Things to do in Charlottetown
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Off Broadway
Slip into an art deco booth, draw the burgundy curtains and pretend you are escaping the paparazzi - if you were famous, this is where you'd go. The dark yet chic ambience is matched by fine mains such as lobster crepes or seafood coconut curry. Don't leave without taking a cocktail or dessert in the even more elaborate upstairs lounge.
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Pilot House
The oversized wood beams and brick columns of the historic Roger's Hardware building provide a bold setting for fine dining or light pub fare. Lunch specials are creative, delicious and a bargain at around C$10. Throw in some vegetarian selections and Pilot House has something for everyone.
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Sirinella
Cross the threshold of this diner-looking restaurant and you are transported to seaside Italy. It's nothing fancy, just little round, white-clothed tables, some Mediterranean oil paintings and incredibly authentic Italian fare.
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Merchantman Pub
The crammed-together tables fill quickly at this locals' favorite. In addition to great traditional pub grub, you can also dine on Asian-influenced creations such as Thai peanut curry or Madras chicken sauté.
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Founders' Hall Exhibit
The high-tech multimedia Founders' Hall exhibit, housed in an old train station, deluges your senses with facts and fun about Canada's history since 1864. It's sure to entertain children, and the child in you.
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Dundee Arms Inn
The historic inn is home to chef Patrick Young who, using local fresh ingredients, comes up with fabulous creations like pork tenderloin marinated in island maple syrup.
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Benevolent Irish Society
On the north side of town, this is a quirky place to catch a ceilidh. Come early, as seating is limited, and enjoy the gleeful embrace of Celtic music and dance.
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Province House
Charlottetown's centrepiece is the imposing, neoclassical Province House. The symmetry of design is carried throughout, including two brilliant skylights reaching up through the massive sandstone structure. It was here in 1864, that 23 representatives of Britain's North American colonies first discussed the creation of Canada. Along with being the 'birthplace of Canada,' the site is home to Canada's second-oldest active legislature.
Several rooms have been restored, and in July and August you may find yourself face to face with Canada's first prime minister: actors in period garb wander the halls and regularly coalesce to perform reenactments of the famous conference. Enj…
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Confederation Centre
In a modern building that dominates Queen St between Grafton St and Victoria Row at Richmond St, the Confederation Centre serves not only as Charlottetown's theater complex, but as its art and exhibition hall as well. The Confederation Centre of the Arts hosts concerts, comedic performances and elaborate musicals. Anne of Green Gables - The Musical has been entertaining audiences here as part of the Charlottetown Festival since 1964, making it Canada's longest-running musical. You'll enjoy it, and your friends will never have to know. The Confederation Centre Art Gallery focuses on Canadian Art and has a special exhibit on L.M Montgomery. Check the website for gallery exh…
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Just Us Girls
Girls just want…well-composed salads, light mains, decadent desserts and a fancy cocktail to wash it all down. Of course browsing hip clothing, fancy soaps and sparkly jewelry while we wait for our meal makes us even happier. The food is so good here that the clientele has gone co-ed, as you'll see from all the well-adjusted men dining on the sidewalk-side patio at lunch time.
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Claddagh Room
Get your Irish fix at this relaxed atmosphere restaurant with some of the finest seafood you're likely to find. The Irish-inspired Galway Bay Delight features a coating of fresh cream and seasonings over scallops and shrimp that have been sautéed with mushrooms and onions, then flambéed with Irish Mist liqueur.
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Confederation Players
There is no better way to tour Charlottetown. Playing the fathers and ladies of Confederation, actors garbed in 19th-century dress educate and entertain through the town's historic streets. Tours leave from the visitors center, and there are Great George St, Merchants & Mansions and Waterfront storytelling tours.
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Government House
Within the sprawling gardens of Victoria Park is Government House. This striking colonial mansion, with its grand hall, Palladian window and Doric columns, has been home to PEI's lieutenant governors since 1835. In 2003 the Hon JL Bernard broke with an almost-170-year-old tradition and opened its doors to the public.
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Fishbones
Catch live jazz nightly through the summer at this indoor-outdoor sidewalk restaurant. The open windows and fake (yet tasteful) trees make it feel like summer here. Oysters are the house specialty but you do pay for the music and decor - everything seems a few dollars more here.
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42nd Street Lounge
Upstairs at Off Broadway restaurant, brick, velvet, warm shadows and the elegance of old make this hip place perfect for a drink and conversation. Sink into a comfy sofa and let the night begin. The gregarious bartender is known for his Jaeger Rita martinis.
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Beaconsfield House
With its crowning belvedere, intricate gingerbread trim and elegant 19th-century furnishings, Beaconsfield House is the finest Victorian mansion in Charlottetown. Have a wander or sit on the veranda and be stunned by the view. Hours vary September to June.
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St Dunstan's Basilica
Rising from the ashes of a 1913 fire, the three towering stone spires of the neo-Gothic St Dunstan's Basilica are now a Charlottetown landmark. The marble floors, Italian carvings and decoratively embossed ribbed ceiling are surprisingly ornate.
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Formosa Tea House
Taiwanese vegetarian treats are served in this Victorian gone East. Sip an Almond Milk Tea (hot or cold) among Buddhas and copper dragons. Snacks such as veggie sushi (around C$3) and Asian noodle soups fill you up without emptying your pocket.
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Peake's Wharf Boat Cruises
Observe sea life, hear interesting stories and witness a wonderfully different perspective of Charlottetown from the waters of its harbor. An excellent seal-watch trip (around C$22) departs at 14:30, returning at 17:00.
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Myron's Cabaret
Myron's believes that bigger is better. The line of stylish 20-somethings strung out the door must agree. Three cavernous floors reverberate with heavy metal and alternative music pumped out by local bands and DJs.
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Gahan House
Within these historic walls the pub owners brew PEI's only homegrown ales. Sir John A's Honey Wheat Ale is well worth introducing to your insides, as is the medium- to full-bodied Sydney Street Stout.
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Water Prince Corner Shop
When locals want seafood they head to this inconspicuous, sea blue eatery near the wharf. It is deservedly famous for its scallop burgers but it's also the best place in town for fresh lobster.
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Just Juicin'
Although the smoothies star, the pita wraps here are the best quick eats in town. The smoothie concoctions are as refreshing as they are tasty and will put a serious bounce in your step.
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Harbour Hippo
Harbour Hippo is an amphibious vessel that drives you around the historic district then plunges into the sea for a harbor tour. There's a lively commentary and the kids will love it.
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Anne of Green Gables Store
It's likely that the name of the Anne of Green Gables Store gives its purpose away, but in case you haven't guessed, it's for those who haven't yet had their fill of LM Montgomery.
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