Charlottetown Accommodation Guide
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

A Stroll Along Charlottetown's Boardwalk Offers Impressive Views of the Atlantic Shoreline 1

Bordered by the Hillsborough River, North River and its namesake harbour, this picturesque city entices a multitude of travellers with its many outdoor advantages, lively festivals, flourishing arts community and treasured historical sites. Even the region's weather is quite attractive. Situated on the south shore of PEI, the moderating effects of the Atlantic Ocean provide this region with one of the most enviable climates in Canada.

The Extraordinary St. Dunstan's Basilica2

Charlottetown teems with history. The city's original lots, surveyed and established by European settlers between 1764 and 1771, can be found to this day in the historical district of downtown known as Olde Charlottetown, where tales of yesteryear are told through Victorian-era architecture, seasoned buildings and historical monuments. Popular heritage sites include the Province House, St. Dunstan's Basilica and Beaconsfield Historic House. This history-rich city also boasts the unrivaled charm of its waterfront merchants, cafés and outdoor festivals. A small city with heaps of character, it may be Charlottetown's accommodation options that provide the most striking examples of the city's grandeur. From stately century-old mansions and inns to intimate bed and breakfasts, there is a healthy range of accommodation types available for everyone.

For those interested in experiencing Charlottetown, WorldWeb.com offers the following services, which can help with finding a suitable accommodation.

1) Accommodation Directory—This is a complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, home rentals and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

2) Secure Room Reservations—Check for Charlottetown room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

3) Maps—The Charlottetown map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

ACCESSING THE ISLAND

	Confederation Bridge Stretches Across the Northumberland Strait3

For many years access to PEI was only possible by boat or plane, but in 1997 the Confederation Bridge opened to the public, providing a way for drivers to cross the Northumberland Strait. Considered part of the Trans-Canada Highway, this 12.9 km (8 mi) two-lane, impressive structure stretches between Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick and Borden-Carleton, PEI. Drivers crossing this year-round toll bridge can reach Charlottetown by continuing northeast along Highway 1 for 56 km (35 mi).

The island is also accessible by air with a number of carriers offering year-round service into PEI's capital. The Charlottetown Airport is located five minutes northeast of the city's core. There are a number of car rental facilities located at or near the airport.

For those attracted to the idea of setting sail, Northumberland Ferries operates service from Woods Island, PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia between the months of May and December. Woods Island is located approximately 50 minutes from downtown Charlottetown.

GETTING AROUND

The major attractions of downtown Charlottetown are all within walking distance of each other making it feasible for visitors to easily explore on foot. However, there is a public transit system that operates six days a week, offering service on heritage-style trolley buses. Propelled by the limited, but growing transit service, the city's taxi business is quite extensive; however, when departing from a hot-spot like the University of Prince Edward Island there can be a 15 to 20 minute wait at peak times throughout the day. Most Charlottetown taxis operate on a standard fair structure, rather than a metered system.

ORIENTATION

The 500 lots and four green squares originally designated as Charlottetown in the 1800s are now known as Olde Charlottetown or the historic district and considered the city's core. Communities surrounding the downtown include Brighton, Spring Park and Parkdale. To the west, east and north, developments are chiefly residential and commercial, while the outskirts of the city is primarily comprised of farmland.

WHEN TO VISIT

Summertime in Charlottetown abounds with festivals, waterfront merchants and the sounds of music floating through the sea-salt air. While rain is an ever-present possibility, the months of July and August see the least amount of precipitation with temperatures hovering around 20°C (70°F) and occasionally reaching 30°C (90°F). These two months are peak tourist times with June and September coming in a close second. For those keen on experiencing an authentic Maritime celebration, there are numerous festivals and fairs that take place between June and October, such as the Festival of Lights and Old Home Week.

Winter temperatures in Charlottetown vary between -3°C (26°F) and -11°C (12°F), confirming its status as one of the warmest regions in Canada. While there are various festival and events occurring throughout the winter, certain smaller accommodations and tourist attractions are only available in the summer.

The Rodd Charlottetown4

DISTRICTS

Downtown
Downtown Charlottetown is comprised of Olde Charlottetown, Victoria Park and the waterfront. All within walking distance of each other these three areas overflow with alluring attractions and accommodations.

Olde Charlottetown
The second-oldest seat of government in Canada and the site of confederation negotiations, the Province House stands in the centre of the city as a landmark of paramount significance. Officially opened in 1847, this building is met by Charlottetown's largest street, University Avenue and marks the entrance to Old Charlottetown.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts sits next door to the Province House on Richmond Street, providing seemingly endless entertainment opportunities, including seasonal showings of PEI's beloved play, Anne of Green Gables. Richmond Street is also home to Victoria Row, from where the sounds of live jazz can be heard bouncing off the bricks and cracks of weathered buildings. There are also numerous shops, cafés, restaurants and art galleries along this corridor. Nearby these attractions are a multitude of accommodation options ranging from chain hotels to family-run bed and breakfasts.

Across from the renowned, neo-Gothic St. Dunstan's Basilica, are the Inns on Great George. This assemblage of 13 heritage buildings offers 55 extravagant rooms with island artwork and antiques.

The Fairholm Inn, one of Canada's National Historic Sites, retains all of its original charm with added modern amenities, such as Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Built in the late 1830's for a politician, this property features classic British design and charming gardens.

With vaulted ceilings and a rooftop garden poised to provide a breathtaking view of the harbour, the Rodd Charlottetown hotel offers a rare style of luxury, which stems from its history as a CN Railway property to its modern form as a four and a half star hotel.

	Heritage Harbour House5

Benefiting from a surplus of elegant, Victorian-style, century-old homes, Olde Charlottetown offers some of the country's finest bed and breakfast properties. Located three blocks from Confederation Landing Park, the restored Dovern Bed and Breakfast was built in the 1860s and to this day remains true to its remarkable Georgian character.

The Heritage Harbour House and Charlotte's Rose Inn also provide guests with a delightful mix of historic charisma and present-day comforts.

The Waterfront
As the days grow warmer, the harbour bursts with the sights and sounds of summer festivals and concerts, such as the Festival of Lights and Sandland. The Delta Prince Edward sits on Queen Street adjacent to Peake's Wharf where live music is a daily enjoyment in July and August. Equipped to satisfy both the business and leisure traveller, the Delta provides everything from babysitting services to board-meeting rooms. Peake's Wharf also features many waterfront merchants, where everything from home-made ice cream to clothing can be found.

The heated indoor pool, spa and steam room are only a few of the amenities offered by the Best Western Charlottetown, which is situated on the waterfront nearby the Charlottetown Civic Centre.

Brighton & Victoria Park
Originally envisioned as farmland for the governor in the late 1700s, this 16 ha (40 acre) waterfront park features a boardwalk that runs from Confederation Landing Park to Victoria Park Lighthouse. Located west of downtown, this park is also home to some of the area's many festivals, including the Jack Frost Children's Festival.

Situated on the other side of Victoria Park, resides Charlottetown's most illustrious neighbourhood, Brighton. The Queen Anne style homes of this neighbourhood are nearby the harbour and North River. Situated on a peaceful cul-de-sac, A Bed of Roses by the Sea Bed and Breakfast is a year-round property with steps that lead down through a rose garden to the waterfront. Also located in this distinguished area are the Brighton Tourist Apartments, which offer nightly and weekly accommodations, with discounts for multiple-week stays.

STAYING ALONG THE TRANS-CANADA

One of the perks of Charlottetown's small size is the proximity of attractions and accommodations to one another. Never far from downtown, those who opt to stay in the northern part of the city have myriad options. Entering the city from the west, the Trans-Canada, which adopts the name University Avenue in the city's core, is nearby an assortment of accommodations, such as the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Howard Johnson Hotel and the Comfort Inn.

Also situated on University Avenue is the University of Prince Edward Island, which opens its residences to the general public each summer. Located on Highway 1 just past Route 2, these hostel-style accommodations can accommodate over 400 guests.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Charlottetown Board; Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
2. St. Dunstan's Basilica; Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
3. Confederation Bridge; PEI, Canada
4. c/o Rodd Hotels & Resorts; Rodd Charlottetown - A Rodd Signature Hotel; Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
5. c/o Heritage Harbour House; Heritage Harbour House; Charlottetown, PEI, Canada