If you think of Prince Edward Island as the home of "Anne of Green Gables," you'd be right. But there's more to the island than the little girl with long red braids.
I am a passenger on the Viking Expedition Polaris. The Canadian Discovery itinerary includes Charlottetown, and I am ready to explore this beautiful city.
Because my traveling friend’s and my excursion wasn't until the afternoon, Anne and I set out on our own as soon as the ship cleared, and we were allowed to leave.
Charlottetown is the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island and the county seat of Queens County. Named after Queen Charlotte, Charlottetown was an unincorporated town until 1855.
As we left the ship, we photographed each other with "Anne of Green Gables," listened to the music of a local artist, and shopped at several locally owned shops close to the pier. We returned to the ship for a light lunch before heading out again on "Flavors of Charlottetown."
Charlottetown History
As we set off on our excursion, walking first to a restaurant for a delicious bar cookie, our guide tells us that the city of 40,000 (half the island's population) was the site of the famous Charlottetown Conference in 1864.
It was the first gathering of Canadian and Maritime statesmen to discuss the proposed Maritime Union. This conference led, instead, to the union of British North American colonies in 1867, which was the beginning of the Canadian Confederation.
Prince Edward Island did not join the Confederation until 1873. From this, the city adopted as its motto Cunabula Foederis, "Birthplace of Confederation."
We continued to stroll along tree-shaded streets past churches and historic downtown buildings with the original proprietors' names carved into them. Most are from the 1800s.
Craft beer served at The Olde Dublin Pub (I had Diet Coke) and steamed mussels were a highlight. The mussels are harvested on the island.
Next, we go to The Chip Shack on a floating pier. Prince Edward Island is famous for its potatoes. The chips are double-fried and delicious.
Our last stop is Lobster on the Wharf, but before enjoying a lobster roll and raw oysters (Anne tried them, I did not), we listen to a short talk about lobster fishing and the ins and outs of the business.
Doing what we love, Anne and I finished the day shopping for souvenirs and handmade treasure at the pier before returning to the lovely ship-our home away from home for almost two glorious weeks.
If you go:
I had a lovely day on the island and came away with even more beautiful memories of Canada and its welcoming communities.
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