Welcome to
Charlottetown,
PEI
Great runs await you here!
The cradle of Confederation — and a small city with a big heart.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to your fourth milestone in The Big Canada Run — and your first island stop since Newfoundland. You’ve crossed the water again (virtually, of course), and it was worth every step. Welcome to Charlottetown, the capital of PEI — a place where history, charm, red shores, and ice cream collide.
The Birthplace of a Nation
Charlottetown holds a special place in Canadian history. It was here, in 1864, that the Charlottetown Conference took place — setting the wheels in motion for what would become the Confederation of Canada.
Wander the old town streets and you’ll walk the same paths as those early visionaries. And don’t be surprised if you stumble across a few costumed performers sharing stories from that pivotal time. It’s history brought to life — one cobblestone at a time.
Prince Edward Island is famous for its beaches. With over 800 kilometres of beaches, it’s hard to pick just one, but Singing Sands Beach in Basin Head Provincial Park has been rated as the number one beach in Canada.
Charlottetown’s historic downtown was built-pre car era, and its walkability is part of its charm.
Look out for mice!
Yes, you read that right. Hidden throughout the city are bronze statues of mice, part of an interactive scavenger hunt inspired by The True Meaning of Crumbfest, a beloved children’s book by David Weale.
Kids — and curious grown-ups — can follow clues across downtown to spot nine little Eckharts, each in a different pose. It’s a fun, whimsical way to explore Charlottetown’s heritage and charm.
Anne of Green Gables, is that you?
Just a short drive from Charlottetown is Cavendish, the real-life inspiration for the fictional Avonlea — home to the red-haired, wild-hearted Anne of Green Gables.
Step into Avonlea Village, a delightful blend of original heritage buildings and replicas from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s world. You’ll find the schoolhouse where she taught, the church she attended, and even live characters roaming the streets. It’s a must-see pilgrimage for fans of the literary classic — and a lovely way to soak in the island’s pastoral beauty.
Praise the potato
You can’t talk about PEI without talking about potatoes. The island’s iron-rich red soil makes it one of the best places in the world to grow them. Locals celebrate potatoes through festivals, songs (ever heard of Bud the Spud?), and yes — a whole potato museum.
Whether mashed, fried, chipped, or baked, you’re never far from a plate of PEI perfection.
Cow’s Ice Cream: World-Famous for a Reason
And now, a reward for all that running: Cow’s Ice Cream. Often dubbed the best ice cream in the world, this PEI original is rich, creamy, and wildly creative with its pun-filled flavours (Wowie Cowie, anyone?).
Handmade in small batches, Cow’s has won global awards — and hearts — across Canada. Don’t leave the island without trying a scoop or three.
Where do you run in PEI? On a railway, of course!
When the island’s railway was decommissioned in 1989, locals turned it into something magical: the Confederation Trail.
Spanning tip-to-tip across PEI, this flat, scenic trail is now part of the Trans Canada Trail network. It’s perfect for walking, running, and cycling — and in winter, it transforms into a snowmobile route. Along the way, expect stunning coastal views, lush forests, and a few curious foxes.
Next up? That famous bridge.
It’s time to lace up, fuel up (maybe another scoop of Cow’s), and head west across the Confederation Bridge — Canada’s longest bridge and your gateway to New Brunswick.
You’ve conquered another province, logged some serious kilometres, and explored one of the most story-filled spots in the country.
Keep going. You’re not just crossing the country — you’re creating your own Canadian story. 🇨🇦
Photo credits:
@discovercharlottetown Instagram: @theredheadroamer @teamkcss @brodytheginger
Tourism Prince Edward Island
@AvonleaVillage Instagram
Next Stop - Moncton, NB
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