Charlottetown's historic role as Canada's "Birthplace of Confederation" and its modern day designation as Prince Edward Island's administrative, financial and cultural centre, make the city a fascinating mix of old and new.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Located in south central Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown is Canada's smallest capital city by population. The city sits on Hillsborough Bay, a deepwater harbour off the Northumberland Strait. Charlottetown is a green city with 83 parks sitting on over 500 acres of parkland. A 56-kilometre-long pedestrian and bicycle trail winds its way through the greater Charlottetown area providing recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. St. Dunstan's Basilica, Charlottetown's tallest structure and the province's largest church, commands the skyline.

CLIMATE

The Atlantic Ocean moderates Charlottetown's climate. The moist ocean air can produce mild winter days and cool down scorching summer afternoons. In July temperatures average 19°C. January is the coldest month averaging -7°C.

HISTORY

In 1864 Canada's fathers of confederation met in Charlottetown to discuss a union of several British North American colonies. These meetings led to the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. The sites of these meetings have been designated national historic sites (including Government House, Province House and Ardgowan National Historic Park). Guided tours and interpretive signs at these locations detail Charlottetown's historic role in the formation of Canada.

ECONOMY

As Prince Edward Island's political capital, in Charlottetown the provincial and federal governments are major employers. Tourism is one of Charlottetown's chief industries as thousands of people fill Charlottetown every summer visiting historic sites and enjoying a variety of cultural events and attractions. Industry associated with farming (mostly dairy and potato growing) and fishing are also key economic players.

Charlottetown is the home of the University of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Veterinary College.

CULTURE AND RECREATION

The heart of Charlottetown's cultural scene is the Confederation Centre of the Arts. This modern complex contains a theatre, museum, library and an art gallery. Anne of Green Gables, a musical based on the novel by Maritime author Lucy Maude Montgomery, plays here during the annual Charlottetown Summer Festival. Old Home Week is another summertime festival that features a trade and agricultural exhibition, midway attractions and harness racing.