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Charlottetown

Charlottetown, Canada

Confederation Centre of the Arts

Confederation Centre of the Arts

The ultra-modern Confederation Centre of the Arts arranges an entire city block and opened in 1964 as Canada's national monument as Confederation. It includes convenient facilities such as a museum, art gallery, provincial library, two theaters, and a restaurant. In the third-floor art gallery, some magnificent and marvellous works by modern Canadian artists are on display. One room is dedicated to Charlottetown-raised artist Robert Harris, one of Canada's most well-known painters from the turn of the century. Every Canadian citizen paid fifteen cents towards the cost of the building. In the foyer, there are some beautiful sculpture is standing in chrome with crystal decorated as the coats-of-arms of each Canadian province.

 

 

Province House National Historic Site

Province House National Historic Site

Near the Confederation Centre stands Province House, the "Birthplace of Canada." This three-story sandstone building was built as the colonial government building from 1843-47. Today, Province House is the seat of the Parliament of Prince Edward Island, and council rooms are opening to visitors. The Confederation Chamber, where in 1864 representatives met to launch the modern state of Canada, was reconstructed some years ago. Photographs and documents of this historic event are on display, though there are no official records of what was said during the pre-unification meetings in Charlottetown.

 

 

St. Dunstan's Basilica

St. Dunstan's Basilica 

To the south of Province House, on the corner of Great George and Richmond Streets, is situated in St. Dunstan's Basilica. The seat of the province's Roman Catholic diocese was complemented at the end of the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style. The ornate and delicate basilica is one of the largest buildings of its kind in eastern Canada, and is famed for its altar with its beautiful Italian carving and a superb rose window.  A walk along nearby Richmond and Kent Streets takes visitors through a neighborhood of gabled houses with extensive parks and gardens, providing an impressive reminder of Charlottetown's Victorian heritage. Don't lose the opportunity to look around a lovely area for a self-guided or guided walking tour.

 

 

Beaconsfield Historic House

Beaconsfield Historic House

At the beginning of Kent Street in Charlottetown stands Beaconsfield. The elegant villa was designed by W. C. Harris and built in 1877 with lace-like wooden decoration, a mansard roof, and a graceful dome. The style of mustard-yellow building is a compirsed of Victorian architecture, and the interior design and furnishings of this lovely old house make a tour well worthwhile. It now houses the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation and a bookshop, which specializes in publications relating to the island. From time to time, exhibitions of local history, lectures, and concerts are held here.

 

 

Government House

Government House

The white edifice of Government House in Charlottetown, also called Fanningbank, is standing amid the grounds of Victoria Park. Built in a Georgian style, the building became the official seat of the Governor of the island after 1835. It is now the official residence for the Lieutenant Governor of PEI, who represents Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Province. Royalty and dignitaries visit the house when on the island. Make sure government House is open to the public during July and August only.

 

 

Founders' Hall

Founders' Hall

Founders' Hall, known as Canada's Birthplace Pavilion, now stands where delegates for the Charlottetown Conference arrived by boat in 1864. Exhibits in the hall concentrate on this key meeting of the Fathers of Confederation. For tourists who have inquire, there is information center providing local bookings and brochures on popular attractions. Guided historical walking tours and bus sightseeing tours depart from this central waterfront location.

 

 

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