Charlottetown Tourist Attractions

The ultra-modern Confederation Center of Arts was opened in 1964 as Canada's national monument to the Confederation. Every Canadian citizen paid fifteen cents towards the cost of the building and continues to pay towards its maintenance. Inside will be found an art gallery, a museum, a provincial library, a memorial hall, two theatres and a restaurant.The museum is on the ground floor, the entrance being on the side opposite Province House.In the foyer stands a very beautiful sculpture in chrome and crystal decorated with the coats-of-arms of each Canadian province; it was a gift from the USA to mark the centenary of the Confederation of Canada.In the art gallery on the third floor some magnificent works by modern Canadian artists are on display. One room is devoted to Robert Harris, one of Canada's most renowned painters from the turn of the century. Also well worth seeing is the soapstone sculpture of Mother and Child by Inukpuk, a master of Inuit art.The Charlotte Town Festival, held in the Confederation Center from June to September, offers excellent entertainment; The highlights are visits by guest stars with shows and musical performances, including the annually performed musical version of the successful play "Anne of Green Gables".

Near the Confederation Center stands Province House, the "Birthplace of Canada". This three-story sandstone building was constructed as the colonial government building in 1843-47. Other buildings were pulled down in 1963 to make room for the Confederation Center. Today Province House is the seat of the Parliament of Prince Edward Island.The Confederation Chamber, where in 1864 representatives from the British possessions in North America met to launch the modern state of Canada, was restored some years ago. Photographs and documents of this historic event are also on display. The parliamentary rooms are also open to visitors.

Standing to the east of Province House in Charlottetown, St Paul's Anglican Church (18th c.) is the island's oldest Protestant church.

St James Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, better known as simply "The Kirk", has some impressive stained glass windows and old relics from the island of Iona, the first part of Scotland to become converted to Christianity. A granite block standing on a marble slab in the north wall comes from St Mary's Cathedral on Iona.

To the south of Province House on the corner of Great George Street and Richmond Street in Charlottetown stands St Dunstan's Basilica, built at the end of the 19th c. in the Neo-Gothic style, the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese of the province. It is one of the largest buildings of its kind in eastern Canada and famed for its altar with its beautiful Italian carving and a superb rose window.A walk along Richmond Street and Kent Street to its north with their gabled houses and extensive parks and gardens provides an impressive reminder of Charlottetown's Victorian heritage.

St Peter's Cathedral in the north-west corner of Rochford Square was built in 1869. The 1888 chapel was designed by W. C. Harris and is decorated with murals by his famous brother Robert Harris.

At the beginning of Kent Street in Charlottetown stands Beaconsfield, a villa designed by W. C. Harris and built in 1877, with lace-like wooden decoration, a mansard roof and a graceful dome - a prime example of Victorian architecture. It now houses the Prince Edward Island Museum, the offices of the Heritage Foundation, the Center for Genealogical Research and a bookshop which specializes in publications relating to the island. From time to time exhibitions of local history are held here, and the interior design of this lovely old house itself makes a visit well worthwhile.

The white edifice of Government House in Charlottetown built in Colonial style on the top of a hill, can still be seen. After 1835 it became the official seat of the Governor of the island.

Also in Victoria Park in Charlottetown and looking down on the harbor stands Fort Edward, built in 1805. It is one of the fortifications along the harbor entrance and from it there is a view over the said entrance to Fort Amherst.

Ardgowan National Historic Site of Canada is the historic home of William Henry Pope, known as one PEI's Fathers of Confederation. The Victorian era home has been restored and the grounds are beautifully maintained.

Founders' Hall, known as Canada's Birthplace Pavilion, was the site of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. The hall focuses on the meeting of the Fathers of Confederation.

The Guild is a black-box theatre that features emerging and professional artists who perform music, comedy, theatre and dance. There is also a free art gallery that exhibits Island artists work.