As the flourishing capital of Canada’s Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown has a lot on offer for the keen adventurer, and it deserves to be a key destination on any Canadian holiday train journey.
Whether you’re a fan of the arts, a history enthusiast or an architecture connoisseur, Charlottetown is the location for you. Not only is it bursting with culture, but this capital is prized as one of the calmest, loveliest and most affordable places to visit, hatching the perfect balance between overcrowded city and quiet rural town. There is plenty to see and do and heaps of atmosphere, without the mobs of tourists.
If this sounds like luxury to you, then make sure Charlottetown is at the top of your itinerary for your Canadian holiday. Train hopping around the country is the most ideal way to ensure you can tick off all your favourite sites in the most relaxing way.
Art and Architecture
With its Victorian-era streets and old harbour quarter, there is plenty of exquisite architecture to grab your eye. Experience the wonderful city structures simply by wandering around the area – and don’t miss St Dunstan’s Basilica! This spectacular building casts an astonishing outline in the skyline of Charlottetown, with its Neo-Gothic spires and ornate Italian carvings. Meander through the nearby streets after your visit to take in the charming houses and manicured parks and gardens, all of which pay homage to the capital’s Victorian heritage.
Admirers of art will fall in love with the modern Confederation Centre of the Arts, which covers an entire city block and contains a museum, art gallery, library, a restaurant and two theatres. Peruse the artwork of Canadian artists, and if your rail journey is taking place between June and September, go along to the annual Charlottetown festival held at the centre.
Step Back in Time
The National Historic Site of Province House is marked as the “Birthplace of Canada”; a prestigious building with an important history. It once acted as the colonial government building in the nineteenth century and is now the seat of the Parliament of Prince Edward Island, with parliamentary rooms that are open to the public.
You can also visit the restored Confederation Chamber where the modern state of Canada was launched. Here you’ll find a number of photographs and documents of the important event on display, so you can really feel a part of this momentous occasion.
Heading outside, Prince Edward Battery is strategically positioned on the harbour, now allowing visitors a spectacular view across the sea. The new boardwalk leads tourists from the city centre out to the battery, where cannons and barracks can be viewed.
With endless possibilities to explore this fabulous location, there is no reason not to include it as part of your Canadian holiday train trip around this varied and exciting country.
John Dixon is a luxury travel expert and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. His award-winning team are highly experienced when it comes to putting together bespoke Canadian holiday train packages, so whether you want to explore the impressive peaks of the Rockies or enjoy an immersive wildlife tour, you can rest assured that this company will provide you with a holiday to remember.
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