Charlottetown, the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, is a vibrant blend of history and modernity. With a population of approximately 40,500 as of 2022, Charlottetown forms the center of a census agglomeration of 83,063, which is roughly half of the province's population. This article explores the rich history and tourist attractions of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Charlottetown's history dates back to 1720 when the first European settlers, who were French, founded a settlement named Port La Joye. The town was named after Queen Charlotte and was incorporated as a city in 1855. Charlottetown was the site of the famous Charlottetown Conference in 1864, which led to the union of British North American colonies in 1867, marking the beginning of the Canadian confederation. However, Prince Edward Island did not join Confederation until 1873. From this, the city adopted as its motto Cunabula Foederis, "Birthplace of Confederation".
The 20th century saw Charlottetown's development shaped by the automobile, with increased housing developments in outlying farms in rural areas. The city also played a significant role during World War II, with its airfield and shipyards being used extensively. The late 20th century and early 21st century saw the city's retail landscape change with the opening of big box stores and the removal of a statue of John A. MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, following a year of vandalism in the wake of the George Floyd Protests.
Charlottetown is situated on its namesake harbour, which is formed by the confluence of three rivers in the central part of the island's south shore. The city has a humid continental climate, with winters being somewhat milder than many inland cities at a similar latitude. Summers are mild, with the July high averaging 23.2 °C (73.8 °F).
Downtown Charlottetown includes the city's historic five hundred lots, as surveyed by Captain Samuel Holland, as well as the waterfront facing the harbour and the Hillsborough River. The city comprises several neighbourhoods which were one-time independent municipalities, including Brighton, Spring Park, Parkdale, Sherwood, East Royalty, West Royalty, and Winsloe.
Charlottetown is home to several attractions, including the provincial legislature at Province House, Founders Hall, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The city's streetscape with a centrally planned downtown core containing many Victorian-era houses and buildings is an attraction, as well as the waterfront redevelopment project in recent decades.
As of the 2021 Canadian census, Charlottetown had a population of 38,809. The city is approximately 76.2% white, 21.8% visible minorities, and 2.0% Indigenous. The largest visible minority groups in Charlottetown are South Asian, Chinese, Black, Arab, and Southeast Asian.
Charlottetown is the centre of the province's railway network and highway development. The city is served by the Charlottetown Airport, the province's only airport with scheduled passenger airline service. Charlottetown Transit offers 10 bus routes around town. The Charlottetown Harbour Authority operates the city's commercial port and is currently expanding a marine terminal.
