48 Hours in Charlottetown

8AM CORA'S

Breakfast's at this Canadian chain restaurants are excellent, and always come served with heaps of fresh fruit. Portons are huge, healthy, and delicious. You can't go wrong at Cora's.

10AM ROBINS AND RUBYS EMPORIUM

62 QUEEN ST. CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI C1A 4A6

Take a stroll around downtown Charlottetown and enjoy browsing in the many cool little indie boutiques, vintage stores, and bookstores. You can pick up a shopping map in the stores, that highlights the best of the city. Start at Robins and Rubys Emporium, a vintage store stacked high with jewelry, clothing, homewares, and all manner of unique finds.

1PM TERRE ROUGE BISTRO MARCHE

Walking past this storefront the scents of delicious baked goods and coffee lures you in, and then you're faced with beautiful foods to take-out (homemade charcuterie, breads, gelato, pastas, and more) and then there's a sit down part at the back. Terre Rouge Bistro Marche is one of Charlottetown's hottest places to eat,and is an absolute must.

2PM CONFEDERATION CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Drop in to the Confederation Centre for the Arts and check out their rather excellent art gallery. With permanent exhibitions and interesting visiting ones, this is a cultural gem in the city. After, stroll around the corner to the Pilar Shephard Gallery on Great George Street for more art, both local and from further afield, and if you've cash to spend you'll no doubt find something beautiful here to take home with you.

5PM YOUNG FOLK AND THE KETTLE BLACK

Stop for a perfect cappucino and a pastry at Young Folk and the Kettle Black, a hipster coffee bar with a laid-back attitude. The cookies there are fantastic (but then all their treats are). After, explore the tourist shops along Water Street, and buy some Cow Chips (chocolate covered potato chips) at Anne of Green Gables Chocolates at 100 Queen Street (just around the corner).

7PM BRACKLEY BEACH

Drive 10km north out to Brackley Beach and watch the sunset over the red sands. The beaches here are glorious, and have to be walked upon.

8PM SIM'S CORNER OYSTER BAR AND STEAKHOUSE

86 QUEEN ST. CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI C1A 4A7

Entering Sim's Corner Oyster Bar and Steakhouse, you can easily believe that it used to be a brothel, the sensually draped decor these days is a definate nod to that. Come here for succulent oysters, juicy steaks, delicious sides, and decadent desserts. There's a huge patio out front with sofas to louge on if the weather isn't too cool. Stay on for excellent cocktails after dinner.

7AM CHARLOTTETOWN FARMER'S MARKET

100 BELVEDERE AVE. CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI C1A 8C4

At the Charlottetown's small but perfectly formed Farmers' Market you can pick up a great cup of coffee and something hot for breakfast, then browse the stalls for interesting handicrafts and local foods to take home.

9AM OUTSIDE EXPEDITIONS

370 HARBOURVIEW DR. NORTH RUSTICO, PEI

Head out to to Rustico and rent a bike from Outside Expeditions, where they'll arm you with a route that takes you through stunning coastal scenery and past amazing beaches. Prince Edward Island is naturally stunning, and by bike you'll get to see it up close.

1PM THE DUNES STUDIO GALLERY & CAFE

3622 BRACKLEY POINT RD. BRACKLEY BEACH, PEI C1E 2P2

Come to The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe for a beautiful farm to table lunch, in a lovely environment, and then spend an hour browsing the local art and ceramics on display. There is a serene sculpture garden outside, and a wing full of art from Asia that you can buy.

3PM CONFEDERATION PLAYERS WALKING TOUR

Because Charlottetown is where Canada came into existence, there are several ways that you can learn about the city's political history. Taking a Confederation Players Walking Tour has to be the most interesting one. Actors in period dress show you the historic sights and explain the important architecture as they guide you around the city.

6PM THE GAHAN HOUSE PUB & BREWERY

Dinner at The Gahan House is a Charlottetown must-do, and they brew their own beer - what more could you want? Go for their beer battered brown bag fish and chips, which is superb, and treat yourself to a sampler of beers to wash it down with.

WHERE TO STAY: DELTA PRINCE EDWARD

18 QUEEN ST. PEI, CA C1A4A1

The Delta Prince Edward is ideally located on the Charlottetown waterfront, meaning that you can walk to most attractions, and there is plenty going on nearby. It has an excellent bar, and large pool and gym that look out over the harbour.