Eight reasons to visit beautiful Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Cruise across P.E.I.’s famous 13-km Confederation Bridge to discover a buzzing seaside capital that brims with ocean-fresh cuisine and fab shopping.

By Jill Dunn

Updated April 2, 2014

Confederation Bridge photo by Barrett & Mackay/ Getty Images In 2014, P.E.I.’s capital toasts 150 years since Canada’s inception at the Charlottetown Conference. As you savour its picturesque, tree-lined streets and stylish eateries, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to call this place home. Here are some of the reasons why we love visiting this lively city. 1. Angler appeal Hop abroad Top Notch Charters and learn the ropes of catching lobster from a fourth-generation fisher on the harbour’s gentle swells. Cap off your day with a lobster feast on the boat, serenaded by the slosh of the sea. 2 Prince St.

Top Notch Charters 2. Vintage haven With homegrown hits and retro fashion, the Green Man Vintage and Vinyl is a must-do. On our souvenir list: sea-glass jewellery by P.E.I. design duo Dreamboat Lucy. 48 University Ave., 902-566-1361. 3. Music musts Your toes’ll tap as you stroll along cobblestone Victoria Row. Musicians play daily on the outdoor stage, and many restos have live music nightly. Don’t miss the proper kitchen party every Wednesday at Globe World Flavours with local fiddlers. 132 Richmond St.

Cottage Industry 4. Home oasis Among the finds you’ll discover at Cottage Industry, a cozy, modern coastal-decor shop (think wicker and bleached wood, not chrome and leather), are furniture and bedding from Dwell Studio and Gus Modern. Look for locally crafted gems from illustrator Lori Joy Smith and potter Patti Hawkins. 79 Grafton St.

Culinary Institute 6. Cooking class Indulge your inner foodie with a Culinary Institute of Canada boot camp. From Local Flavours to Mmm . . . Beer, there’s a class to suit every palate or skill — with pro pointers from bigwigs like P.E.I's Ilona Daniel, former head chef to the lieutenant-governor. 4 Sydney St. 7. Local eats With a farm-to-table focus, Terre Rouge Bistro Marche serves up fresh fare from the island’s famed red earth. Menus change daily and you can count on local seafood and veggies. Save room for something sweet — like crème brûlée or gelato! 72 Queen St., terrerougepei.com. Or, for the freshest, tastiest lobster roll in all of Charlottetown, head to the Corner Shop (call ahead to get a reservation for this tiny space). 141 Water St., 902-368-3212. 8. Cheap-chic fun Tourists and islanders alike will soon be able to partake in a frenzy of stylish steals when the local Target opens late this fall. 670 University Ave.

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