​​🇨🇦 Charlottetown PEI Travel Guide | Hotels × Food × Must-Know Tips

🇨🇦 Charlottetown PEI Travel Guide | Hotels × Food × Must-Know Tips 📌 Key Takeaways PEI is perfect for: Family trips / Classic tourism routes / Well-developed attractions Think twice if: You prefer off-the-beaten-path experiences / Are on a tight budget / Dislike crowds Pro tip: If short on time, prioritize Newfoundland; PEI works better as a stopover during a Maritime Provinces road trip ⛪ Must-Visit Attractions 1. St. Dunstan's Basilica • Wow factor: Gothic arches + stained glass magic ✨ • Miss: Closed bell tower (would've offered panoramic views) • Best photo spot: The Great George hotel windows (rates ~$300+/night) 2. Waterfront Walk • Route: Start at Province House → Victoria Park sunset → Cow's Creamery • Hidden gem: Try PEI-exclusive "Anne's Green Gables" ice cream flavor 3. Hidden Gems • Beaconsfield Historic House: Victorian mansion with floral wallpaper (reopening soon after renovations) • Brighton Beach Lighthouse: Postcard-worthy spot tucked in a neighborhood 🏡 🏨 Hotel Comparison Hotel Highlights Downsides Price Range The Great George Best cathedral views Pricey $300+ Prince Inn Instagram-worthy vintage decor Books out 2+ months early 180-220 Hampton Inn Modern + free breakfast Generic chain vibe 150-190 The Hotel on Pownal Central location Mediocre views 160-200 Best for families: Hampton Inn (clean + hassle-free breakfast) 🍴 Local Food Secrets 🦪 Seafood Heaven • Olde Dublin Pub: 3pm Happy Hour - $1 PEI oysters (Maritimes' best!) • Brit's Fish & Chips: Golden haddock with local craft beer 🍺 🌮 Surprise Hits • Buen Amigo: "Island Dumplings" by Chinese chef (lobster filling recommended) • Leonhard's: German-style smoked salmon eggs Benedict 🥯 ⚠️ Overrated Spots • Cow's Ice Cream: Good but $8/scoop isn't justified • Downtown seafood restaurants: Tourist prices (~$50+ pp), better buy lobsters at Sobeys 🚗 Road Trip Tips 1. Parking: Hard to find downtown on weekends - use Confederation Centre lot 2. Gas: Fill up before leaving Charlottetown (island prices 10% higher) 3. Scenic detour: Free oyster farm tours along Blue Heron Drive 📆 Itinerary Ideas 3-Day Classic: Day1: Basilica + waterfront + oyster happy hour Day2: Green Gables + lobster lunch Day3: Confederation Bridge lookout + Victoria Park picnic 7-Day Deep Dive: Add North Shore red sands + Anne of Green Gables literary tour 💡 Hard-Won Advice 1. Ticket alert: PEI National Park day pass $8.50 pp - buy online to skip lines 2. Crowd hack: Arrive before 9am at Instagram-famous spots 3. Weather prep: Sudden sea fog in July-August - always pack a windbreaker PrinceEdwardIsland #PEItravel #MaritimesFood #CanadaFamilyTrip #TouristTraps