EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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 through three vastly 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 strolling the shaded paths that wind through the colorful gardens, you may come across some of the original survey stones. At Province House - a National Historic Site that overlooks Queen Square - you will discover how Canada was formed as the result of a watershed conference held in the building in 1864. That event led to Canada becoming a federation, the reason Charlottetown became known as the Birthplace of Canada. 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 two National Historic Sites that lend great insight into Charlottetown’s past.
• Stroll through Victoria Park, the city’s largest urban oasis.
• Pause at the site of the 1864 conference that led to the formation of Canada.
• 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.

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.

Enjoy your day visiting most of the Island's favorite attractions. Your tour begins with a drive around Charlottetown enlightened on the history of this quaint little town that became the "birthplace of Confederation". Make your way along the Trans-Canada Highway, through towns and villages, to the Confederation Bridge. This marvel of engineering, opened in 1997, is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered waters, and spans the Northumberland Strait connecting Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. You'll have ample time for picture taking, browsing for souvenirs, or sampling some PEI Potato chips all while enjoying the view from Gateway Village. Your journey continues to the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush where descendants of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, await your arrival and invite you to the old family farm. Enjoy a visit with Anne and a light picnic lunch. Departing Park Corner you will enjoy wonderful views of the North Shore including Prince Edward Island National Park and a stop at Cavendish Beach. Your travels are complete with a factory tour and snack as you make your way back to the pier

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.

Meander through Charlottetown at a leisurely pace, admiring four of its most glorious churches, ranging from the oldest to one said to be haunted by phantom bell ringers. After walking from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of Charlottetown, home to some of Canada's most beautiful and historical churches. Your first destination will be Trinity United Church, which opened in 1864, shortly after the convention that led to the country's confederation. The town's oldest church in continuous use, Trinity can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and is known for its magnificent stained-glass windows however we'll only be able to admire it from the outside due to damage caused by Hurricane Fiona in late 2022. Next, you will visit St. Dunstan's Basilica, a stone French Gothic-style church that was rebuilt in 1913 following a devastating fire. It's the fourth church built on this site, all of which were destroyed by fire. Now designated a National Historic Site of Canada, the elaborate church is one of the town's most visible landmarks, particularly its soaring spires. Then, you will drop by St. James Presbyterian Church. Unlike the stone churches in town, it was features a wooden ceiling and interior columns. Phantom bell ringers supposedly haunt the church, a story that it has been commemorated on stamps. Before returning to the pier, you will also see St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral, which was constructed in 1869. Designed by one of Prince Edward Island's leading architects at the time, the church is inspiring, as is the attached All Souls Chapel, a National Historic Site.

Enjoy a sampling of Prince Edward Island’s signature culinary dishes and dessert, including fresh mussels, succulent lobster rolls and ice cream that was voted Canada’s best.

After walking from the pier, you will soon be in the heart of Charlottetown, a city known as the birthplace of Canada because an historic 1864 conference was held here, which led to the country's confederation. Charlottetown is also renowned for its fresh seafood and other culinary treats, which you will sample at various locations.

You will stop for a plate of Prince Edward Island mussels at the Olde Dublin Pub. These succulent, bluish-black bi-valves are grown in the nutrient-rich waters all along the island's coast. Besides being low in fat, cholesterol and sodium, the mussels are delicious. They are typically steamed and served with melted butter, cocktail sauce or even a curry concoction.

Next, you will sample the island's famed lobster rolls at Peake's Quay, a restaurant on the waterfront. Like mussels, lobster rolls can be prepared in a variety of ways. Peake's Quay typically tosses chunks of lobster with celery and citrus aioli and serves it on fresh-baked bread.

For dessert, it's off to Cow's Creamery, an ice cream shop with dozens of flavors. You might try a scoop of Moo York Cheesecake, PEI Blueberry or Wowie Cowie, a blend of vanilla ice cream with English toffee, chocolate flakes and Moo Crunch. Cow's also sells what it calls "udder stuff," ranging from whimsical beach towels to furry cow slippers.

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.

Sample a variety of award-winning craft beers, wines and spirits produced on Prince Edward Island using local ingredients that reflect the region’s unique growing conditions.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at the Prince Edward Island Brewing Company, a craft beer manufacturer that brews a variety of products with local ingredients. Following an enlightening tour of the brewery, you will enjoy a selection of the company's award-winning beers.

You may be served a golden Sir John A's honey wheat ale with a citrusy body, a full-bodied Sydney Street premium stout with roasted barley overtones, or a sweet blueberry ale made with wild Atlantic Canadian berries. PEI Brewing also produces several seasonal craft beers that may be on the menu, all of them with distinctive tastes and presented in a light-hearted atmosphere that pays off the company tagline: "Dream Big. Work Hard. Have a Beer."

Continuing on, you will drive to the Matos Winery & Distillery, a family-owned business in the hilly countryside not far from Charlottetown. The 10 acres of grapevines are gamay noir and chardonnay imported from France, and the resulting small-production wines are spectacular and award winning.

The exact wines will be chosen upon your arrival and may include a dry chardonnay with a scent of apples and melons. The gamay noir is typically light-bodied with aromas of cherries and red currants. Unlike many wineries, Matos also produces spirits and liqueurs such as anisette that you may sample before returning to the pier.

Join a local guide and take a historic stroll through the downtown Charlottetown area. Discover street after street of beautiful historic Victorian era homes and experience Canadian heritage. Discover beautiful churches and quaint shops as you stroll the cobblestone streets, learning about the famous Conference of 1864, which gave the city its designation as the birthplace of Canada.

If you're a foodie and history buff, you'll love this walking food tour; a leisurely three-hour stroll through historic downtown Charlottetown. You'll discover first-hand why we are named "Canada's Food Island" as you sample some of the Island's unique foods and beverages while also meeting some of the people who produce or prepare them. Enjoy mussels, lobster rolls, craft beer, hand-cut Island French fries and more. Along the way, you'll also learn all about our city's unique history, explore its beautiful architecture and discover its vital role in the formation of Canada.