Province House National Historic Site
Province House National Historic Site
Province House National Historic Site
4
About
The birthplace of Confederation and the seat of PEI's provincial legislature since 1847, Province House National Historic Site is Charlottetown's most significant cultural landmark. Walk in the footsteps of the Fathers of Confederation as you learn about the history of this magnificent example of neo-classical architecture and see how it remains a centre of political life for Islanders today.
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4.0
305 reviews
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PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,605 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
While I do admit it is supremely disappointing that the “birthplace of Confederation” is closed – and has been closed for some time (since 1 January 2015) – for extensive renovations and won’t be open again for “3 – 5 years,” it is still nonetheless a sight to see . . . even if its neo-classical architecture doesn’t look quite as impressive all tarped and boarded up. We should be thankful that we can still see its exterior “shell” in some form. After all, the building is rife with history, which is why it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1973 (one of only few legislatures in the country to be given such distinction). As the proverbial birthplace of Confederation, it carries with it a significant history that is absolutely essential to an understanding of Canada.
Built in 1847 – a full twenty years before Canada became a nation – Province House played a key and leading role in the birth of what was to become Canada. The seeds of Confederation were planted in the Fall of 1864 when political representatives from the Maritimes and the Province of Canada came together to discuss a potential union. Their historic gathering and conference became known as the “Charlottetown Conference” and took place from the 1st of September to the 7th. If Province House wasn’t currently undergoing extensive restoration, you’d be able to visit the historic chamber where this historic meeting took place; unfortunately, if you’re a history buff like me, you’ll have to settle for a replica and brief film on the “story of Confederation” at the nearby Confederation of the Arts. I suppose that’s better than nothing.
Had the site been open, this attraction would’ve probably garnered a full 5-stars from me – exactly because it is the bastion of Canadian confederation – but because I could only view it from the outside (and still not in its full glory), and therefore lack the full experience, it’s more of a three-star attraction right now. I should also note, in closing, that I fully understand why people are disappointed when they arrive here to find the site closed; however, that is hardly grounds for negative reviews. Province House is a historic site and as such needs occasional restoration. I would rather have these sites closed for the appropriate work rather than have them crumble beneath our feet.
Built in 1847 – a full twenty years before Canada became a nation – Province House played a key and leading role in the birth of what was to become Canada. The seeds of Confederation were planted in the Fall of 1864 when political representatives from the Maritimes and the Province of Canada came together to discuss a potential union. Their historic gathering and conference became known as the “Charlottetown Conference” and took place from the 1st of September to the 7th. If Province House wasn’t currently undergoing extensive restoration, you’d be able to visit the historic chamber where this historic meeting took place; unfortunately, if you’re a history buff like me, you’ll have to settle for a replica and brief film on the “story of Confederation” at the nearby Confederation of the Arts. I suppose that’s better than nothing.
Had the site been open, this attraction would’ve probably garnered a full 5-stars from me – exactly because it is the bastion of Canadian confederation – but because I could only view it from the outside (and still not in its full glory), and therefore lack the full experience, it’s more of a three-star attraction right now. I should also note, in closing, that I fully understand why people are disappointed when they arrive here to find the site closed; however, that is hardly grounds for negative reviews. Province House is a historic site and as such needs occasional restoration. I would rather have these sites closed for the appropriate work rather than have them crumble beneath our feet.
Written February 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rh6263
Vancouver, Canada314 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
If arriving by cruise ship, it is a short walk into town to learn about the History of Canada's Confederation. At the cruise terminal, free wi-if is available. There are also many little shops available in the terminal to pick up the last minute souvenir. At the time of this writing, Province House is closed for renovations. This ongoing project is in year two of five . As a result, there is a temporary setup done through Parks Canada for tourists to have a brief overview of Confederation. For more information, about Confederation, download the app EXPLORA onto a mobile device before leaving home and you can follow along once at Province House. There are short presentations put on at different times of the day, so check with the Parks Canada rep.While walking along Great George Street, take the time to read the placards that give little snippets of history. Throughout the downtown historic area, there are many statues of the the founding Fathers of Confederation that provide photo ops. Along the way, one may find re-enactment actors that will be willing to share their views of the events that lead up to Confederation. Another great way to discover Charlottetown is to go to the website, www.downtowncharlottetown,com and click on the link for Echart in the City. Here you can download a Scavenger Hunt map that takes you all over the downtown area to historic sites, statues, and places of interest. A very brief paragraph on each of the sights is also included. This would be a great activity to do as a family and keep children interested. One of the stops on the way to the downtown area is Dunstan Basilica. It is a beautiful church with very interesting architecture and stained glass. There are lots of restaurants downtown offering steamed mussels or other seafood delights. Public washrooms can be found on the 2nd level of the Confederation Shopping Mall or at the Public Library. Anne of Green Gables memorabilia can be found in many stores for those that enjoy or have enjoyed Lucy Maud Montgomery novels. Charlottetown is a lovely and quaint town with friendly citizens.
Written July 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CdnBlossom
Ottawa, Canada177 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
As most historic sites are, it was picturesque and well cared for. You can wander the halls and peek into the preserved rooms. There is a play to watch and you should see it. The actors are in period dress, and are very good, not to overstate that you sit in an air-conditioned room!
Written August 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waymega
United Kingdom59 contributions
Jun 2022
I'm sure this would be an amazing site to visit, and we wanted to visit! However it is still closed for renovations. So if you are hoping to see lots of info about the birthplace of Confederation, you can't do it here. We did visit the temporary exhibition at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, next door. There was a helpful guide that spoke to us about the meeting to discuss Confederation, and there is a video you can watch. Not much but still very interesting, so get your fix of historical info at the temporary exhibit next door.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josie Mae R
Cambridge, MD64 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
It was closed, so we just got to see they outside, which was better than nothing, but I recommend the Founder's Hall, nearby! They also have people giving tours around, which I recommend too!
Written August 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy F
Bradford West Gwillimbury, Canada21 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
My family and I visited Province House on a Saturday afternoon in August. When we entered, there were about five or six Parks Canada staff members standing there, in regular Parks uniforms. They were not very welcoming or helpful, and did not offer any information about the site. I had to ask them specific questions about the guided tour and the video presentation (which I had read about beforehand). We were told that it was a special day, and they had a lot of groups in that day, so they were not providing tours. They pointed out which direction to go in for the video. I didn't even bother asking them about the period costumes and re-enactments that I had also read about. We decided to go upstairs and look around, and a few minutes later, the staff member who told us there were no tours that day was leading a tour. This was the first place we visited in Charlottetown, and it did not leave us with a good impression at all.
Written August 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PatS487
Leamington Spa, UK8 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We have previously visited Province House, and enjoyed hearing about where it all began for Canada.
This year we were tempted by a short play which gave an insight to the meetings and conclusions by all the many delegates, presented by some very talented young actors in period dress. They really told the story of "for" and "against" - much of it with humour. It was also free of charge - a nice touch!
This year we were tempted by a short play which gave an insight to the meetings and conclusions by all the many delegates, presented by some very talented young actors in period dress. They really told the story of "for" and "against" - much of it with humour. It was also free of charge - a nice touch!
Written August 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller-pg
newcastle520 contributions
Sept 2019
Sat in a small park near the war memorial here. This impressive building was being renovated so was fenced off, but from what I could see the building still looked good from outsode.
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaxineKentfield
Kentfield38 contributions
Aug 2019
Supposedly great when open- but very disappointed to find out that the major tourist attraction in town was closed
Written September 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sidra1987
Toronto, Canada417 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
Gorgeous house in a Very peaceful area with a stunning garden and relaxing water view. Was closed for the long weekend but definitely enjoyed the exterior and had the garden all to ourself ❤️
Written October 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you not indicate on here that Province House will be closed for restoration? It is a major undertaking that will take almost five years to complete. Until it is completed this attraction will not be available. It is a disservice to travellers and to the Province not to indicate on here that it is closed.
Written August 6, 2017
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