19 Exciting Reasons Why More People Are Calling Charlottetown Home

1. City Life. Island Style.

Charlottetown may be small, but it’s bursting with big energy and gracious island life. It’s got all the charm and hospitality PEI is famous for, plus culinary experiences and an arts and culture scene that take visitors by surprise—in the best way possible. Soak in the romance and nostalgia of Charlottetown’s picture-perfect streetscapes. Wander along a boardwalk where lobster boats and sailboats cozy up. It’s time to discover Charlottetown.

The City of Charlottetown is a flourishing community of over 36,000 people located on the south shore of Prince Edward Island. It is the province’s capital city, and is often called the “Birthplace of Confederation” after the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference—the first meetings that led to the forming of our nation.

A contemporary city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Charlottetown holds the Canadian Heritage designation of ‘Cultural Capital of Canada’. Throughout the year, the city offers a myriad of cultural experiences to enjoy, from world class theatrical and musical performances, to distinct local food and architecture, to festivals and events for a diverse range of audiences.

2. Safe and Sublime

Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Prince Edward Island; relax and find your balance. Charlottetown is a safe, pedestrian friendly City with light traffic, peaceful communities, great Schools, and friendly neighbourhoods.

Natural beauty abounds, with miles of fresh and clean sandy white beaches, warm ocean waters, national parks, and championship golf courses all within a few minutes’ drive of the City of Charlottetown.

3. Like You’ve Dined and Gone to Heaven

Get a true taste of Island style. We celebrate farm (and fishing boat) to table in all its delicious forms. From down-home dishes that are downright tasty, to elevated cuisine that puts a fresh spin on local ingredients, you’ll want to take your tastebuds on tour.

Inspired by the Island’s heritage and its growing diversity, Charlottetown’s culinary scene blends traditional and trendsetting approaches in a way you just won’t find on the mainland. Talented chefs and artisan food producers transform fresh, local ingredients from the rich red soil and sparkling blue waters.

Cozy up to a classic pub. Challenge your palate at a hip bistro. Immerse yourself in local life at a buzzing cafe. With food trucks, fine dining, farmers’ markets, and festivals, be sure to pack your appetite when you visit!

4. Sensational Seafood

With few exceptions, Islanders are passionate about their PEI seafood. The warm waters surrounding the province teem with fresh fish and fishers work tirelessly to bring in big catches throughout the year. So whether it’s a plate of freshly shucked oysters, steamed mussels or a lobster boil with all the fixin’s, there is no shortage of restaurants serving up fresh local fare.

5. Pristine Beaches

Charlottetown makes the ideal home base for getting out to sandy shores—many just 20 minutes away. When people think of Prince Edward Island, many immediately imagine the smooth warm sand, red sandstone cliffs, soft blue sky, and white-capped waves.

There are eleven hundred kilometres of shoreline, much of it in the form of pristine beaches. Whether you prefer napping in the sun, splashing in the water, building a sandcastle, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or capturing that unforgettable sunset, there’s a beach that’s perfect for it.

6. Breathtaking Parks

You are never far from one of the 23 Provincial Parks, each with its own unique landscape, features, and natural wonders. Ten of the Provincial Parks include campgrounds. In fact, PEI Provincial Parks contain, or provide access to, some of the island’s most prized beachfront locations. Try your hand at clam digging or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. All of the parks are ideal for picnics, family reunions, or just getting back to nature. Several include museums and heritage sites.

Prince Edward Island National Park is a 60-kilometre stretch of the Island’s north shore. Home to Cavendish Beach, the Gulfshore Parkway and the breathtaking landscape of Greenwich, the national park brings you up close and personal with some of the Island’s most iconic natural treasures. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a night camping under the stars, or a cycle tour of the north shore coastline, PEI National Park offers something for everyone. Make sure to check out the Greenwich Dunes Trail, awarded the Atlantic Canada Trail Association’s prestigious ‘Destination Trail’ designation, recognizing it as their highest rated trail in Atlantic Canada.

7. Golfing Heaven

Whether you’re a beginner, regular player, or dreaming of turning pro, you’ll find just the right course, and fees lower than you might expect. And remember, PEI is Canada’s smallest province, so you’re never far from more than one of the Island’s 25 stunning courses. No matter where you’ve played before, your favourite round of golf is waiting for you somewhere on Prince Edward Island. Pure golf heaven.

8. Arts and Culture

Small in size but big on spirit, Charlottetown blends traditional and contemporary art and cultural encounters like only an island city can. There are contemporary art installations and traditional music, quirky festivals and world-class theatre. The arts and culture scene is full of captivating contrasts. Ready to be amazed? It’s time to treat your creative spirit in Charlottetown.

The heart of Prince Edward Island can be felt in Charlottetown’s vibrant music scene, with live acts presented in an array of outdoor and cozy indoor settings. Take in an intimate performance by local talent at the Trailside Music Hall or settle in on one of the many patios for an evening of live acoustic entertainment.

9. Anne of Green Gables

When the novel Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908, most people could only dream of visiting its magical setting. As the book became popular around the world, it’s likely that many readers had no idea where Prince Edward Island was. They may have even wondered, “Is it a real place?”

Today, millions of the book’s fans have made the trip to PEI and discovered the land that captivated Anne in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s stories. And for those who just can’t get enough of their favourite red-headed girl, or the woman who created her, there are Anne-related attractions all over the Island.

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

10. Attractions and Activities

Get in on the action! Do as the locals do! Oyster tonging with experts. A history lesson with costumed Fathers and Mothers of Confederation. Cruising on the Charlottetown harbour as the sun goes down. Seeing how local brews are crafted. Touring majestic homes. Be prepared to laugh, learn, and marvel.

11. Shopping

It’s easy to unearth thoughtful gifts and enduring keepsakes when shopping feels like a breeze. Stroll through downtown, where cafes, independent and specialty shops beckon. Visit the merchants at Peake’s Wharf to get your PEI style on. Head to one of the malls for those must-haves you need to stock up on. Get a taste of local grocery shopping at one of Charlottetown’s farmers’ markets. This is shopping in Charlottetown–Island style.

12. Get Out on the Water

For Islanders, seawater is practically in their blood. And there’s no better way to truly get to experience the PEI way of life than by getting out on the water. Whether it’s hopping aboard a stand-up paddleboard or getting your adrenaline pumping with Kite Surfing or Seadooing, there is something for every taste and thrill level. Of course, the perfect way to end any ocean adventure is to treat yourself to an ice cream cone afterward. Famous Cows at Peake’s Wharf is always a delight, or head to local favourite Kiwanis Dairy Bar in Victoria Park.

13. Keeping it Green

PEI is known for being a leader in the environmental movement, and since Charlottetown was designed in the pre-car era it’s super easy to get around by foot or bicycle. Whether it’s checking out all of the public art on display throughout the city, taking in a ghost walking tour with the Confederation Players, or hearing legends and folklore with the Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tour, there are plenty of ways to see the city with your two feet.

For those more inclined to explore on two wheels, there are bike trails along the Charlottetown waterfront and throughout the Island. Prince Edward Island is the perfect province to cycle or hike. The Confederation Trail runs tip-to-tip from Tignish to Elmira. No matter what your game — quiet rides in the country that provide frame after frame of breathtaking photographs, day-long tours that test skill and endurance, or challenging terrain, PEI is the destination of choice for die-hard and casual cyclists alike. The rolling hills, lush farmlands and postcard coastlines will reveal to you a whole new appreciation for your two-wheeling hobby.

14. A Great Place to do Business

The Greater Charlottetown Area has proven its excellence as a business environment, having experienced significant growth in the past number of years in knowledge-based sectors such as: aerospace, biotechnology, information technology and financial services. These sectors and others on PEI benefit from close working relationships with local post-secondary institutions (namely, the University of PEI and Holland College) and public sectors partners.

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Prince Edward Island:

• A cost effective and business friendly environment
• A highly skilled and educated labour pool
• Strategic infrastructure
• Access to major markets
• Quality of life that is second to none

Prince Edward Island has earned a reputation as a prime location to do business. The provincial government supports innovation and business development activities within a strong and diversified economy.

Prince Edward Island is one of the lowest cost locations for business in the G7, according to the KPMG Study on business costs. Your business will find a welcoming and friendly environment, highly qualified personnel, communication and business infrastructure.

15.Prince Edward Island economy and employment

Agriculture, tourism and fishing are the main industries present in Prince Edward Island. About 30 percent of Canada’s potatoes are grown in Prince Edward Island, providing the most important source of income for the province’s 2,000 farms.

Tourism, in particular, is on the rise as the Island’s charm, landscapes, and golf courses entice greater numbers of visitors each year. The manufacturing sector consists mainly of food processing. High-technology is also becoming important, especially in the medical, electronics and agricultural fields.

16. Low Cost of Living

In Charlottetown, average families can afford a comfortable life thanks to the relatively low cost of living, as compared to most other cities in Canada. Housing, heating and food costs, as well as the cost of living generally, are among the lowest in Canada.

17. Education

In Canada, all citizens and permanent residents under the age of 20 are entitled to free education through the end of high school in the public school system. Prince Edward Island offers a leading system of public education for its residents, beginning with Early Childhood Education programs and continuing right through to Grade 12. For those entering skilled trades after secondary school, the province has a comprehensive program of apprenticeships and training to help people learn a trade and find jobs as well.

Post-secondary education in Prince Edward Island is delivered through the province’s one publicly funded university, the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, a publicly funded community college with eleven campuses throughout the province, the francophone Adult Learning Centre in Wellington, and a number of private career training schools.

The University of Prince Edward Island is home to the Atlantic Veterinary College, which serves all four Atlantic provinces: Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

18. Health Care

Under Canadian Law, all provinces must provide universal, publicly funded health care to all citizens and legal residents of Canada. In other words, most basic health services in Canada are offered at no direct cost to the patient.

19. Thrive Living in Charlottetown – West Royalty Suites

If you are looking to relocate to Charlottetown and require an apartment, Thrive Living has a beautiful home waiting for you at West Royalty Suites.

Picture yourself in a community rich in history, culture, and art—while enjoying an active lifestyle in beautiful surroundings, never far from modern comforts. Only minutes from downtown Charlottetown you’ll find amazing beaches, world renowned golf courses and award-winning restaurants. West Royalty Suites welcomes you with a mix of modern amenities, suiting the needs of those looking to simplify and enjoy life to its fullest.

At Thrive Living we strive to deliver a remarkable lifestyle for our residents. Creating a beautiful and comfortable home that is safe, clean, and convenient is our duty to you. With an abundance of amenities and connected to beautiful communities, living with Thrive delivers on happiness, while granting you the lifestyle you deserve.

Contact us today! We are always happy to answer any questions, and help you find a location that best suits your needs.