Prince Edward Island Guide

Historic Charlottetown Walking Tours | Prince Edward Island

Step back in time with captivating guided walks through Prince Edward Island's charming capital city, uncovering its rich past and vibrant present.

12+ tours
From $$28
1.5-3 hours

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island's capital, is a city steeped in history, a place where the foundations of Canada were laid. For travelers seeking to truly understand the soul of this picturesque island, exploring its historic heart on foot is an essential experience. Historic Charlottetown walking tours offer a unique lens through which to appreciate the city's architectural beauty, its pivotal role in Canadian Confederation, and the stories that echo through its cobblestone streets and heritage buildings. From the iconic Confederation Centre of the Arts to the charming waterfront, these tours bring the past to life, guided by knowledgeable locals who share anecdotes and insights often missed by the casual visitor. These guided excursions delve into the narratives of early settlers, political figures, and the everyday lives that shaped Charlottetown into the vibrant capital it is today. You'll wander past meticulously preserved Victorian homes, discover hidden courtyards, and learn about the events that unfolded in the very squares and buildings you’ll see. Whether you’re a history buff keen on the Confederation story, an architecture enthusiast admiring the well-maintained facades, or simply someone who enjoys a leisurely stroll with engaging commentary, a historic walking tour provides context and depth to your exploration of Prince Edward Island’s capital. It's more than just a walk; it's an immersion into the living history of this foundational Canadian city.

Featured Historic Charlottetown Walking Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for historic charlottetown walking tours in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island Premium Tour With Anne of Green Gables
From $117.11
Free Cancellation

The Best of P.E.I Tour gives you the opportunity to see everything the island has to offer. Led by a local guide, visit most of the area’s top attractions. Check out the view from Confederation Bridge lookout and enjoy free time at the famous Green Gables National Historic Site. An extensive downtown drive will highlight more of what Charlottetown has to offer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The Best of P.E.I Tour includes: - Leisurely driving tour of the downtown Charlottetown that lets you see Province House, Harbour Front, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and much, much more - Beautiful scenic drive through Victoria-by-the-Sea - Chance to catch a beautiful view of Confederation Bridge Lookout - Free time to visit the Anne of Green Gables Welcome Centre - Jam tasting at Prince Edward Island County Preserve Co and to-go lunch - Relaxing drive through the country with stops at various lookout points that allow you to see the Red Sand Beaches of PEI National Park and Cavendish Cliffs

4.3(268)
4h
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Charlottetown Walking Tour
From $19.89
Free Cancellation

Join Josh a 6th Generation Islander whose family has called the Island home since 1806 or Mark , Ken , Carolyn who are both also multi generation Islanders . We will teach you about Charlottetown and the Island’s past and tell stories that you don’t hear on large Tours. We hope to give you a unique tour and a VIP experience . No availability? No problem , check out our Charlottetown Audio Tour Listing!

4.8(244)
2h
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Historic Walking Tour of Charlottetown
From $21.36
Free Cancellation

Being an Islander all my life, with my family having deep roots here, you will not only learn about the history and geography of Charlottetown and the Island as we walk through the historic streets but also hear many personal anecdotes. Some of these will be about the history of the Kelly family while others will be will be more personal. Whether your from here or from away I think you will leave with a deeper appreciation of the place I call home.

5.0(212)
2h
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Charlottetown Food Walking Tour
From $72.18
Free Cancellation

Enjoy this exciting Tour with one of our Local multi Generation Guides Josh , Mark , Ken or Carolyn . This Food and History Tour will keep your Mouth watering , please note that these are sample sizes to get tastes of the food and isn’t necessarily a full meal depending on your appetite. . On The Tour you will learn all sorts of things about PEI's History as well its Food and the History of its different foods and why each Dish is important to Islanders. You will sample some of PEI's well known Dishes from some of its Best Restaurants. At the end of the Tour you will be "shuck in" and become an honorary Islander. Food substitutes due to allergies etc may be available but requests must be made in advance . *Please also note that the Water Prince Corner Shop stop may be done at times as a takeout/picnic style stop due to the size and busyness of the Restaurant.”

4.8(59)
3h
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Charlottetown City Highlights
From $26.68
Free Cancellation

See Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s capital city, on this one-hour guided bus tour. Explore the waterfront, Old Charlottetown, historic streetscapes and well-kept neighbourhoods in “The Birthplace of Confederation”. Learn about this the Island from your guide as you pass Province House, Victoria Park, Beaconsfield Historic House, the University of Prince Edward Island and more. Get acquainted with our walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtown before exploring on your own for many excellent dining and shopping options or searching for Eckhart, the local adventure mouse. This is an excellent introduction for first time visitors. This is not a hop-on-hop-off tour.

4.3(172)
1h
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Green Gables House & Our Island Experience
From $87.67
Free Cancellation

Discover “the fairest land ‘tis possible to see” on our Green Gables Shore half-day tour from Charlottetown. This is the quaint, historic region of Prince Edward Island that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s classic 1908 novel ‘Anne of Green Gables.’ You will see rolling hills of farmland, sandy beaches and sandstone cliffs. Tour the popular Prince Edward Island National Park and Green Gables Heritage House with a knowledgeable guide, visit a fishing harbour, pass by oyster and mussels farms, then stop at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company with artisan preserves, fine teas and giftware. You will return to Charlottetown within 4 hours, leaving you time to explore the compact, walkable downtown on your own.

4.6(457)
4h
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North Shore Tour of Prince Edward Island In Luxury
From $785
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

We are a privately owned and operated tour business. We offer fun, knowledgeable tours to popular locales from tip to tip on the island. We predominantly focus our tours on the North Shore of the island, namely for its natural beauty and amazing seascapes, but we can certainly build tours to anyone's specifications. There is a lot to see and do on our wonderful island. Most importantly we ensure we create memorable experiences for everyone to hold memories for a lifetime. Our interactive drives, the local sites and scenery, and some excellent spots to stop along the way for lunch or dinner, are not to be missed. Our tours can also be completely customized by our guests when booked in advance. We can even do this on the fly is required. Our tours are friendly for individuals, families or even work groups who want to get out and explore our beautiful island. We are happy to select and create amazing tours based on your specifics, wants and wishes!

5.0(20)
4h
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Charlottetown Audio Walking Tour
From $9.57
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Explore Charlottetown at your own pase while learning about Charlottetown and PEI while on an Audio Tour . This Tour is very similar to our in person walking Tour but can be enjoyed at your own leisure . While on the Tour you will learn about some of the biggest attractions such as St. Dunstan’s Bascilla and Province House . You will also learn about PEI's unique History such as Shipbuilding , The Bank of PEI , Prohibtion , The Great Car Ban and much more . Your narrator Josh is a 6th generation born Islander and his family has called the Island home since 1806. Josh will also tell some stories that involve his Family History as well. You will also learn stories that you won't find in History Books . This Tour can be enjoyed by the whole Family.

5.0(7)
1h
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City Tour of Historic Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
From $295
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This will be a 3 hour in depth tour of Historic Downtown Charlottetown, Canada's birthplace. You will hear about it's history, culture and what make it tick as the capital city of Prince Edward Island

4.0(4)
3h
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Charlottetown Small Group Walking Tour With Province House
From $43.46
Free Cancellation

Your walking tour of Charlottetown starts on the city’s waterfront at Confederation Landing. From here, the tour will progress up Great George St. which is known for the evolution of architecture displayed here with its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture on one side of the street and Gothic Revival architecture on the other side. Continuing onward, guests will stroll the grounds of Province House - also known as the birthplace of Confederation before heading over to Victoria Row. Guests will continue onward to view the Confederation Centre of the Arts where the world famous Anne of Green Gables play has been running for over 50 years! The government buildings are a stunning example of brutalist architecture. Here you will visit the Beaconsfield Historic House and the Government House of Prince Edward Island. After this, the tour will start to head back toward the starting point by following the Victoria Boardwalk.

4.4(123)
2h
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Harbour Hopper Tours: Charlottetown, PEI
From $58.1
Free Cancellation

Climb aboard Charlottetown’s Harbour Hopper Tour, the city’s only land-and-sea adventure! Ride a retrofitted military vehicle through the charming capital, passing landmarks like St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and City Hall. Enjoy harbour views at Victoria Park, glimpse Government House, and admire Beaconsfield House, a Victorian gem from 1877. Then, brace for the highlight—splashing into Charlottetown’s harbour! Cruise past the vibrant waterfront and historic Charlottetown Yacht Club, soaking in ocean breezes and maritime charm. This tour blends history, stunning architecture, and waterfront beauty into one unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this thrilling way to see Charlottetown—on land and sea

4.8(48)
55 min
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Private Multi Day tour in Prince Edward Island
From $1,730.84
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Experience the Island with a multi generation Islander. The first day you will have the choice between our two most popular tours . Either the Charlottetown Walking Tour or the Charlottetown Food Walking Tour . This multi day tour is cheaper than doing all the tours on your own too ! *Please note we can change the order of the days if needed , depending on availability * The 2nd day you will get to experience beautiful southeastern P.E.I. and Lighthouses . You will also see the oldest church on PEI and other beautiful sights . The 3rd day will be to the most popular region of the North Shore . Here you will experience the beautiful P.E.I. National Park plus some of the other top attractions on PEI including the famous Green Gables House and North Rustico and New Glasgow . The last day we will explore the quiet south shore of PEI including many under rated attractions . We will see the amazing Confederation Bridge and the charming village of Victoria by the Sea .

96h
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Self Guided Charlottetown Tour with a Sixth-Generation Islander
From $9.99
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Explore the rich history of Charlottetown with this self-guided audio tour led by Josh, a sixth-generation islander. Starting at Confederation Landing Park, you’ll walk along the scenic waterfront, feeling the salty breeze as you dive into the city’s past. Learn about the industries that shaped Charlottetown, from fishing to tourism, and stroll through iconic squares like Rochford and Connaught. Along the way, discover landmarks such as Great George Street, Province House, and Beaconsfield Historic House. This hour-long tour offers a charming mix of stories, history, and local secrets that will deepen your connection to this vibrant city. Ideal for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic PEI experience.

5.0(2)
1h 15m
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3 Hour E-Bike Tour of Charlottetown
From $108.86
Free Cancellation

Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of Charlottetown on a two-hour electric bicycle tour. For the departure, the participants will be fitted for an e-bike and helmet, undergo an e-bike orientation followed by a safety demonstration, and depart for a tour. Travelers are encouraged to dress according to the weather. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, and water and snacks can be purchased at Rising Tide prior to departure. There are plenty of opportunities for some great pictures. If your cell phone is not up to the task, Bring a camera!

4.7(40)
3h 30m
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Victoria Prince Edward Island Minivan Tour
From $589.22
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Discover the quietness of the South Shore of PEI and the Confederation Bridge with a Multi Generation Guide . On the Tour you will learn lots about the area and general PEI History . You will discover a historic former Fortress , stunning Beaches , Lighthouses, a historic massive Bridge and the quint Village of Victoria by the Sea.

6h
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Why Choose Historic Charlottetown Walking Tours in Prince Edward Island?

Uncover Deep History

Gain expert insights into Charlottetown's role in Canadian Confederation and its colonial past.

Explore on Foot

Experience the city's charm at a relaxed pace, accessing areas larger vehicles cannot reach.

Local Perspectives

Hear engaging stories and anecdotes from guides who know the city intimately.

Architectural Appreciation

Discover the beauty of heritage buildings and learn about their unique architectural styles.

Picture-Perfect Views

Find the best vantage points for capturing the essence of historic Charlottetown.

Engaging for All

These tours cater to diverse interests, making history accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Types of Historic Charlottetown Walking Tours in Prince Edward Island

Confederation & Downtown Heritage Walks

These popular tours focus on the pivotal events and figures of Canadian Confederation, often tracing the footsteps of the Fathers of Confederation. They explore the heart of downtown Charlottetown, highlighting key historical sites, government buildings, and significant landmarks that played a role in shaping the nation.

Confederation Centre of the ArtsProvince House National Historic SiteHistoric Government BuildingsDowntown Streets and SquaresStory of Confederation

Literary & Cultural History Tours

Dive into Charlottetown's rich literary heritage and cultural evolution. These tours might explore sites connected to famous authors like Lucy Maud Montgomery or delve into the city's artistic and social history, revealing the cultural fabric that makes PEI unique.

Literary LandmarksArt Galleries and TheatresCultural EvolutionLocal AnecdotesMusic and Performing Arts

Architectural & Victorian Charm Tours

For those with an eye for design, these tours focus on Charlottetown's beautifully preserved architecture, particularly its Victorian-era homes and buildings. Guides will point out different architectural styles, discuss their history, and share stories of the families who once lived and worked in these structures.

Victorian MansionsHeritage HomesArchitectural StylesBuilding MaterialsHistorical Context of Design

Ghost & Haunting History Tours

As dusk settles, some tours take a spine-chilling turn, exploring Charlottetown's darker past. These nocturnal walks uncover local legends, ghost stories, and tales of intrigue connected to its historical sites and older buildings, offering a different perspective on the city's history.

Local Ghost StoriesHaunted LocationsUrban LegendsEvening ExplorationHistorical Mysteries

What to Expect on Historic Charlottetown Walking Tours

Duration

Most historic Charlottetown walking tours last between 1.5 to 3 hours, allowing for a comprehensive exploration without being overly strenuous.

Weather

Prince Edward Island weather can be variable. Tours operate rain or shine, so it's advisable to check the forecast and dress accordingly in layers, bringing rain gear if necessary.

Group Size

Group sizes typically range from small, intimate groups of 6-10 people to larger organized tours of up to 20-25 participants, ensuring a good balance of interaction and personal space.

What's Included

Tours generally include the guided walking experience with a knowledgeable local guide. Some may offer additional insights into specific sites or provide a small map. Entrance fees to specific attractions are usually not included unless explicitly stated.

Meeting Point

Meeting points are almost always in easily accessible, central locations within downtown Charlottetown, often near major landmarks like the Confederation Centre of the Arts or the historic waterfront. Specific details are provided upon booking.

Costs

Prices vary by operator and tour duration, typically ranging from approximately $28 to $50 USD per person. Group discounts may sometimes be available.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book in advance, especially during peak tourist season (summer), as popular tours can fill up quickly.

2

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Charlottetown's historic streets are charming but can be uneven.

3

Bring a reusable water bottle, particularly if you're touring during warmer months.

4

Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions; they are a wealth of local knowledge.

5

Check the specific tour itinerary beforehand to ensure it aligns with your interests.

6

Consider the time of day for your tour; morning walks offer a quieter city experience, while evening tours can add a different ambiance.

7

Factor in extra time before or after your tour to explore some of the sites mentioned in more detail.

8

Be prepared for varied weather; layers are your best friend on PEI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Are these tours suitable for children?

A: Many historic walking tours are engaging for older children and teens interested in stories and history. Some operators offer specific family-friendly tours or can tailor explanations. It's best to check with the individual tour provider about age appropriateness.

Q:What if the weather is bad?

A: Most walking tours operate rain or shine. Guides are experienced in leading tours in various conditions, and routes may be adjusted slightly if necessary. Bringing appropriate rain gear is always recommended.

Q:Do the tours include entrance fees to attractions?

A: Typically, the price of a walking tour covers the guide's services and the storytelling. Entrance fees to specific museums, historic homes, or attractions are usually separate and not included unless explicitly stated in the tour description.

Q:Can I take photos during the tour?

A: Absolutely! Guides often point out scenic spots and historical details perfect for photos. They usually encourage photography, but it's always polite to ask before taking pictures inside private buildings or of individuals.

Q:What is the typical route for a historic Charlottetown walking tour?

A: Routes vary, but most will cover key areas like the historic waterfront, Victoria Row, Great George Street, and sites related to the 1864 Confederation conferences, such as Province House.

Q:How physically demanding are these tours?

A: Historic walking tours are generally moderate in physical demand. They involve walking on paved sidewalks and sometimes cobblestone streets, with minimal elevation changes. If you have mobility concerns, it's best to inquire with the tour operator about accessibility.

Q:Can I tip my tour guide?

A: Tipping is customary and appreciated in the tourism industry. If you enjoyed your tour and the guide's service, a gratuity is a nice way to show your appreciation.

Q:Where do I find different tour operators?

A: Platforms like TopTours.ai aggregate offerings from multiple reputable tour operators in Charlottetown, making it easy to compare options, read reviews, and book the historic walking tour that best suits your schedule and interests.

Don't Miss the Perfect Prince Edward Island Experience

Book your historic charlottetown walking tours today - 12+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Prince Edward Island?

Discover stunning red sand beaches and charming lighthouses along Prince Edward Island's scenic coastline.

Experience the Anne of Green Gables magic firsthand in Cavendish, a must-see for fans.

Enjoy world-class seafood, especially fresh lobster, straight from the Atlantic waters.

Explore historic Charlottetown, the birthplace of Confederation, with its Victorian architecture.

Immerse yourself in a slower pace of life, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.

Connect with friendly locals and experience the authentic Maritime hospitality on Prince Edward Island.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Prince Edward Island experiences four distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are warm and sunny with comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-October) brings crisp air and vibrant fall foliage. Winters (December-February) are cold with significant snowfall, perfect for cozy getaways. Spring (April-May) is a transitional period with blooming landscapes but cooler temperatures.

Best Months

The best months to visit Prince Edward Island are July and August, offering the warmest weather for beach days and outdoor adventures. September is also excellent, with fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colours.

Peak Season

Peak season runs from late June through August, coinciding with school holidays. Expect the warmest weather, busiest attractions, and higher accommodation prices during this time, with a lively atmosphere throughout the island.

Off Season

The shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, offer a quieter experience. You'll find fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, though some attractions may have reduced hours. Winter offers a serene, snow-covered landscape for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Plan Your Prince Edward Island Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Prince Edward Island is best done by car, offering the most flexibility to explore its charming villages and scenic routes. Rental cars are readily available at the airport and in Charlottetown. For a more active approach, cycling the Confederation Trail is a fantastic way to see the island's beauty up close. Local taxi services are available in larger towns, but options are limited in rural areas. Consider the seasonal shuttle services for specific attractions if you prefer not to drive.

Car Rental Deals in Prince Edward Island

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Prince Edward Island adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Prince Edward Island

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