SHORE EXCURSIONS

View rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbors along Blue Heron Drive as you get ready to meet Anne of Green Gables and actual descendants of Lucy Maud Montgomery. First stop is Silver Bush and the Anne of Green Gables Museum, here you’ll tour the museum, explore the beautiful grounds with many flower beds and gardens and share some Raspberry cordial with Anne herself!

Next, it's off to Cavendish, the old farm site that inspired L. M. Montgomery's first novel, Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908. Highlighting some of the finest attractions on Prince Edward Island's breathtaking north shore, this is definitely the ultimate Anne experience.

OVERVIEW

Gain an overall understanding of Charlottetown Walking through different landmarks, each one historical in its own way. The largest of the city's greenspaces, Victoria Park has provided a serene waterfront setting since 1873. While traversing the shaded paths, you may come across some of the original survey stones. At Government House the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, stands as a symbol of the province’s colonial history and governance. St. Dunstan's Basilica earned its National Historic Site designation for being the most elaborate church in the Maritime provinces and a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Pope Pius XI granted St. Dustan's the title of basilica in 1929 for its historical significance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit National Historic Sites that lend great insight into Charlottetown’s past.
• Stroll through Victoria Park, the city’s largest parkland.
• Admire the façade of Government House, a stunning example of Georgian architecture.
• See one of only 20 churches in Canada that the pope has designated as a basilica.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the historical heart of Charlottetown and stop along the way to sample some of its quintessential desserts. Located in a century-old former industrial building, Founder’s Food Hall & Market is now home to all sorts of shops, several known for sweets such as artisanal chocolates and French pastries. You will learn about the exquisite history of Charlottetown’s patisserie heritage while you are offered a tasty treat. Stroll to Peake’s Quay, another popular spot with abundant restaurants and sweet shops. You might have a taste of Charlottetown’s famous ice creams, as you’ll find one of the best locations there for dessert, where you will have the chance to taste the best handcrafted old- fashioned ice cream using Prince Edward Island milk. Our journey will conclude where stores have lined since Charlottetown was incorporated in 1855, Queen Street. Where you may enjoy a variety of chocolate tastings and find representative venues during your walk.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stop at different venues known for their artisanal sweets.
• Sample an array of desserts that are Prince Edward Island specialties.
• Enjoy a true taste of the island as the desserts are made with locally sourced ingredients.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your tour begins with a ride through Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada. Sit back and relax, enjoying views as you travel en route to Cavendish, home of the Green Gables Heritage Place, the house that inspired the children’s classic. In fact, it is hard to think of Prince Edward Island without mentioning author Lucy Maud Montgomery, who lived here during the late Victorian era and it was the setting of her novel, Anne of Green Gables. Published in 1908, the tale of a spunky red haired orphan was an instant hit and from that moment on, visitors flocked to Cavendish, leading to the establishment of the national park.

The homestead immortalized in the book is exceptionally beautiful and fans will get a kick out of exploring the ground they have read so much about. Relatives of the author often offer guided tours and you never know when they will appear to greet guests! You may browse the gift shop for books and souvenirs. You’ll travel through the stunning park to the red sandstone cliffs, set against white capped waves for an incredible photo opportunity .

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Charlottetown, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, selfie expert and award-winning photographer Berni Wood will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Charlottetown, you will pause at designated selfie stops that may include:
• All Souls’ Chapel, a designated National Historic Site of Canada.
• Fanningbank Government House, the 1834-built home of the island’s lieutenant governor.
• City hall, a Romanesque Revival-style landmark.
• Elegant 19th-century merchant residences such as Beaconsfield.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Charlottetown.
• Follow tips from local selfie expert Berni Wood to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Review the photos you’ve taken while snacking on mussels at a local pub.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Settle in for a relaxing drive through Charlottetown, taking in the historical landmarks and getting your bearings so that you may easily explore further on your own.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, which was named in 1763 in honor of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. Now the capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown is known as the birthplace of Canada because an historic 1864 conference was held here, which led to the country’s confederation.

The town is wonderfully atmospheric, as you will see driving along the charming waterfront and through the heritage districts. One of the most historically important residences is Beaconsfield, an elegant 1877 home built for wealthy merchant and shipbuilder James Peake and his wife, Edith. Now a museum, the Victorian home is filled with period furnishings.

You may also drive past the 1834-built Fanningbank Government House, where the island’s lieutenant governor lives, the Romanesque Revival-style city hall, and All Souls’ Chapel, a sandstone building that has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Along the way, the guide will point out the architectural significance of the landmarks and elaborate on the history and development of Charlottetown.

Toward the end of the driving tour, you will pass through an area filled with art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques and eclectic restaurants. Being that this is an introductory tour of Charlottetown, you will have plenty of time afterwards to explore further on your own.

Discover the rolling hills and pastoral beauty of Prince Edward Island on a scenic drive along the beautiful southern shoreline of Canada’s smallest and greenest province. Start with the highlights of Charlottetown and then travel, through the heart of the south shore famous for its rolling hills, red cliffs and winding rivers. Learn about the history of Confederation Bridge, one the world’s longest multi-span structures that link the province with mainland Canada. There will be incredible photo opportunities of the bridge, after your crossing during your stop at the Cape Jourimain Interpretive Centre.

After travelling back across the Confederation Bridge, enjoy some free time to explore Gateway Village to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or simply take in the views. On the return route to your ship, enjoy the sights - acres of potato fields, lush woods and some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.