Day Trip 3: Charlottetown
Round-trip distance from the North Shore: 38 miles
Total driving time: 1 hour
The provincial capital has a hopping harborfront, historic houses, and even a huge indoor pool and waterslide that are perfect for rainy days.
EAT
Cows Ice Cream
Get a scoop of island-made ice cream on a handmade waffle cone. Cows has a huge range of flavors—locals love the Wowie Cowie and Gooey Mooey. Peake's Wharf, Charlottetown, (902) 566-4886.
Flex Mussels
No one cooks the bivalve with more flair and variety—from garlic and white wine to lemongrass and coconut milk. Flex also has basic fish and chips and mini lemon-meringue pies. Peake's Wharf, Charlottetown, (902) 569-0200.
SHOP
P.E.I. Dirt Shirts
Find kids' shirts and bags dyed with the island's signature red soil, or opt for the unsoiled No White Dogs line. Peake's Wharf, Charlottetown
The Walk & Sea Boutique
Shelves are crammed with local wares, from Anne of Green Gables dolls to preserves. Founders' Hall, Prince Street, Charlottetown, (902) 368-1864.
DO
Orwell Corner Historic Village
Just 15 minutes southeast of Charlottetown is a restored 19th-century village. See the general store, schoolhouse, and blacksmith's shop; pet farm animals; take a horse-and-buggy ride; and partake in hands-on ice cream- and candle-making demos. Off Route 1, Orwell, (902) 651-8515.
Capital Area Recreation Inc. (CARI) complex
A lifesaver during bad weather, this indoor complex has a gigantic waterslide, an eight-lane pool with multiple diving boards, a shallow play pool, a hot tub, and parental-observation areas. Family day passes are C$15. 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, (902) 569-4584.
