Charlottetown Churches Walking Tour

OVERVIEW

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 featuring 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See four of Charlottetown’s churches, each significant its own way.
• Stop in a church that has been declared a National Historic Site.
• Hear about the phantom bell ringers that supposedly haunt another church.

HELPFUL HINTS

• See four of Charlottetown’s churches, each significant its own way.
• Stop in a church that has been declared a National Historic Site.
• Hear about the phantom bell ringers that supposedly haunt another church