Rock Lobster

Charlottetown, PEI
On our travels through Canada we've been bowled over by the genuine hospitality of the locals, but Charlottetown folk took this another level. It felt by mid-morning (after a fabulous breakfast at Leonard's) that most of the town had either said hello or engaged us in friendly conversation.
The most charming place we've ever visited? Quite possibly.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

You can comfortably stomp around Charlottetown in a morning. And it's a very pleasant town to wander around. Tree-lined streets brim with an eclectic mix of lovely painted houses and feature cupolas, and yet you are never more than 10 minutes from the wonderful seafront. There are plenty of bars and great seafood restaurants to keep you entertained of an evening and most importantly, it's a great base to explore Prince Edward Island and it's plethora of lighthouses. 

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

The waterfront walk along Queen Elizabeth Drive is splendid, and it happens to lead to the two Charlottetown lighthouses. They were both great in their own way and although they are situated in people's garden you can still get a good view.

Brighton Beach Range Front Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island

Brighton Beach Range Rear Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island

The eastern waterfront is where the cruise ship people land and swarm during their shore visits, and as such there are more of the generic gift shops and eateries, but there's still enough quirky places to keep it interesting.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

I have to mention eating out at the Claddagh Oyster House on Sydney street Charlottetown. It was a fantastic experience.
I've never done the full lobster experience before, but if you are going to do it somewhere, then PEI is the place to do it. The waitress was great and talked me through the various tools and implements, and despite the mess I made (I had an apron to shield me) and it was a proper bucket list item ticked off.

A fabulous way to complete a wonderful first day in Charlottetown.x