Charlottetown’s charm isn’t just about its beautiful waterfront or lively streets — it’s also a city packed with stories that shaped Canada’s foundation. If you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about the origins of this province, you’ll find plenty to explore. What we love most is how many tours give you more than just dates and facts; they bring history to life through personal anecdotes, detailed architecture, and engaging guides. For example, the Historic Walking Tour of Charlottetown offers an intimate glimpse into local life and the stories of families rooted here for generations. It’s a great way to start understanding the city’s significance.
And if you want a more relaxed, scenic experience, the Horse Drawn Historical Guided Tour combines a charming carriage ride with fascinating stories about key landmarks. Whether you prefer a two-hour walking adventure or a cozy horse-drawn ride, Charlottetown’s variety of tours ensures there’s something for every traveler interested in the past.
Quick Overview
The list below covers five top-rated historical tours in Charlottetown, ranging from 2-hour guided walks to private 3-hour explorations and scenic carriage rides. Each offers a different way to connect with the city’s history, from detailed architecture to personal stories. Check out the City Tour of Historic Charlottetown, the Historic Charlottetown Tour, and others to find your perfect fit.
1. Historic Walking Tour of Charlottetown
This highly rated tour — with a perfect 5.0 rating from 184 reviews — offers an engaging walk through Charlottetown’s key sites. For around $21.51 per person, you’ll spend about 2 hours discovering the city’s streets, architecture, and personal stories from your local guide, who has deep roots in the area. What sets this tour apart is the personal touch; the guide shares anecdotes about the Kelly family and other locals, giving visitors an authentic feel for Charlottetown’s fabric.
The tour visits notable locations like St. Dunstan’s Basilica, where you’ll learn about the church’s history and see inside when accessible, and Province House, the birthplace of Canadian Confederation. Though renovations may mean some sites are under wraps during certain seasons, your guide’s insights bring the history alive. The visit to Confederation Centre of the Arts offers cultural context, and the walk through All Souls’ Chapel adds a spiritual dimension.
Guests love the pacing and small group size, with comments like: “Great tour, very informative, and well-paced.” This tour suits those who appreciate local stories, architecture, and a relaxed walking pace. It’s a fine choice if you want an authentic, personal introduction to Charlottetown’s history.
Bottom Line: An engaging, affordable tour perfect for history lovers looking for a personal, walkable experience.
2. Charlottetown: Historical Architecture Guided Walking Tour
For those interested in architecture as well as history, this guided walk provides an in-depth look at Charlottetown’s most significant buildings. Priced at $21 per person and lasting about 2 hours, this tour emphasizes the city’s design, style, and architectural evolution. Led by Jamie, a knowledgeable guide, you’ll see landmarks like St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Province House, and All Souls’ Chapel, but also explore many historic houses and public spaces that tell the story of the city’s development.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on building styles and historic urban design. Guests report enjoying Jamie’s engaging commentary as he explains how each structure reflects different periods and influences. This tour is suited for travelers who want to appreciate the city’s aesthetic detail and learn how architecture shaped its identity.
It’s worth noting that this tour is similar to the Historic Walking Tour, but with a slightly stronger focus on structures and their stories, making it ideal for architecture buffs or those wanting a more visual history.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for architecture lovers seeking a detailed look at Charlottetown’s historic buildings.
3. Horse Drawn Historical Guided Tour
Experience Charlottetown much like it was in days gone by with this scenic 40-minute horse-drawn carriage ride. For $37.12 per person, you’ll relax in a carriage pulled by majestic horses as your guide shares captivating stories about key landmarks like Province House and Beaconsfield Historic House. The ride covers the heart of downtown, giving you a laid-back yet informative perspective on the city.
What makes this tour special is the combination of romantic scenery and local storytelling. Guests have noted the friendly, entertaining guides and the enjoyment of seeing the city from a gentle carriage. While it’s a shorter experience, it’s a great way to get an overview if walking isn’t your preference or you want a more leisurely pace. It’s particularly suited for families or travelers who appreciate a cozy, personal touch.
Reviewers mention: “Delightful little trip around the town. Very family friendly and easy to access,” making it ideal for those with limited mobility or time.
Bottom Line: A charming, relaxed way to see Charlottetown’s main sights from a historic perspective.
4. City Tour of Historic Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
This private 3-hour tour offers tailored insights into Charlottetown’s core, including St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Province House (currently under renovation), and key institutions like the University of PEI. Priced at $295 per group (up to 6), it’s ideal for travelers wanting a personalized experience with a local guide. The tour includes visits to historic churches, Victoria Park, and the Red Shores Harness Racing and Casino, providing a well-rounded city perspective.
What makes this tour stand out is the customization — your guide adapts the itinerary to your interests, answering specific questions about the city’s history, culture, and daily life. Reviewers appreciated the in-depth storytelling and flexibility, with one noting: “We had a knowledgeable guide, able to give us a good history of the many sites we visited.” It’s especially good if you’re traveling with a small group and prefer an intimate experience.
The main drawback is the price, which is higher than group tours, but the privacy and depth of knowledge compensate for that.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a private, detailed exploration of Charlottetown.
5. Historic Charlottetown Tour
This four-hour tour, at $293.37 per group, takes you through Charlottetown’s most iconic sites, from the Hillsborough Bridge with views of the harbor to Victoria Row, where Canada’s Confederation was born. Highlights include St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Province House, and a walk through historic alleys filled with stories of the city’s evolution.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on both the broad story of Confederation and the city’s architectural heritage. Reviews are limited, but the detailed itinerary suggests a comprehensive approach for those eager to see multiple sites in one outing. It’s best suited for travelers who want a deep dive into Charlottetown’s history and have the energy for a longer tour.
This tour’s value depends on your budget and interest level; the price reflects its extensive coverage.
Bottom Line: A thorough, all-in-one tour ideal for history-focused visitors wanting full context.
$293.37 per group (up to 6)
How to Choose
When selecting a historical tour in Charlottetown, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you prefer an intimate, local experience, the Historic Walking Tour is hard to beat, especially for its personal anecdotes. For architecture enthusiasts, the Historical Architecture Guided Tour dives deep into building stories.
If you want a scenic, relaxed overview, the Horse Drawn Tour offers a charming ride, perfect for families or those with mobility concerns. The City Private Tour suits travelers who desire a personalized, in-depth experience, while the Full Historic Tour covers a lot of ground for those eager to soak in the city’s full story.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and tour.
Final Thoughts
Charlottetown’s history is lively, layered, and accessible through a variety of tours. Whether you choose a walking exploration, a scenic carriage ride, or a personalized private tour, each option offers a unique way to connect with the city’s past. For most travelers, the Historic Walking Tour strikes the best balance of price and depth, especially if reliable storytelling and local flavor matter.
If architecture or privacy are your priorities, the guided Architecture Tour and Private City Tour are excellent choices. Whichever you pick, booking in advance guarantees a smooth, enriching experience. Dive into Charlottetown’s past — it’s worth the journey!