June is part of Charlottetown’s tourist season, but it’s not the heart of the tourist season (which starts when schools close for the year at the end of June). This means, in theory, that there should be slightly more lodging available in the city than there would be later in the summer.
Where to Stay
If you don’t have a car, you’ll likely want to find something within walking distance of 100 Prince Street, which is not hard as much of the tourist infrastructure in the city is nearby.
If you do find something farther afield, there is a local transit system that might be able to get you there, and also several local taxi companies.
Hotels
Hotels on the high end include the Delta Prince Edward (part of the Marriott chain; the large waterfront conference hotel) and the Rodd Charlottetown (originally the railway hotel; located beside city hall). The Great George is a hotel housed in an interconnected series of restored heritage buildings that’s just around the corner from us; it’s expensive, but the rooms are very nice and well-appointed, and there’s a good breakfast. The Sydney Inn is also just around the corner, in the former Notre Dame convent; it’s similarly well-appointed, and looks out on a beautiful park.
Less expensive but still close are Charlottetown Backpackers Inn (with a mixture of dorms and private rooms; located in an older home two blocks away from us). A little further away the local community college, Holland College, rents out residence suites during the summer, and these can be a less expensive alternative to a hotel, especially if you’re sharing with others.
If you find something else and want our take on it, just ask.
Airbnb and VRBO
Recent years have seen an explosion of Airbnb and VRBO units in downtown Charlottetown, and so you find many places nearby. If you locate something and you want to check with me to see if I know the owner or the property, don’t hesitate to ask.
(Not everyone thinks the proliferation of short-term rental housing is a good thing, given the way that it affects the makeup of neighbourhoods; this was a municipal election issue last fall, and discussions on how to grapple with this are ongoing).
Oceanside Cottages
If you’re planning to combine your visit with a more traditional PEI holiday and are looking for a cottage, the province runs a central booking website. Book early, as even though June isn’t prime tourist season, demand is usually high.
You’ll definitely need a vehicle if you plan to stay in a cottage (or a bicycle and lots of ambition).