Province House

Searching for a fascinating piece of Canadian history? Look no further than Province House, the "birthplace of confederation"! Step inside this iconic building and you'll be transported back to 1864 when the Charlottetown Conference took place. It was here that maritime representatives first gathered to discuss forming a union, and where representatives from the Province of Canada later joined in to discuss the possibility of a larger confederation. Today, you can visit Province House and walk in the footsteps of these early Canadian leaders, taking in the building's beautiful architecture and imagining the discussions that took place within its walls.

Ready to explore Canada's rich history and heritage? Plan a trip to Province House today! Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to this legislative building is a must. Don't miss your chance to step back in time and learn about the birthplace of the confederation. Book your tickets now and discover the fascinating history of this important Canadian landmark!

What to Know

Looking for a unique and educational experience in Charlottetown? Look no further than Province House, the seat of the Prince Edward Island Legislature since 1847. This iconic building is Canada's second-oldest seat of government and has been designated a National Historic Site, making it a must-see for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Step inside and you'll be transported back to the 1860s, with period rooms and displays that bring the Charlottetown Conference and the Provincial Legislative Assembly to life.

Ready to discover the rich history and heritage of Prince Edward Island? Book your tour of Province House today! Whether you're interested in the fascinating story of the Charlottetown Conference or simply want to take in the beautiful architecture of this historic building, there's something for everyone. Don't miss your chance to explore one of Canada's most important landmarks and learn about the people and events that shaped our nation.

Want to make the most of your visit to Province House? Be sure to check out the audio-visual presentation "A Great Dream," which offers a deeper insight into the Charlottetown Conference and its significance in North American history. With so much to see and learn, a visit to the Province House National Historic Site is an experience you won't want to miss. Book your tour today and discover the rich heritage of Prince Edward Island!

How to Get There

The Province House building is located at 1 Terry Fox Dr in Charlottetown where Richmond & Great George Streets intersect. If you're planning to visit Province House in Charlottetown, there are several ways to get there, including public transportation or driving. However, the best way to reach this iconic landmark is by booking a Walking Tour of Charlottetown. Not only will you be able to explore Province House, but you'll also have the opportunity to visit other popular hotspots like Victoria Row and Great George Street. Walking tours are a great way to see the city, and you'll get to learn interesting facts about Charlottetown's history and culture from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Best Time to Visit

If you're planning to visit Province House in Charlottetown, it's important to note that the building is currently closed for conservation. However, visitors can still learn about its rich history by visiting the Confederation Centre of the Arts during their opening hours, which are Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Unfortunately, the Confederation Centre is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you plan on visiting during July and August, you'll also have the opportunity to check out the "Imagine a Country" interactive activity on the upper plaza of the Confederation Centre, and the new Province House Virtual Reality Experience.

Features

Although Province House is currently closed for conservation, tourists can still learn about its rich heritage and history by visiting the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The "Story of Confederation" exhibit has a great replica of the Confederation Chamber and a video called “Building of Destiny” that's really interesting. During July and August, there's also an interactive activity called "Imagine a Country" on the upper plaza of the Confederation Centre. And don't miss the brand new Province House Virtual Reality Experience!

The Province House is home to several memorials and monuments that you should definitely check out. The Charlottetown Veterans Memorial, located in front of the Legislature, is a bronze statue honoring soldiers who lost their lives during the World Wars and the Korean War. On the side of the building, you can see a Boer War Memorial honoring members of the Royal Canadian Regiment, as well as plaques commemorating the Fathers of Confederation, including Edward Whelan, Thomas Heath Haviland, Edward Palmer, John Hamilton Gray, Andrew Archibald Macdonald, William Henry Pope, and George Coles. Finally, don't miss the small statue of Eckhart the Mouse from the beloved children's book The True Meaning of Crumbfest.

History

Discover the fascinating history of Province House, a beautiful historic building in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Built for a cost of £10,000 and designed by self-trained architect Isaac Smith, the building features Greek and Roman influences and has served as the home of the Provincial Legislature since 1847. In 1864, Province House hosted the Charlottetown Conference, an event that played an important role in the Canadian Confederation.

In 1973, Province House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, and Parks Canada paid for its restoration from 1979-1983. Although it was damaged in a bombing in 1995, the building is currently closed for repairs and conservation work, with plans to reopen in 2023. Don't miss the chance to explore this significant piece of Canadian history and admire its impressive architecture. In the meantime, the legislature has temporarily moved to the adjacent Hon. George Coles Building.