Victoria is about 30 minutes west of Charlottetown, about halfway to the Confederation Bridge along Highway 1. The town’s history is rich with shipbuilding, and at the time of Confederation was one of the island’s busiest ports. As the age of wooden sailing ships ended, Victoria became the point of departure for cattle herds, though now it is best known for its several blocks of craft shops and its arts colony. The town features the PEI Summer Playhouse theatre, and has a traditionally rigged schooner offering cruises from Victoria harbour.
The area that is now Victoria was originally known as Lot 29, and was granted to John Cambridge in 1767. Thomas Wright established a settlement in the area in the early 1800s, initially known as Wright’s Creek, and later renamed Victoria in honor of Queen Victoria.
During the 1800s, Victoria became an important center for shipbuilding, with several shipyards in the area. The community also had a thriving crop and livestock farming industry and the town had several churches, schools, and businesses.
By the early 1900s, Victoria declined when several area began to shut down, and many residents moved away.
Victoria Attractions
Victoria-by-the-Sea
Victoria Road, Victoria, PEI
(902) 658-2433
website
Victoria-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside village located just a short drive from Borden-Carleton. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as a beautiful waterfront park.
Victoria Playhouse
20 Howard Street, Victoria, PEI
902-658-2025
Website
Victoria Playhouse is a historic theater that hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including plays, concerts, and other events.
Victoria Seaport Museum
64 Main Street, Victoria, PEI
902-658-2009
Website
The Victoria Seaport Museum showcases the history of Victoria’s shipbuilding and seafaring industries with exhibits on the ships that were built in the area, andthe people who lived and worked in Victoria.
Victoria Row Shopping District
Victoria Row, Victoria, PEI
Website
The Victoria Row shopping district is a charming area of Victoria that features a variety of local shops and boutiques, including clothing stores, gift shops, and art galleries.
Victoria Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Various locations throughout Victoria, PEI
902-658-2025
Website
The Victoria Highland Games & Scottish Festival each year, featuring traditional Scottish music and dance, and athletic competitions including the caber toss and hammer throw.
The Village Pottery
10567 Route 6, North Rustico, PEI
902-963-2078
Website
This working studio and gallery that showcases local ceramic artists, including handmade pottery and other ceramic pieces.
The Victoria Golf Course
12118 Route 6, Victoria, PEI
902-658-2752
Website
The Victoria Golf Course is a scenic 9-hole course located on the outskirts of Victoria, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and ocean