Volendam 2026, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada...

I couldn’t sleep very well last night so I was out and about long before sunrise…  just watching us sail into Charlottetown, in the dark.  Charlottetown is the capital city on the southern coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Leaving the ship, we did the Waterfront and Heritage walking tour. Walking its streets, you find a history book brought to life.   The city showcases well-preserved Victorian buildings, a vibrant harbor and serene boardwalk. We followed the shoreline path from the ship to Confederation Park Landing where the Fathers of Confederation first stepped ashore by boat in 1864. The salt air sets the stage for the city's deep maritime roots. We passed Peakes Quay and the downtown harbor following the Victoria Park boardwalk past the Irish Settlers Memorial. While enjoying the unbroken views of Hillsborough Bay we wound our way to Fanningbank Government House, home of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island…the Governor’s Compound has lovely gardens that were still blooming. Making our way back towards downtown we passed the historic Victorian era Beaconsfield House. We stopped at the charming Rodd Hotel for a break. Next, we passed Province House situated at the top of Great George Street, in the historic heart of Charlottetown and the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation. It is one of the oldest functioning parliamentary buildings in the world and hosted the landmark 1864 Charlottetown Conference. We stopped in to visit St. Paul’s Church and continued our walk down Victoria Row to the iconic St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a breathtaking Gothic stone church featuring 200-foot spires that define the Charlottetown skyline. Arriving back at Peakes Quay, a lively hub filled with local shops, beautiful harbor views, and of course the perfect spot to enjoy a treat from the famous Cows Ice Cream…it was delicious!  Being creatures of habit, we enjoyed a maritime lunch of lobsters rolls and fish at McKinnons Lobsters on the Wharf Restaurant with our dear friend Florin and then we went to the Receiver’s Coffee Bar in the Brass shop. Originally constructed in 1876, The Brass Shop is among the oldest buildings in Charlottetown. The name comes from the railway era, when this island sandstone structure was used to polish brass components on locomotives. We had a great day walking the city and a fabulous lunch…it doesn’t get any better than this! We always feel right at home in Prince Edward Island…