Charlottetown

Cozy Charlottetown is the picturesque capital of Prince Edward Island, located on the eastern coast of Canada. Often referred to as the "Birthplace of Confederation," this city attracts tourists with its Victorian architecture, fresh sea breeze, and relaxed pace of life. You can get here in various ways: fly into the local airport, take a road trip across the famous Confederation Bridge, or use the bus service connecting to the mainland.

The fastest way to reach the island is by air. The city is served by Charlottetown Airport (YYG), which accepts regular flights and ensures convenient connections with the rest of the world. The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from the centre, making arrival as comfortable as possible.

If direct tickets are unavailable, travellers often choose to fly into neighbouring major hubs. The nearest option is Moncton (128 km), as well as the international airport in the city of Halifax (180 km). From these points, you can easily continue your journey to Charlottetown via a rented car or shuttle.

There is no direct rail service to the city of Charlottetown, as Prince Edward Island no longer operates a railway for passenger transport. Tourists who prefer trains are advised to travel to major stations on the mainland.

The nearest cities accessible by rail are Moncton (128 km) and Halifax (180 km). From there, the journey must be continued by transferring to an intercity bus or renting a car to drive across the bridge to the island.

Bus services connect the island with the mainland, offering scenic routes across the Confederation Bridge. One of the most popular connections is the route from the city of Moncton: the bus covers the distance of 197 km in an average of 3.8 hours. This is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the views without the need to drive.

Also in demand is the route from the capital of Nova Scotia — the city of Halifax. The journey, covering approximately 361 km, will take about 6.6 hours. For travellers departing from the more distant city of Bathurst, the trip will be significantly longer and may take more than a day when accounting for transfers.

Travelling by car is perhaps the most impressive way to get to Charlottetown, as the route passes over the magnificent 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge. The closest starting point is Moncton: a journey of 164 km will take only about 2 hours.

If you are driving from the city of Halifax, the road will take approximately 3.4 hours (327 km), allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Maritime provinces. A trip from the city of Bathurst will require about 3.7 hours of travel time (340 km). It is important to remember that a toll is charged for crossing the bridge when leaving the island.

To ensure your trip to Charlottetown goes perfectly, it is worth considering the specifics of island life and the local climate in advance. Here are some useful recommendations for tourists:

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather on the coast is changeable. Even in summer, be sure to bring a windbreaker and comfortable walking shoes, as well as modest clothing that can be layered.
2. Transport. Although the historic centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, renting a car is best for exploring the island's surroundings and beaches with your family.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for small souvenir shops is helpful.
4. Health and Safety. The city is very safe for tourists and families. Pharmacies and medical centres meet high Canadian standards; tap water is clean and safe to drink.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is English. Locals are known for their friendliness and are always ready to help a lost tourist.
6. Local Etiquette. It is customary to leave tips in restaurants and taxis amounting to 15–20% of the bill. Politeness and a smile are the norm for daily interaction here.
7. What to Avoid. Do not plan trips exclusively on public transport if you want to see the natural beauty outside the city — the bus network beyond the city limits is not extensive.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to try the local seafood, especially mussels and lobster, which Prince Edward Island is famous for; these are excellent natural options for those seeking Halal-friendly dining experiences.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this charming Canadian city and take home only warm memories.