10 cool things to do in Charlottetown, PEI

Best lunch ever

Ask anyone where to find the best lobster roll in town and they’ll point you to Dave’s Lobster. The snackbar-style spot just opened in May and it’s already a local favourite. Your best bet is to order the classic roll (with New Brunswick potato chips and a dill pickle) with a surprisingly refreshing Gahan Blueberry Ale from the local brewery. The mouth-watering lobster tacos (served on mini tortillas with lime and cilantro) are also worth a try. After lunch, stroll over to Cows Creamery on Queen St. for a taste of some of Canada’s best ice cream. The local blueberry and salted toffee flavours are pure decadence. Do yourself a favour and pick up some of their famous, drool-worthy chocolate-covered potato chips while you’re there, too.

Coastal culture

Right in the heart of downtown, you’ll want to book your stay at the elegant and historical Great George. Not only is the charming boutique hotel a short walk from some of the best shopping and eats on the island, they also employ the warmest, most welcoming staff (fresh cookies are put out in the lobby each day at 3pm!) If you don’t book a stay there, at least take a tour of its grounds and soak up the fascinating history of its property (including tales of ghost sightings). A short walk up the street, you’ll want to check out the Pilar Shephard Art Gallery. See stunning oil and watercolour paintings of PEI ocean scenes by local maritime artists. Tip: If you fall in love with a piece, they can arrange to ship it back home to you!

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Great George. Photo, Lora Grady.

Island eats

A trip to PEI just isn’t complete without trying at least a few varieties of the island’s oysters. Sims Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar serves up gems from Raspberry Point, Cascumpec Bays and Lucky Lime. Share a platter before dinner along with some of their fresh, local salads — the Tomato and Not-So-Classic Wedge make for the best starters. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a classic surf and turf — the lobster in PEI is unreal. Terre Rouge, in the heart of downtown, serves locally-sourced organic ingredients from within 100 miles. This month, order their Boss Hog pulled pork sandwich made with apple salad and walnut pesto. It’s part of the city’s famous Porktoberfest, where local chefs compete to win the title of the best sandwich.

Can't miss landmarks

For die-hard fans of PEI’s most-beloved redhead, Anne of Green Gables, the house that inspired L.M. Montgomery in Cavendish is worth a drive outside of town. Take a tour of the grounds or wander the property on your own, from the Haunted Wood to Lover’s Lane. Then take a drive over to Stanhope Beach to see the incredible red sand dunes. Go for a long walk along the shore and explore some of PEI’s National Park. Between Anne’s house and the National Park, take a stop at one of the Island’s most famous lighthouses at Cape Tryon. A 15-minute walk down a dirt path will bring you to a magnificent clearing where an old red and white lighthouse overlooks cliffs and waves crash below. The breath-taking sight is totally worth the pit stop!

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Cape Tryon lighthouse. Photo, Lora Grady.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping in Charlottetown, some of the Island’s sweetest spots are located down Victoria Rowe. Stop for an Americano and a scone at Receiver Coffee Co. on your way to Green Eye Designs. Pick up pretty patterned scarves perfect for fall and check out their signature handmade geometric earrings. The staff is so friendly and the shop has such a nice atmosphere that you’ll want to browse everything. And don’t forget to stop by the Anne of Green Gables Store on Queen St. to stock up on gifts for everyone back home. From hand-painted porcelain Anne dolls made on the island and children’s books illustrated by local artists to novelty aprons and stationary, you’ll find something for everyone.