If you’ve only ever thought of visiting Prince Edward Island in the summer, it’s time to change that. Fall in Charlottetown is absolutely magical!
As soon as October hits, the city transforms into a scene that’s straight out of a small town Hallmark movie. Picture colorful foliage, historic buildings, cozy cafes, festive Halloween decorations scattered throughout the city, and festivals galore. Like the kind of festivals you 100% know that Lorelai and Rory Gilmore would have attended in Stars Hollow.
Whether you’re planning on visiting Charlottetown for a weekend getaway, or a longer coastal escape, this is your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Charlottetown in the fall.
So grab a pumpkin spice latte, cozy up by the fire, and get ready to fall in love with Charlottetown in the fall!
Before we get started, if you’re looking to explore more of Canada’s East Coast, you may want to check out these posts:
- 12 Reasons you’ll fall in love with the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews
- 34 Incredible Things to do in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia
- 32 Best Things to do in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- 9 Best Restaurants and Places to eat in Cape Breton (along the Cabot Trail)
And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!
Now, let’s get into the guide of the best things to do in Charlottetown during the fall!
I’m going to start this guide with general information you might need for your trip, then get into the list of the list of Charlottetown’s best fall attractions and activities.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Charlottetown in Autumn
When most people think of PEI, they picture it in the summer. Those iconic red-sand beaches, lighthouses, an abundance of seafood, sunshine, and everything that comes with a beach vacation.
But fall in Charlottetown brings a different kind of magic.
Here are just a few things that make Charlottetown in the fall so special:
- The leaves across the island turn brilliant shades of gold, red, and amber during the month of October. They look just like a painting!
- Festivals and markets fill the city with energy. You have the Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival which runs the entire month of October and features all sorts of activities and attractions, as well as Farm Day in the City which is one of the biggest festivals in PEI.
- The PEI Fall Flavours Festival celebrates local chefs, artisans, and farmers through special dinners and tastings.
- Charlottetown is a lot less crowded in the fall than the summer, making it perfect for a relaxing, cozy getaway.
- The weather stays fairly mild through early October, making it perfect temperatures for exploring Charlottetown by foot.
But if you still don’t believe me, keep reading, I am sure I’ll be able to convince you by the end of this guide.
When to visit Charlottetown in the fall
The best month to take advantage of all of the fun happenings in Charlottetown during the fall season is October.
Not only is this peak time for fall colours, but you’ll get to attend the activities and events that are part of the annual Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival which runs for the entire month.
If you’d also like to attend Charlottetown’s biggest fall festival, Farm Day in the City, be sure to plan your trip around October 4th, 2026!
How to get to Charlottetown
Charlottetown has their own airport just a short 15 minute drive from downtown, so it’s very easy to get to!
I flew directly from Montreal to Charlottetown, and then we rented a car with PEI Car Rentals to use for day trips while we were in the city.
If you’re coming from New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, and traveling by car, you can make the drive across the Confederation Bridge. It’s a super scenic drive, and Confederation Bridge being Canada’s longest bridge is a very unique experience to drive over!
Now that you know when to visit and how to get to Charlottetown, let’s get into the guide on the top things to do in Charlottetown in the fall!
The best things to do in Charlottetown in the Fall
1. Stay at Fairholm Boutique Inns
We stayed at the Fairholm Boutique Inns during our time in Charlottetown and absolutely loved it.
The Fairholm Boutique Inns is a lovely 5 star inn that’s spread across four beautifully restored historic buildings. It’s also a national historic site!
Each suite at the Fairholm Boutique Inns feels unique, and it’s perfectly located just a short walk from all the major sights in downtown Charlottetown.
During the fall season, the Fairholm Boutique Inns goes above and beyond with fall decorations throughout the entire property. Expect to find pumpkins hidden in every corner and the kind of festive decor that makes you feel totally cozy and at home!
I also have to note that the breakfast at Fairholm Boutique Inns is amazing.
Breakfast is included in your stay and they have a great menu with lots of options from eggs benedict, to classic breakfasts, avocado toast, and even a breakfast sandwich.
Every breakfast we had here was so good, and enjoying breakfast in their charming dining room was one of our highlights of each day.
2. Wander Downtown and Discover the Scarecrow Festival
Each October Charlottetown transforms for the annual Charlottetown Scarecrow festival, where you’ll find hundreds of creative scarecrows (literally over 500!) on display throughout the city.
We spent our entire first afternoon in Charlottetown wandering around downtown, admiring the historic buildings and discovering all the hidden scarecrows along the way. It was such a great way to get into the Halloween spirit!
During the Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival, the entire city of Charlottetown really goes all in with themed decorations, markets, and harvest-inspired menus, making it one of the best times of year to visit.
It’s exactly the kind of thing you’d imagine them doing in Stars Hollow, just with a little east coast twist!
3. Sip a Seasonal Cocktail at the Wicked Spirits Cocktail Mix-Off
The Wicked Spirits Cocktail Mix-Off is a month long cocktail competition that is a part of the Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival.
As a part of the Wicked Spirits Cocktail Mix-Off Competition, the city’s best mixologists, bars, and restaurants compete to create the best seasonal themed drink. They feature the cocktail on their menu for the month, and guests can submit their vote for their favourite online.
If you know me well, you know I am a sucker for a seasonal beverage, and this competition brings on the best of fall flavours. Think Apple bourbon infusions, pumpkin spice cold foam, and maple spiced creations that all scream fall.
My two favourite cocktails I tried were at Reddins (more on this awesome bar later) and Brickhouse Kitchen & Bar. But there are so many options for you to choose from throughout downtown Charlottetown!
4. Get your fortune told at Mystic Nights in Rochford Square
Every Friday night in October, when the sun goes down, Rochford Square welcomes you to Mystic Nights, a weekly event featuring oracle card readings by donation!
Oracle readings are done by Readings By Jenn in a magical open-air tent. Think spooky music, flickering lanterns and candles, the wind whispering past as you’re told what the future has in store…
It’s a perfectly whimsical, just a little witchy, kind of fall event that makes you feel so ready for Halloween.
The event is drop in only, and pay what you can! For reference, we each donated $10 to have our oracle card readings done.
It was so much fun getting my reading done by Jenn, while siting in a a dark tent lit by lanterns. And I was so surprised (and a little spooked) by how accurate her reading was!
5. Experience PEI’s biggest open air market, Farm Day in the City!
One of Charlottetown’s biggest events is an absolute must and definitely one of the top things to do in Charlottetown in the fall!
Farm Day in the City, presented by the PEI Potato Growers, transforms downtown Charlottetown into a giant open air celebration of local food, art, and music.
Picture a farmer’s market of epic proportions, throughout the entire downtown, with thousands of people in attendance! In fact, this one day festival attracts over 15 THOUSAND people each year!
Farm Day in the City usually takes place the first Sunday in October and features over 150 local vendors selling all sorts of seasonal goods. You can get everything from fresh PEI produce to handcrafted goods, and even take in live performances.
There’s plenty of fall themed food & drink menus throughout the market, and even a beer garden.
If you’re planning on visiting Charlottetown in fall 2026, mark your calendar for Sunday, October 4th. That’s when Farm Day in the City will be on!
If you’re not able to plan your visit around Farm Day in the City don’t worry, you can still experience a handful of these local artisans and producers at the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market, which takes us to my next point.
6. Shop local goods at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market
The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market is the biggest market in PEI, and features over 60 local vendors selling all sorts of produce, artwork, and locally made goods.
We stopped in to the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on our way out of the city to Cape Tryon Lighthouse (more about that below), and loved browsing the local offerings.
We also couldn’t help but pick up some cinnamon & sugar mini donuts and chai lattes for the road!
7. Take a fall day trip to Cape Tryon Lighthouse
No fall getaway to Charlottetown would be complete without a little coastal adventure, and there are so many great destinations just a short road trip away.
About an hour’s drive from Charlottetown you’ll find the Cape Tryon Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse perched high above dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The drive itself is part of the experience, you’ll be winding down country roads lined with fiery fall foliage, and getting glimpses of the ocean around every turn.
When you arrive at Cape Tryon Lighthouse, take the short trail to the lighthouse, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy the sound of waves below.
Pro tip: Go near sunset for the most breathtaking light and less visitors!
There are a few stops you can make on your way to Cape Tryon Lighthouse, which I’ll cover over the next few points, and make for the perfect adventure packed fall day trip from Charlottetown.
8. Go apple picking at The Grove Orchard
On your way out of the city and heading towards Cape Tryon Lighthouse, you have to stop at The Grove Orchard! The Grove Orchard & U-Pick is a fantastic apple orchard that has over 20 acres to explore, and tons of apples to pick.
They also have lots of fun for families, including photo opps, a train that takes you through the orchard, incredible apple cider, apple cider donuts, and more!
The Grove Orchard will definitely have you feeling all the fall vibes, and is one of the most fun and seasonally aesthetic activities on this list of things to do in Charlottetown in the fall.
9. Taste some seasonal spirits at Deep Roots Distillery
Located just a few minutes down the road from The Grove Orchard is Deep Roots Distillery, and it has to be your next stop on your day trip out to Cape Tryon Lighthouse!
Deep Roots Distillery is a local distillery that makes award winning liquors in PEI, and they have some really fun and unique seasonal flavours!
I fell in love with their peanut butter old fashioned, which is a pre-mixed cocktail in a bottle. Their maple liqueur was also to die for.
During your visit at Deep Roots Distillery you can have a tasting or enjoy one of their amazing cocktails on site. They have picnic tables outside to enjoy your beverage in the sun, and a self guided tour is included with all purchases.
They have a beautiful orchard on property which you can explore, and they use the apples to make their brandy.
If you’d prefer a guided tour rather than a self guided one you can also book one for during your visit!
10. Make a scenic pit stop at this scenic red dirt road (a great photo opportunity!)
We made a little pit stop at this gorgeous red dirt road on our way from Deep Roots Distillery to Cape Tryon Lighthouse, and it was giving all the beautiful fall vibes.
Although it’s not a big tourist stop, it is definitely known by some locals because there was another group taking photos there while we were there!
It makes for such a great photo spot, and is definitely worth the stop.
Here is the exact adress to find this dirt road: Warburton Rd, Rustico PE COA 1NO, Canada
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Once you get there, just drive a short way down the road, there are plenty of spots to stop and take a picture. When you’re done, just find a good spot to turn around and head back to the highway.
11. Have dinner at North Shore Canteen
By the time you reach Cape Tryon Lighthouse you’ll probably be hungry, and luckily there is a great restaurant nearby that’s an absolute must!
North Shore Canteen is an incredible chef-driven restaurant with a rotating menu that showcases the bounty of PEI’s land and sea.
For dinner we split the beef cheek with parisian gnocchi, leeks, green onion & parmesan, and the seared halibut which was served with parsnip purée, corn, and chow chow. (Chow chow is a tangy pickled relish made from chopped vegetables, vinegar, sugar, and spices!)
This was easily one of my favourite meals we had during this trip. Just writing this has me drooling!
After dinner, make the drive back to Charlottetown!
Now would be a great time to head to another bar and try another cocktail from the Wicked Spirits Cocktail Mix-Off.
12. Have a cocktail or two at Charlottetown’s most unique speakeasy, Reddins!
Reddins was definitely my favourite bar we visited while in Charlottetown, and it is an absolute must during your fall visit to the city.
Reddins is a speakeasy hidden above another bar in downtown Charlottetown. I would easily rate this in the top 5 cocktails bar I’ve ever been to (and I have had the chance to try a LOT during my travels!).
Everything from the incredibly unique cocktails, to the extremely enthusiastic and passionate staff, to the history of the building made this such a great spot.
Reddins takes its roots from PEI’s prohibition era, which lasted from 1901 to 1948. Back then, the only way to get alcohol was with a doctor’s note, and Reddins Drug Store on the ground floor of this building was the place to go.
Today, the speakeasy brings that secret history back to life with vintage vibes, prescription style menus, and prohibition era charm.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed by Reddins! If there is one bar on this guide to things to do in Charlottetown in the fall that you can’t miss, this is it.
13. Have an incredible steak & seafood dinner at Sim’s Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
If you’re looking for an elegant, elevated dinner in a beautiful historical building, Sims Corner Steakhouse needs to be on your list when you’re in Charlottetown.
Sim’s Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar specializes in steaks, oysters, and fresh seafood. They have a refined wine list, a great cocktail menu, and the bar is absolutely beautiful.
We had the Atlantic Halibut and the Seafood Papardelle and both were incredible.
They also make martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives which is one of my favourite things to make at home and I’ve never seen on a menu before!
We really enjoyed our dinner at Sim’s Corner Steakhouse. It’s such a special place and would be the perfect kind of restaurant for a special dinner out.
14. Don’t miss lunch (or dinner) at Slaymaker and Nichols
Another great restaurant you need to try while in Charlottetown is Slaymaker & Nichols.
Slaymaker & Nichols is a small boutique Inn and Gastro Pub that features a menu full of fresh and local flavours. We had the fish cakes and the seafood chowder, and although both were really good the seafood chowder was absolutely out of this world.
It was one of the best chowders my friend and I have ever had! And she is originally from Nova Scotia, so that’s saying a lot.
Slaymaker and Nichols also have a really great cocktail menu which includes unique drinks like a peanut butter & jam old fashioned, featuring Deep Roots Distillery’s peanut butter old fashioned recipe!
15. Go for a beautiful fall walk along the Victoria Park Boardwalk
The waterfront trail around Victoria Park is a beautiful place to go for a walk while you’re in Charlottetown.
If you’re looking for something peaceful to do during fall in Charlottetown, you should definitely go out for a stroll along the Victoria Park Boardwark.
The boardwalk stretches along the coast and will give you the most beautiful views.
Start your walk near Victoria Row, and loop toward the battery to catch a peek at Charlottetown’s only lighthouse!
We thoroughly enjoyed walking along the boardwalk, and since it’s only 1.2 km long (2.4km there and back) it’s perfect for a little morning or afternoon stroll before you carry on with more activities.
16. Have a cozy seasonal coffee at one of Charlottetown’s many cafes.
There’s no way I could write a list to the best things to do in Charlottetown in the fall without including a cozy cafe!
Getting your seasonal coffee fix is quite literally a ritual this time of year, and luckily Charlottetown has some great cafes to check out during your visit.
We stopped in to warm up at The Kettle Black, a cute little cafe in downtown Charlottetown. There I had a nutella latte which was one of the best lattes I’ve ever had!
Of course they also serve your classic pumpkin spice, but I just can’t say no to Nutella.
Some of the other great cafe recommendations in Charlottetown I’ve heard about are:
17. Make a day trip out to the charming Victoria-by-the-Sea
Just a 35 minute drive from Charlottetown is Victoria-by-the-sea, a charming village that’s a must visit during your time in Charlottetown.
Victoria-by-the-Sea was actually named one of Forbe’s 50 most beautiful villages in the world this year, so you know this one is definitely worth the drive!
While you’re in Victoria be sure to take a walk along the boardwalk, then explore the local shops. We loved Enchanted Enterprises and Coach House Antiques, which both feature many unique and locally made goods.
You’ll quickly find that everyone in Victoria-by-the-Sea is extremely friendly, we spent a few hours talking to the locals in their shops, just learning about their lives, their work, and all about the village. There was so much pride and happiness to share which I found really inspiring.
18. Dine at Landmark Oyster House while in Victoria
Before you leave Victoria-by-the-Sea you have to have dinner at Landmark Oyster House. It’s one of Victoria’s most celebrated restaurants, and the meal we had here was so good!
We split the Oysters Rockefeller, warm buttered lobster roll, and the fish tacos. Every dish was absolutely mouthwateringly good.
You definitely won’t be disappointed by the food at Landmark Oyster House!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this guide to some of the best things to do in Charlottetown in the fall!
There’s no denying that fall in Charlottetown is everything cute, cozy, and charming. The city really comes alive during autumn, and you can feel the excitement everywhere you go.
Whether you’re looking to just relax, take it slow, and enjoy some of Charlottetown’s incredible fall foliage, get in on the action and take part in Charlottetown’s many fall festivals and attractions, or eat and drink your way through some of Charlottetown’s best restaurants and bars, there’s lots to do here during the fall season.
I hope this guide has inspired you to consider visiting Charlottetown in the fall. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much I did!
If you’re looking for more Canadian east coast guides, don’t forget to check out these posts:
- 12 Reasons you’ll fall in love with the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews
- 34 Incredible Things to do in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia
- 32 Best Things to do in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- 9 Best Restaurants and Places to eat in Cape Breton (along the Cabot Trail)
Thank you to Discover Charlottetown for the incredible hospitality and for arranging such a wonderful trip for us. As always, all thoughts and opinions in this article are my own.
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