Confederation Landing

Confederation Landing is a picturesque six-acre waterfront park situated on the harbor of Charlottetown. This site serves as a living symbol of Canadian unity, as it was here in 1864 that the Fathers of Confederation landed for their historic conference. Opened in 1995, the park transformed a former industrial zone into a modern recreational space and a national open-air monument.

Today, this site in Canada is a harmonious blend of history and landscape design. Visitors will find manicured gardens, winding walking trails, and a spacious boardwalk with breathtaking harbor views. A special charm is added by the granite walkways and classic lighting, creating an atmosphere that is both grand and welcoming.

The park is a central hub for the city's tourism. Here, you can find quiet corners for reflection as well as venues for large-scale events, including an elliptical lawn and a covered bandstand. Confederation Landing links the city's maritime gateway with its historic center, offering guests the perfect route to experience the spirit of Prince Edward Island.

To inquire about events or park regulations, you can use the following contact information:

The primary pleasure of visiting Confederation Landing is strolling along the wide wooden boardwalk. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the marina, with private yachts bobbing on the waves, and giant cruise ships docked at the terminal. Photographers will appreciate the panoramic harbor views, while history enthusiasts can find interpretive signs detailing the arrival of delegates in the 19th century.

For family outings, the park offers the Fox Story Walk—an engaging route that will capture children's imaginations. Adults can relax in the shaded gardens or have a picnic on the massive elliptical lawn, which can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators during festivals. In the summer, live music is a regular feature, with local performers playing at the bandstand, filling the air with folk and country melodies.

Don't forget to visit the replica of the historic wharf and take a photo with the famous Texaco tank, a local landmark. After your walk, you can head out on a boat tour directly from the park or browse the nearby souvenir shops at Peakes Wharf to buy local crafts or sample the famous ice cream.

Located at 2 Great George St, this picturesque spot is right in the heart of the waterfront area. You can reach it from the city center on foot in just 5–10 minutes by walking down historic Great George Street. For those arriving by cruise ship, the walk is even shorter—the terminal is located immediately adjacent to the park.

If you prefer to drive, the nearby Peakes Parking Lot provides 170 spaces, which is particularly convenient during major festivals. The waterfront is also easily accessible by taxi or local bus routes that stop near the main tourist areas.

For active travelers, renting a bicycle is a fantastic option. Bike paths along the harbor allow you to comfortably explore Charlottetown's entire coastline, enjoying the sea breeze on your way to Confederation Landing.

This site holds immense national significance: it was here on September 1, 1864, that eight Fathers of Confederation arrived aboard the steamship SS Queen Victoria. Their meeting at the Charlottetown Conference was the first step toward uniting the British colonies and creating modern Canada in 1867. Interestingly, the delegates arrived without an official invitation but managed to convince local politicians of the necessity of a union.

For a long time, the territory of the modern park was an industrial area. During World War II, it housed a Texaco oil terminal used for fuel storage. It wasn't until 1995 that the abandoned site was transformed into a public space through a large-scale waterfront revitalization project costing $1.7 million.

The park's design was chosen through a national competition. Landscape architects included elements that echo the look of the nation's capital, Ottawa—such as the use of granite paving. Even the old Texaco storage tank wasn't completely removed; a portion of it was preserved as a historical artifact and remains a popular backdrop for photos today.

A leisurely visit to Confederation Landing typically takes 1–2 hours. This is enough time to stroll along the wooden boardwalks, read the informative plaques about the history of 1864, and take beautiful photos of the harbor and the cruise ships entering the port.

If you plan to combine your visit with a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants or a visit to nearby historic sites like Province House, you should set aside about 3 hours. During the summer, frequent musical performances might encourage you to stay in the park a bit longer.

Confederation Landing is open to visitors year-round, allowing you to enjoy the coastal scenery in any season. Daily operating hours are from 8:00 to 23:00, including weekends and holidays.

These hours make the park an excellent spot for both morning jogs and romantic evening strolls by the lamplight. Admission to the park is free.

The park's waterfront location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of historic Charlottetown and see architectural landmarks from different eras.