Charlottetown

Charlottetown Port Guide

Charlottetown, Canada Cruise Port Guide

As the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown welcomes cruise passengers with warm maritime hospitality, historic red-brick architecture, and vibrant coastal scenery.

Major cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean frequently visit this picturesque eastern Canadian harbor.

Known as the birthplace of Canadian Confederation, the port offers visitors an unforgettable blend of rich history, world-class seafood, and scenic island landscapes.


Key Charlottetown Port Information

Top Attractions & Excursions

A short stroll into downtown brings you to the Confederation Centre of the Arts, home to cultural exhibits and musical theater celebrating Canadian heritage.

Literature lovers can take a 45-minute drive north to explore Green Gables Heritage Place, the famous setting that inspired L.M. Montgomery's beloved novels.

Beachgoers and nature enthusiasts can extend their day trip to Cavendish Beach, renowned for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs and sandy shores.

Art lovers will enjoy visiting Dunes Studio Gallery & Café, located about 20 minutes from port, which showcases fine Canadian craftwork and stunning gardens.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Nearby Cities & Attractions

Located roughly 40 minutes northwest of Charlottetown, the coastal community of Cavendish is a primary draw for island tours, offering access to National Park beaches and historic landmarks.

The scenic fishing port of North Rustico, about 35 minutes away, provides guests with authentic maritime charm and fresh lobster dining along the harbor.

For a unique photo stop, the scenic Covehead Harbour Lighthouse sits roughly 25 minutes north along the Prince Edward Island National Park coastline.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Port Location

The Historic Port of Charlottetown terminal is conveniently located directly adjacent to downtown, allowing cruise passengers to step off the ship straight into the heart of the city.

Most central attractions, shops, and waterfront restaurants are within a 5 to 10-minute walk, so shuttles or tenders are rarely necessary as ships dock alongside the pier.

The terminal facility itself includes welcome amenities, tourist information desks, local artisan stalls, and free Wi-Fi.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Local Currency

The official currency used in Charlottetown is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

While standard credit and debit cards are universally accepted at restaurants, shops, and tour operators, US dollars are often accepted in major tourist spots, though change is given in Canadian currency.

ATMs and bank branches are readily accessible within a few blocks of the cruise pier along Queen Street and Water Street.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Safety Considerations

Charlottetown is widely recognized as one of the safest cruise ports in North America, with exceptionally low crime rates.

Passengers can comfortably explore the city center and waterfront areas independently on foot without concern.

Standard travel safety habits apply, such as keeping personal belongings secure, though guided tours are primarily chosen for convenience to rural sights rather than safety concerns.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Weather & Climate

During the primary cruise season from May through October, Charlottetown enjoys mild to warm summer weather and crisp autumn temperatures.

Summer high temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while autumn cruises in September and October offer cooler days averaging 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

Passengers should pack layered clothing, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes, as maritime weather can change quickly with sea breezes.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Getting Around

Because the city center is so compact, most cruise visitors prefer exploring downtown Charlottetown on foot.

For trips beyond downtown, taxis and organized shore excursions like the Charlottetown Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour are readily available right at the pier terminal exit.

Public transit is operated by T3 Transit, providing affordable bus routes throughout the city, though renting a car or booking a private tour is ideal for exploring sights across the island.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Shopping

Shopping in Charlottetown centers around Victoria Row and Peakes Wharf, both offering vibrant pedestrian zones filled with boutiques, craft shops, and galleries.

Popular local souvenirs include Prince Edward Island red dirt apparel, Anne of Green Gables merchandise, locally crafted pottery, and fresh maritime preserves.

Prices are fixed in retail stores and non-negotiable, and sales tax is applied at checkout across all retail purchases.

Last updated on October 28, 2026

Shore Excursions & Tours

Historic Walking Tour of Charlottetown

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★ 5.0 (271)

Led by a lifelong Islander with deep family roots, this walking tour through historic streets covers Charlottetown's history and geography through personal and Kelly family anecdotes. The guide believes that whether you are a local or a visitor, you will leave with a specific experience.

Amazing PEI Experience 5 passengers only

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★ 5.0 (58)

This adjustable tour uses a new 5-passenger vehicle with one front seat, two middle captain chairs, and two back seats to visit scenic views, hidden gems, and historic sites. Led by nationally certified guides with excellent reviews, the experience covers the best of the island through stories and folklore.

Scenic North Shore and Anne 5 Passengers only

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★ 5.0 (32)

This flexible tour uses a new 5-passenger Volkswagen Atlas to visit north shore attractions and hidden gems like Green Gables, North Rustico, Cavendish Beach, and New Glasgow. Professional certified guides lead this customizable experience through the national park to capture the essence of the island.

Sightseeing North Shore and Anne Tour

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★ 4.9 (13)

This tour offers opportunities to capture hidden gems and Instagram-worthy moments with a guide who has lived in PEI for over 30 years. Having delivered over 130 five-star tours in the last decade, the guide is dedicated to making your PEI experience memorable.

Charlottetown Walking Tour

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★ 4.8 (342)

Join multi-generation Islanders like Josh, whose family arrived in 1806, or Mark, Ken, and Carolyn for a VIP tour featuring Charlottetown stories not heard on large tours. If there is no availability, travelers are encouraged to check out the Charlottetown Audio Tour list.

Solar harbour cruise with live music! (Optional lunch/dinner)

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★ 4.8 (272)

This zero-emission Canadian Heritage Vessel, which underwent a $1M renovation, is North America's largest solar boat and the world's only solar-powered dinner cruise. Daily cruises feature live Maritime music, food, and drinks, though same-day meal orders require confirmation by phone or text.

Charlottetown Food Walking Tour

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★ 4.8 (122)

Led by local multi-generation guides, this food and history tour explores PEI’s heritage and diverse culinary background through sample-sized tastings. While the food keeps your mouth watering, the portions are intended as tastes rather than a full meal.

PEI: Anne of Green Gables Express Tour

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★ 4.8 (13)

This small-group adventure from Charlottetown visits the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place and the striking red sandstone Cavendish Cliffs. A professional guide brings the story of Anne Shirley to life while exploring the island's enchanting landscapes.

Charlottetown Audio Walking Tour

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★ 4.8 (9)

This self-paced audio tour explores Charlottetown and PEI attractions like St. Dunstan’s Basilica and Province House at your own leisure. Similar to an in-person walking tour, it covers the island's unique history, including shipbuilding and other notable events.

3 Hour E-Bike Tour of Charlottetown

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★ 4.7 (51)

This three-hour electric bicycle tour of Charlottetown includes a safety orientation, helmet fitting, and recommendations for weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection. Participants can experience the city's sights and sounds while purchasing water and snacks during the tour.

2 Hour E-bike tour of Charlottetown

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★ 4.7 (43)

Experienced guides lead you through historic downtown Charlottetown and the surrounding area using professionally maintained e-bikes designed for every comfort level. The route explores quiet residential streets and the Confederation Trail to visit notable landmarks and historic sights.

The Ultimate Anne of Green Gables Private Tour

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★ 4.7 (26)

This tour features a visit to Historic Charlottetown's St. Dunstan's Basilica and Province House followed by a scenic drive to Park Corner and Silver Bush. You will stop for photos at French River and Lucy Maude's birthplace before continuing to the Green Gables Heritage Site and grave site.

Harbour Hopper Tours: Charlottetown, PEI

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★ 4.6 (92)

As Charlottetown’s only land-and-sea adventure, this tour uses a military vehicle to visit landmarks like St. Dunstan’s Basilica, City Hall, and the 1877 Beaconsfield House. After viewing Victoria Park and Government House, passengers brace for the tour's next highlight.

Birthplace of Canada: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Charlottetown

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★ 4.5 (28)

Starting at Port Charlottetown, this GPS-triggered self-guided audio tour walks you through the streets and rooms where the 1864 Confederation talks took place. Highlights include a visit to the Province House National Historic Site, the location where Canada was born.

Prince Edward Island Small Group Tour With Anne of Green Gables

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★ 4.4 (384)

Led by a local guide, this tour visits top attractions like the Confederation Bridge lookout, the Green Gables National Historic Site, and downtown Charlottetown. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off while offering a comprehensive look at everything the island has to offer.

Charlottetown Small Group Tour With Province House

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★ 4.4 (135)

This walking tour starts at the Confederation Landing waterfront and progresses up Great George Street to view its unique Georgian and Gothic Revival architecture. Guests will also stroll the grounds of Province House as they learn about the city's architectural evolution.

Charlottetown Small Group Harbour Food Tour

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★ 4.3 (12)

Starting outside Founders Hall with a local guide, this food tour begins with a tasting of creamy seafood chowder. The experience continues with a scenic walk through Confederation Landing Park and along Peake’s Wharf to see the waterfront.

Charlottetown waterfront SOLAR PartyBike food & drink experience!

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★ 4.2 (106)

This licensed solar-powered Pedal Bus tour through downtown and the waterfront offers restaurant stops with discounts and the option to buy two drinks to have on the bike. Starting at $18/hr, participants are asked to arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Historic Charlottetown Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

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★ 4.0 (6)

This GPS-guided smartphone audio tour starts at Port Charlottetown and explores Victorian streets and landmarks like Victoria Row and St. Dunstan’s Basilica. You will hear stories about Confederation, Mi’kmaq history, shipbuilding, and the area's grand homes.

Local SIM Card

GigSky eSIMs let you get data both on the ship and while in port. Their Cruise + Americas & Caribbean plan and Cruise + World plan both cover Charlottetown as well as supported cruise ships. Choose the data allowance and duration that suit your trip, with a 7-day Cruise + Americas & Caribbean plan starting at only $19.99 USD for 1 GB.

Visiting Charlottetown Cruise Deals

LOWEST PRICE EVER
14 Night Fort Lauderdale to Montreal cruise
May 15, 2027
Holland America Volendam
S M L XL
Fort Lauderdale → Norfolk → Boston → Portland, Maine → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Quebec City → Montreal
$1,614
$115 per day
Outside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
10 Night Boston to Quebec City cruise
September 7, 2027
Caribbean Princess
S M L XL
Boston → Portland, Maine → Saint John → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Saguenay → Quebec City → Quebec City
$949
$95 per day
Inside
11 Night Boston to Boston cruise
September 2, 2027
Celebrity Silhouette
S M L XL
Boston → Rockland → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Quebec City → Charlottetown → Portland, Maine → Boston
$2,973
$270 per day
Outside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
31 Night London to Hamburg cruise
September 10, 2027
Cunard Queen Mary 2
S M L XL
London → New York → Boston → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Quebec City → Saguenay → Sept-Iles → Halifax → New York → London → Zeebrugge → Hamburg
$5,389
$174 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
14 Night London to Quebec City cruise
September 10, 2027
Cunard Queen Mary 2
S M L XL
London → New York → Boston → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Quebec City
$10,459
$747 per day
Suite

Upcoming Cruises to Charlottetown Cruise Deals

LOWEST PRICE EVER
14 Night Fort Lauderdale to Montreal cruise
May 15, 2027
Holland America Volendam
S M L XL
Fort Lauderdale → Norfolk → Boston → Portland, Maine → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Quebec City → Montreal
$1,614
$115 per day
Outside
7 Night Montreal to Boston cruise
June 26, 2027
Holland America Volendam
S M L XL
Montreal → Quebec City → Charlottetown → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Halifax → Portland, Maine → Boston
$1,784
$255 per day
Outside
7 Night Boston to Montreal cruise
June 19, 2027
Holland America Volendam
S M L XL
Boston → Eastport → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Montreal
$1,939
$277 per day
Outside
14 Night Montreal to Montreal cruise
June 26, 2027
Holland America Volendam
S M L XL
Montreal → Montreal → Quebec City → Charlottetown → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Halifax → Portland, Maine → Boston → Portland, Maine → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Quebec City → Montreal
$7,829
$559 per day
Balcony
14 Night Boston to Boston cruise
June 19, 2027
Holland America Volendam
S M L XL
Boston → Eastport → Halifax → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Charlottetown → Montreal → Quebec City → Charlottetown → Sydney, Nova Scotia → Halifax → Portland, Maine → Boston
$3,499
$250 per day
Outside

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Charlottetown port area
Charlottetown port location
Norwegian ship
Princess ship
MSC ship
Seabourn ship
Regent Seven Seas ship
© OpenStreetMap · © ESA WorldCover 2021

Showing 5 ships in the area

No ships scheduled in port today.

Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Charlottetown

On average cruises visiting Charlottetown are somewhat inexpensive compared to other itineraries. Sailings visiting Charlottetown during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the the low season of spring. The graph below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Charlottetown.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
$120
Jun
$248
Jul
$317
Aug
$386
Sep
$271
Oct
$451
Nov
$120
Dec

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