Maritime Tour: Dropping Anchor in Charlottetown, PEI (2/3)

The Marcoses 2024 Provinces Series - The Maritimes (July 13-24)

Have you ever walked the steps of an 11-year-old girl swept into an adventure that wasn’t originally her own? Spirited and bright, she inspired the lives of everyone around her and cemented herself irreplaceable in the home and people she had come to cherish. Anne of Green Gables penned by Lucy Montgomerry is a story that has touched hearts worldwide, inspiring literature translated into countless languages and beloved by generations of readers. It has also drawn many to the enchanting birthplace of her tale—Prince Edward Island. 

I am one of those who is determined to walk the pages of Lucy Montgomery's book. Despite the century between us, I can see what she saw when she put ink to paper. Dear L.M. Montgomery, thank you for bringing Anne to life in the world of words and literature. 

Day 7: Exploring Downtown Charlottetown

Prince Edward Island, especially Charlottetown, feels like a charming miniature version of Halifax. It boasts a more intimate waterfront, affordable yet exquisite restaurants, and an abundance of delightful discoveries. PEI is a dream destination for travelers, offering everything from picturesque dunes and beaches to renowned restaurants. It’s also home to iconic attractions like the Green Gables Heritage Place and Avonlea, a fictional town brought to life straight from the beloved novel Anne of Green Gables.

We arrived in PEI from Nova Scotia late at night, and after a long day on the road, exhaustion led us straight to bed. The next morning, we woke up to the refreshing charm of the rural enclave, which left us feeling revitalized. After a satisfying breakfast at our hotel, we packed a few summer essentials and happily made our way to downtown. Since our hotel was located a bit farther from the heart of the city, going to the touristy spots is not a distance we can cover by walking. Instead, we found ourselves a nice parking spot and explore the downtown on foot. 

Victoria Row and Green Gables Store

Day 7/12 of our Maritime tour began with a stroll through downtown, our happy feet headed straight to Victoria row - as the name suggests this charming street is lined with rows of Victorian-style buildings which is intended for commercial uses. We have learned that during summer months, the row restricts the main road for vehicle access to accommodate pedestrian traffic. Victoria Row is bustling with restaurants, shops, and a steady flow of tourists. Among the many popular spots in the area is the well-known Green Gables store.

A bit further down the row of Victoria houses and shops, a path leads directly to the water. The street is lined with charming restaurants, exquisite souvenir shops, arts and crafts boutiques, convenience stores, and plenty of picturesque nooks and crannies. The indescribable feeling of strolling on a bright summer day, weaving through crowds of cheerful people while the sun gently kisses your skin, is something I’ll always remember. I’ll look back on that day as fondly as I do the beautiful flowers in the park we passed along the way.

Peake's Quay and Other Highlights

Peake's Quay is a historic harbor brimming with vibrant restaurants and unique shops. The area was alive with live music, fun activities for kids, and the warmth of friendly locals. While the waterfront may not be as expansive as Halifax’s, it exudes a more intimate, welcoming charm that makes it feel special and personal. Other highlight's of the tour off the harbour is the Confederation Landing, Victorian-style churches and relics of history.

Peake's Quay is a quaint waterfront—neither boastful nor shy in its beauty. It radiates a serene, rural seaside charm, simple and unassuming, the perfect example of laid-back waterfront living. I’m drawn to Peake's Quay for its serene atmosphere, and if I ever had to choose a place to spend my golden years, I would dream of a house right on the Quay, with views of the stunning Atlantic Ocean.

Sailors feast.

What’s a sailor’s tale by the ocean without a feast worthy of the occasion? At Lobster on the Wharf, we indulged in the freshest, largest, and most succulent lobster, cooked to perfection. To round out the meal, we savored tender mussels and a flavorful pasta that made the experience even more memorable. It was the kind of meal that perfectly matched the seaside setting—a true culinary celebration by the waters of the Atlantic.

A sailor's feast is the perfect conclusion to our 7th day drifting through the Maritimes. That day, I was reminded that life's happiness  isn't always found in the grandest of things, and not everything that glitters is gold. Sometimes, the greatest treasures are hidden in the rough - like precious pearls lay hidden waiting to be found. PEI, much like life itself, is a journey waiting to be enjoyed, bwith beauty to be appreciated at every turn. While it may not be as grand as Nova Scotia, the simplicity of PEI only adds to its charm, a place that feels so much like home. Thank you Prince Edward Island, you are more than just a journey, you are heart and you are home - a destination!

 

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