List of historic places in Charlottetown facts for kids

Charlottetown

Location in Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island, is full of amazing old buildings and places. These special spots are called historic places because they tell us stories about the past. They are protected so future generations can learn from them.

This article will take you on a tour of some of the most important and interesting historic places in Charlottetown. Many of these are listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, which means they are recognized for their special history across Canada.

Exploring Charlottetown's Historic Buildings
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Charlottetown's Historic Buildings

Charlottetown has many beautiful buildings that have stood for a long time. Each one has its own unique story.

Government and Public Buildings

Province House

Province House, where Canada was born.

This is one of the most important buildings in Canada! In 1864, leaders from across British North America met here. They discussed forming a new country, which later became Canada. Province House is a National Historic Site of Canada. It's where Prince Edward Island's government still meets today.

Charlottetown City Hall

Charlottetown City Hall, a grand building.

Charlottetown City Hall is another important building. It was built in 1888 and is a great example of Victorian architecture. It has been the center of city government for over a century. It is also a National Historic Site of Canada.

Honourable George Coles Building

The Honourable George Coles Building.

This building is named after George Coles, a Father of Confederation. He was a key figure in Prince Edward Island's history. The building has been used for different government offices over the years.

Customs House

The historic Customs House by the water.

Located near the waterfront, the Customs House was once a busy place. It was where goods coming into the city by ship were checked. It played a big role in Charlottetown's trade history.

J. Angus MacLean Building / Union Bank Building

The Union Bank Building, now the J. Angus MacLean Building.

This building was originally the Union Bank. It's a strong and fancy building that shows how important banking was in the past. Today, it's named after a former Premier of Prince Edward Island.

Churches and Chapels

St. Dunstan's Basilica

St. Dunstan's Basilica, a beautiful church.

St. Dunstan's Basilica is a stunning Roman Catholic church. It has tall spires and beautiful stained-glass windows. It's a major landmark in Charlottetown and a National Historic Site of Canada.

All Souls Chapel

Inside All Souls Chapel, a peaceful place.

This small, charming chapel is known for its beautiful interior. It has amazing murals painted by Robert Harris, a famous Canadian artist. It's a quiet and special place to visit. It is also a National Historic Site of Canada.

St. Paul's Anglican Church

St. Paul's Anglican Church.

St. Paul's Anglican Church is one of the oldest churches in Charlottetown. It has been a place of worship for many years. Its tall steeple is a familiar sight in the city.

Trinity United Church

Trinity United Church.

Trinity United Church is another historic church in the city. It has a unique design and has served its community for a long time.

Homes and Inns

Many old homes in Charlottetown are now protected historic places. Some have even been turned into cozy inns!

Government House

Government House, the Lieutenant Governor's residence.

This grand house is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. It's a beautiful mansion with lovely gardens. It has hosted many important guests over the years. It is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Fairholm

Fairholm, a historic home.

Fairholm is a beautiful Victorian-era house. It shows how wealthy families lived in Charlottetown in the past. It's known for its detailed architecture and is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Ardgowan

Ardgowan is another historic estate. It was once the home of William Henry Pope, another Father of Confederation. The property includes a lovely house and grounds. It is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Apothecaries Hall

Apothecaries Hall, a former pharmacy.

This building was once a pharmacy, or "apothecary." It's a great example of a historic commercial building. It shows what shops looked like long ago. It is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Great George Street Historic District

Historic buildings along Great George Street.

Great George Street is a whole street filled with historic buildings! Many of the old homes and businesses here have been preserved. Walking along this street feels like stepping back in time. It is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Some notable buildings on Great George Street include:

Heartz-O'Halloran Row

Heartz-O'Halloran Row, a row of connected historic homes.

This is a row of connected houses that show the style of homes built in the 1800s.

Wellington House, Pavilion Hotel, Perkins House, Witter Coombs House

These are all historic buildings that have been beautifully restored and now serve as part of the "Inns on Great George." They offer a chance to stay in a piece of history!

Wellington House.

The Pavilion Hotel.

Perkins House.

Witter Coombs House.

Dundas Terrace

Dundas Terrace, a row of historic houses.

Dundas Terrace is another example of historic row houses. These buildings show how people lived and worked in Charlottetown many years ago.

Peake's Wharf Complex

Peake's Wharf, a lively historic area.

Peake's Wharf is a historic area by the water. It was once a very important port for ships and trade. Today, it's a popular spot with shops and restaurants, keeping its history alive.

Merchants Bank Building

The Merchants Bank Building.

This building was once a busy bank. Its architecture shows the importance of financial institutions in the city's past.

Brighton Beach Front Range Light

The Brighton Beach Front Range Light.

This lighthouse is a navigational aid that helped ships find their way safely into Charlottetown Harbour. Lighthouses are important symbols of maritime history.

Charlottetown CNR Station

The old Charlottetown CNR Station.

This was once the main train station in Charlottetown. It played a big part in connecting the island to the rest of Canada. Train stations are often important historic places.

Dalton Hall / University of Prince Edward Island

Dalton Hall at UPEI.

Dalton Hall is one of the older buildings at the University of Prince Edward Island. It has been a place of learning for many generations of students.

Main Building / University of Prince Edward Island

The Main Building at UPEI.

Another significant building on the UPEI campus, the Main Building is central to the university's history and academic life.

Parks and Green Spaces

Victoria Park

Victoria Park, a beautiful green space.

Victoria Park is a large and beautiful park right on the waterfront. It's a popular spot for recreation and relaxation. It also contains historic features like the Prince Edward Battery.

Prince Edward Battery

Cannons at the Prince Edward Battery.

Located within Victoria Park, the Prince Edward Battery is an old military defense site. It has cannons that once protected the harbour. It reminds us of Charlottetown's military past.

Old Protestant Burying Ground

This historic cemetery is a quiet place that tells the stories of many early residents of Charlottetown. It's a place for reflection and understanding the city's past.

Longworth Avenue Roman Catholic Cemetery

Another historic cemetery, this site holds the graves of many people who helped shape Charlottetown. Cemeteries are important for understanding local history and genealogy.