Territory capital · Canada
Charlottetown
Give Charlottetown 2 nights on foot: the compact old town, Victoria Row and the waterfront fill a full day, and you need a car or a tour for the beaches.
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and the birthplace of Canadian Confederation, a walkable small city of about 36,000 people. Two nights covers the historic core, the arts centre and the food; add a third if you want the national park beaches at Brackley or Cavendish, which need a car. Summer is short and busy, winter is cold and quiet.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Apr (cold, many seasonal businesses closed)
- Airport
- YYG
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Charlottetown911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Charlottetown, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyCharlottetown is a low-crime, easy-going small city; the real issues are winter ice, seasonal closures and drinking and driving on rural roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYYG Charlottetown Airport (250 Maple Hills Ave, about 6 km (3.7 mi) north of downtown; nonstop flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton…YYG Charlottetown Airport (250 Maple Hills Ave, about 3.7 mi (6 km) north of downtown; nonstop flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton…
- Getting aroundDowntown is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes; Victoria Park is a 15-minute walk from Province House.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi around downtownC$6–10 (≈ US$5–8) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel or B&B, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel or B&B, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYG Charlottetown Airport (250 Maple Hills Ave, about 6 km (3.7 mi) north of downtown; nonstop flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton; taxi to downtown about $10 (check))YYG Charlottetown Airport (250 Maple Hills Ave, about 3.7 mi (6 km) north of downtown; nonstop flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton; taxi to downtown about $10 (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Feb
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest Dec (15 rain days), driest Jul (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Charlottetown: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
14 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
12 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
12 rd
Apr
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
14 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes; Victoria Park is a 15-minute walk from Province House. T3 Transit runs city buses. Taxis are flat-rate by zone, roughly $6–10 around town and about $10 from the airport (check). Kari is the local ride-hailing option. A car is needed for the beaches and the Confederation Trail beyond the city.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Brackley Beach-Stanhope
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Route 15 north, about 20–25 min
National park beach and dunes; car needed, parking fills on hot weekends.
Cavendish
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Route 6 west, about 35–40 min
Green Gables heritage site and beaches; a full day.
North Rustico-New Glasgow
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive Route 6, about 30–35 min
Harbour village and the island's main pottery and craft studios.
Summerside
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Drive Route 1A west, about 55 min; Maritime Bus with a transfer in Borden, about 1 h 15 min
Second city; only worth it if you are already heading west.
Montague
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive Route 3 east, about 50 min
Riverside town on the east end; pair it with a coastal loop.
Kensington
skipDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Route 2 west, about 40 min
Small rail town; not worth a dedicated trip from the capital.
Borden-Carleton
skipDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive Route 1 west, about 45 min; Maritime Bus, about 55 min
Bridge gateway and services; pass through on the way off the island.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town / Great George Street
Walk to Province House, Victoria Row, the arts centre and the waterfront; best for a car-free stay.
Waterfront / Peake's Quay
Marina, restaurants and harbour views; a few minutes on foot from the old town.
University Avenue / West Royalty
Chain hotels, big-box stores and the mall; you need a car or taxi for the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–150 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–260 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel or B&B1 × 2 nights × C$200 | C$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170 | C$680 |
| Airport taxi, both ways2 × C$20 · check | C$40 |
| Car rental, one day1 × C$80 · check; book ahead in summer | C$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$124 |
| Trip total≈ C$341 per person per day, bed included | C$1,364≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; prices before sales tax (15% HST on PEI). Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Lobster roll | C$20–30 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Fish and chips | C$18–28 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Ice cream cone at Cows | C$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Taxi around downtown | C$6–10 (≈ US$5–8) (check) |
| Anne of Green Gables the Musical ticket | From C$20 (≈ US$15) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Province House is closed for renovations until early 2026: check before you plan around it.
- Many restaurants and tours are seasonal; outside Jun–Sep hours shrink or close.
- Winter brings snow and ice underfoot; downtown walking is harder Dec–Mar.
- Anne of Green Gables the Musical runs late Jun–late Aug only: book ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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CharlottetownCharlottetown
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Charlottetown; the US consulate-general is in Halifax and most embassies are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi airport → downtown: about C$10 (≈ US$8) (check)
- Taxi around town: C$6–10 (≈ US$5–8), flat rate by zone (check)
- Maritime Bus Charlottetown → Borden: about 55 min (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
English is the working language; French is an official language but rarely needed here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Charlottetown. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Apr (cold, many seasonal businesses closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYG: taxi and T3 options field-checked, late-arrival fallback.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Great George Street, Victoria Row, the waterfront and Victoria Park.
- Place pages with verified hours (Province House, Beaconsfield, Confederation Centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and storm fixtures so summer and winter arrivals both go green.
Sources
- officialDiscover Charlottetown
- officialCity of Charlottetown
- officialCharlottetown Airport (YYG)
- officialT3 Transit
- officialMaritime Bus
- officialParks Canada — Province House
- officialTourism PEI — Confederation Trail
- secondaryWikivoyage: Charlottetown, revision 5236487 (CC BY-SA 4.0)