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cultural centre, respectively—reflect its
legacy. But this place appeals as much to
foodies as history buffs, thanks to its vibrant
restaurant scene. Throughout Charlottetown,
you'll also find walking trails, waterside
boardwalks and specialty shops (www.discover
charlottetown.com).
Although the City of Summerside is
smaller than the provincial capital, it too has
a bustling waterfront replete with indoor and
outdoor theatres, interesting boutiques and
eateries. Acadian influences are apparent
here, as are Celtic ones. You can see the latter
come to life at rousing shows featuring
bagpipe-playing, step-dancing, fiddling and
snare drumming hosted by the College of
Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada
(www.exploresummerside.com).
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The renowned local beaches aren't just for
swimmers, sunbathers and sandcastle
builders. For instance, the rare parabolic
dune system in the Greenwich Dunes
section of PEI National Park also acts as a
stunning backdrop to an extensive trail
system complete with a floating boardwalk
that's perfect for a leisurely stroll
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pei).
Hikers and bikers alike love the P.E.I.
portion of the Trans Canada Trail—the
Confederation Trail—which stretches 435 km
(270 mi.) from Tignish in the west to Elmira
in the east, and connects to the Island's two
entry points. Ambitious cyclists can pedal it
from end to end, while competitive ones can
enter the three-day GranFondo PEI event in
August (www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do/
events; www.granfondo-pei.ca).
Great golfing is also par for the course on
P.E.I. There are many spots open to the
public from May through October, and they
are all within an hour's drive of each other.
The Links at Crowbush Cove, Dundarave, and
Mill River are among the premier picks
(www.golfpei.ca).
Throughout the Island there are endless
other opportunities for visitors wanting a
fresh-air fix. Kayaking, paddleboarding,
fishing, birdwatching, horseback riding—
the list goes on. Enjoy a do-it-yourself activity
or join one of Experience PEI's group offerings
to try unique alternatives like potato farming
or clam digging (www.experiencepei.ca).
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
The Arts & Heritage Trail—an Island-wide
guide for authentic P.E.I. cultural experi-
ences—provides an overview with elements
such as museums and historic sites,
performing arts venues, special events,
theatres, galleries, craft shops and artisan
studios (www.artsandheritagepei.ca).
To get a taste of Acadian culture, visit the
Acadian Museum in Miscouche for a history
lesson; then head to Village Musical Acadien
for traditional food and fiddle tunes
(www.museeacadien.org; www.village
musical.ca).
If you prefer Celtic music, follow the
provincial tourism board's themed itinerary.
Choices run from casual ceilidhs and
concerts to professionally-staged shows and
fun festivals.
To learn more about the Island's Indigen-
ous heritage, be sure to drop by the Lennox
Island Mi'kmaq Cultural Centre or attend
drum-driven powwows and other related
events held across the province
(www.experiencelennoxisland.com).
Special Events
IN 1864, P.E.I. HOSTED THE
CHARLOTTETOWN CONFERENCE, WHICH
LED TO THE CREATION OF CANADA IN 1867.
Quick Fact
www.tourismpei.com/
what-to-do/events
JUNE – AUGUST
• KING'S PLAYHOUSE SUMMER FESTIVAL,
GEORGETOWN
• WATERMARK THEATRE SUMMER FESTIVAL,
NORTH RUSTICO
JUNE – SEPTEMBER
• THE CHARLOTTETOWN FESTIVAL
• UNDER THE SPIRE MUSIC FESTIVAL,
KENSINGTON
• VICTORIA PLAYHOUSE FESTIVAL,
VICTORIA-BY-THE-SEA
JULY
• CAVENDISH BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
• MERMAID TEARS SEA GLASS FESTIVAL,
SOURIS
• PEI BLUEGRASS & OLD TIME MUSIC
FESTIVAL, DUNDAS
• SUMMERSIDE LOBSTER CARNIVAL
JULY – SEPTEMBER
• HARBOURFRONT THEATRE SUMMER
FESTIVAL, SUMMERSIDE
AUGUST
• GRAN FONDO, CHARLOTTETOWN
• OLD HOME WEEK, CHARLOTTETOWN
• TYNE VALLEY OYSTER FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER
• PEI INTERNATIONAL SHELLFISH FESTIVAL,
CHARLOTTETOWN
SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER
• PEI MUTUAL FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS,
PROVINCE-WIDE
OCTOBER
• FALL FLAVOURS FESTIVAL, PROVINCE-WIDE
peaceful respite, book an overnight stay in
one of the newly-renovated cottages
overlooking the grounds and the bay
(www.mysanordicspa.com).
CITY LIGHTS
The 2017 sesquicentennial celebrations only
underscored the role Charlottetown played
in Confederation. Top attractions like
Province House and Ardgowan, both
national historic sites, were central to the
events, while Confederation Landing and the
Confederation Centre of the Arts—a
waterfront recreation area and world-class
VICTORIA ROW, CHARLOTTETOWN • TOURISM PEI/STEPHEN DESROCHES
