Plan a CruiseCharlottetown's new cruise pier and terminal, opened on September 25th, 2007, is conveniently located right downtown. This means you'll step off the ship directly into the heart of the city, just moments away from its historic streets. While ships typically dock, tendering may be used if multiple vessels are in port, though arrivals will still be at the same central terminal. Charlottetown, named after Queen Charlotte, is renowned as the "Birthplace of Canada," offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's founding history.
Getting Around from the Port
As ships dock directly downtown, Charlottetown is exceptionally walkable from the cruise terminal. You can immediately begin exploring the historic streets and key attractions on foot. For destinations beyond the immediate downtown area, such as the Charlottetown Mall in West Royalty or big-box stores like Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, and Future Shop along University Avenue, additional transport will be necessary. Specific details on local taxi services or public transit routes to these areas are not provided, but these options would typically be available for reaching destinations outside the walkable core.
Attractions and Activities
Charlottetown offers a focused historical experience centered on Canada's Confederation:
- Explore Historic Downtown: Stroll along Canada's National Historic Streets, where every building and corner recounts stories of the nation's formation. You can follow in the footsteps of figures like Sir John A. MacDonald and Sir George Etienne Cartier, delving into the "Birthplace of Canada."
- Visit Founders' Hall – Canada's Birthplace Pavilion: Located conveniently downtown, this pavilion features a "Time Travel Tunnel" that guides visitors through Canadian history, from the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 to the inclusion of Nunavut in 1999.
- See St. Dunstan's Cathedral Basilica: This is one of the city's significant churches and is worth a stop for its architectural and historical interest. For a broader range of activities, compare independent exploration plans with offerings from your cruise line, or consider tours available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
For dining and immediate amenities, Founders' Food Hall is located directly across from the cruise terminal and provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Charlottetown offers diverse shopping options:
- Downtown: The Confederation Court Mall is situated right in the city center, across from Province House. It includes anchor stores (e.g., Zellers, SportsChek) and a variety of smaller specialty shops. Further unique specialty shops can be discovered along Queen Street and University Avenue.
- West Royalty: For larger retail chains, the Charlottetown Mall is located just outside the downtown core in West Royalty on University Avenue. This area also hosts numerous stand-alone big-box stores, including Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, and Future Shop.
Safety
(No specific safety concerns or warnings were highlighted in the provided reference material.)
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely accessible in grocery stores, shopping malls, and other public venues, and are generally linked to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Maestro. While credit cards can be used for cash advances at ATMs, be aware that this method typically incurs a service fee in addition to immediate interest charges. English is the primary language spoken.