Beaconsfield Historic House
Beaconsfield House was constructed in 1877 for James Peake, Jr., a prominent shipbuilder and merchant, and stands as a symbol of Mr. Peake's social and economic standing. Situated overlooking the Charlottetown Harbour, which can be viewed from the verandah or the gardens, Beaconsfield House contains 25 rooms, eight fireplaces and beautiful imported chandeliers. Individuals are welcome to take a tour of Beaconsfield House daily during July and August between the hours of 10am and 5pm. Admission charged.
Confederation Centre of the Arts
Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts features over 15,000 pieces of historical, modern and contemporary Canadian works of art, making it the largest art gallery east of Montreal. Established in 1964 as a national arts institution, the centre aims to inspire appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of Canadian visual arts. View various collections and presentations that showcase Canada’s diverse historical experience and its expression of identities. In addition, the Confederation Centre of the Arts is home to numerous musical and theatrical performances including Anne of Green Gables – The Musical.
Founder’s Hall
Charlottetown’s newest heritage attraction, Founder’s Hall is where technology meets history. Be transported back to 1864 when the Fathers of Confederation met to discuss the union of Canada though multi-million dollar state-of-the-art displays, multimedia and new technology. Experience Canada’s growing pains as you hear stories of the country from its inception to present day. A true tribute to Charlottetown’s role Canadian history, Founder’s Hall is Canada’s Birthplace Pavilion. Open daily May 14-October 16. Admission charged.
Government House
Charlottetown's Government House is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. This magnificent building, as known as the Fanningback Historic House, was constructed in 1832 and is a symbol of the elegance of the Victorian era. Perhaps take a guided tour of Government House to learn of its history as well as the history of past Lieutenant Governors. To conclude the tour, take a leisurely stroll through the flower gardens that have been beauitifully arranged around this scenic waterfront property. Donations are accepted and tours are available Monday-Friday throughout July and August between 10am and 4pm.
Historic Charlottetown Waterfront
Beginning at Founder's Hall, the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront leads visitors along a boardwalk, through a beautiful section of Charlottetown and Victoria Park to Fanningbank Historic House where the Fathers of Confederation landed in 1864. While exploring the waterfront make sure to stop at Peake's Wharf - Historic Waterfront Merchant. Peake's Wharf has retained much of the character of late 1800s and is alive with waterfront boutiques, craft shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and entertainment. Surrounding Peak's Wharf is the Hillsborough River, a Canadian Heritage River. The Hillsborough River Watershed totals over 350 square kilometres and is the largest river system on Prince Edward Island. A part of so much human history, from the Mi'kmaqs to the 1864 meeting of the Fathers of Confederation to today's fishermen, the Hillsborough River harbours the largest saltwater and freshwater marshlands on the Island, providing a diverse natural heritage as well. Commentated walking tours, departing from Founder's Hall and guided by the Fathers or Ladies of Confederation, are available daily between mid-June and mid-September.
Port-la-Joye--Fort Amherst National Historic Site
Home of the Island's first European settlement, Port-la-Joye was settled by the French in 1720. Overtaken by the British in 1758, Port-la-Joye was destroyed and Fort Amherst was created. Visitors to this site today can view the ruins of the British fort, view interpretive displays and have a picnic overlooking the rolling countryside and Charlottetown Harbour. This national historic site can be found just 20 minutes from the province's capital city in Rocky Point, PE. Open May-September. Admission charged.
Province House National Historic Site
The birthplace of Confederation and the seat of Prince Edward Island's provincial legislature since 1847, Province House National Historic Site is the second oldest active legislature in Canada. A national landmark, the past and the present blend seamlessly together at Province House. Visitors can learn about the history of the site and the current Legislative Assembly through guided tours, displays and an audio-visual presentation. Open daily June-October 10, 8;30am-5pm. Open Monday-Friday October 12-May, 9am-5pm.
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