a lot farther than 1855 though.
The first known residents of the area we know today as "Old Charlottetown" were the Shellfish people.
Not much is known about these early residents other than it seems they left significant piles of shells near present day Victoria Park.
Some estimates have the Shellfish people living here close to 5000 years ago.
Before Europeans arrived Charlottetown was occupied by the Mic Mac First Nation.
They lived on P.
E.
I.
for thousands of years and were the people who would have met John Cabot in 1534.
They are very active in Island culture, economy, and politics to this day.
The whole of Prince Edward Island fell into British hands after the French, due to several serious setbacks in the Seven Years War, abandoned the colony to the British Navy in 1758.
It was chosen the capital of the new colony in 1764 after the Royal survey was completed by General Samuel Holland.
Subsequent surveys were conducted that would lay the grid system in "Old Charlottetown" we witness today.
The city received its name from the reigning king of the day - King George III, more accurately, from his consort, Queen Charlotte.
At this time, the colony was known as St.
John's Island In 1798, the colony of St.
John's Island became the colony of Prince Edward Island, named after the distinguished future father of Queen Victoria, as he was the British Commander- in- Chief of all British possessions in North America.
Other significant happenings in Charlottetown during the 1st half of the 19th century include the construction of Ford Edward (1805) to the west of the city.
This was a defensive battery used to defend the city from enemy ships.
Also, near Victoria Park just behind and to the east of Fort Edward, a "Government House" was built (1835) to house the colony`s appointed Governors.
It is called Fanningbank.
The legislative chamber, referred to as the Colonial Building was completed in 1847.
Today we know this as "Province House".
The year 1864 is the year Charlottetown became famous throughout Canada.
The city hosted the Charlottetown Conference - the initial meeting to discuss the joining, or confederating, of the colonies in British North America.
An ironic fact is that Prince Edward Island held out when in 1867 Canada formally became a country.
P.
E.
I.
did not join until 1873 after bankruptcy loomed due to economic mismanagement.
Throughout the 20th century the city naturally grew by encompassing villages and farmland to the north.
This geographic growth was not necessarily coupled with population growth.
The shipbuilding industry`s heyday was long gone and people emigrated to the "Boston States".
The World Wars saw activity and commerce increase in Charlottetown.
During WWII, the city hosted hundreds of British servicemen from the Royal Flying Corps.
The Charlottetown airport and surroundings proved to be an excellent training facility for Allied pilots.
Today Charlottetown enjoys all the modern characteristics of a vibrant city - 3 theatres, numerous green spaces, shopping districts, a cruise ship terminal, plenty of bar and restaurants, and an active political community.
These items and much more are why many choose to visit Charlottetown, again and again.
Top 5 Things to Experience: 1.
Confederation Centre of the Arts: Was built in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canada becoming a country.
The most popular summer play is, of course," Anne of Green Gables.
".
Other notable recent productions are "Hair" and "Buddy Holly".
The provincial museum is also located at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
2.
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino: Some might know this as the former Charlottetown Driving Park.
In any case, it's the racetrack where standardbred horses compete in 1 mile races.
Race nights are usually Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights in the summer and only once per week in the off season.
Adjoining the racetrack is the Red Shores Casino.
It mostly consists of slot machines but does have regular poker action the past 2 years.
3.
Shopping on Victoria Row: This is a roadway shut off to cars in the summer time and essentially turned into a pedestrian promenade.
There are local shops that sell clothing, Folk art, high art, jewellery, keepsakes, etc.
The Row also comprises several quality outdoor cafes serving food and drinks by day and morphing into happening nightspots when the sun goes down.
Some of the oldest architecture in Charlottetown can be found on Victoria Row.
4.
Fox Meadows Golf Course - The Canadian Golf academy: Not technically in Charlottetown but in Stratford across the Hillsborough River.
In any case, it is only a ten minute drive from downtown Charlottetown.
Can be pricey compared to other courses but the fairways, greens, views, and service is certainly worth a few extra bucks.
Different rates apply to the time of day you want to play but I will say that line-ups are rare on the tee boxes.
You can even purchase lessons as the Canadian Golf Academy is located there as well.
5.
Historic Walking Tours with the Fathers of Confederation: Tours leave several times each day from Founders Hall on Lower Prince Street.
The Fathers give a tour through the historic area in Old Charlottetown always in character and dress of the 19th century.
Very reasonably priced and will take upwards of 2 hours to complete.
Best time to Visit: The best time for your Charlottetown vacation is anywhere between June and October.
If you are on a family vacation I recommend between Canada Day (July 1) up until the 4th week of August.
Although autumn is a beautiful time of year the weather can significantly cool down when September hits, especially at night.
Good to Know: Overall Charlottetown is an extremely safe city.
Personal assaults and theft are rare occurrences even during the summer tourist season.
Like anywhere, normal attention to your surroundings and a modicum of situational awareness is well advised.
A Charlottetown transit system has been in operation for several years and is growing in popularity.
Taxis are usually plentiful although it is the custom in Charlottetown to call ahead.
Rarely will a taxi stop for customers who try to flag one down.
Here is a list of " good to know" phone numbers - · Charlottetown Police Non- Emergency calls - (902) 629-4172 · Island EMS( Ambulance) - 911 · Queen Elizabeth Hospital - (902) 894- 2111, Emergency Dept.
- (902)894-2200 · Provincial Visitor Information - (902) 368-4444 · Founders' Hall Tourism Information - (902)368-1864 To find out more about Charlottetown I suggest you first do your own Google search and browse the growing number of websites catering to Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island's history, culture, things to do lists, and many vacation options.
Source...