On The Run In… Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island may be small, but it has a large, enthusiastic running community. Every weekend from May through October you’ll find a number of running races – from the mile to the marathon to ultras – on city streets and country roads. The capital city, Charlottetown, hosts many of these events and is a great place to run. Runners can enjoy the city’s quiet residential streets, waterfront boardwalk and easy access to the Confederation Trail, a 274K system that stretches across the island, tip to tip.

While on the run in the “Birthplace of Canada,” you can trace some of the country’s history, such as Fanningbank at the entrance to Victoria Park, where the delegates met in 1864 to discuss the formation of Canada, or Province House, at the head of Great George Street, where the provincial legislature still sits today. Expect to see many other friendly runners along the way. With Charlottetown’s population of 40,000 residents, it’s surprising how many you’ll see out for their run. It must be the fresh sea air.

On the Town

To Eat

The Charlottetown dining scene offers a variety of options. For fine dining and creative cuisine, try dinner at Lot 30 Restaurant on Kent Street, where chef Gordon Bailey serves up only the freshest food – they don’t even have a freezer. If you’re in the mood for pasta, stop by Sirenella Ristorante on Water Street. Owner Italo Marzari brings his Italian roots and culinary experience in his dishes. The Merchantman Pub (also on Water Street) won the Taste the Island Award in 2009 in recognition of its use of fresh local produce, seafood and meat. They have full pub and dinner menus – and great fish and chips.

Running Stuff

If you’re a fan of Asics running shoes, visit Hasham’s Variety on Cumberland Street. Salem Hasham runs this combination corner convenience and running store. He has a huge selection of Asics at great prices. Another local spot for runners is Proude’s Shoes on Brackley Point Road. Owner Kevin Proude’s knowledge of running shoes will help you find the perfect fit for you. Other sporting goods stores in Charlottetown include Sport Chek and Source for Sports (no Running Room – yet).

To Stay

For visitor information or to book accommodations, visit the official province of PEI website: www.gentleisland.com.

The Routes

If you’re going to be in Charlottetown on vacation or business and have time for a run, try one of the routes shown here, or check out the PEI Roadrunners website at www.peiroadrunners.ca for the local race schedule. Some race favourites include: the Bunny Hop (10K in April), the Deltaware Fun Run (5K in June) and the PEI Marathon (a full range of distances in October). The website also has a message board, which local runners use to set up meeting times and locations for group runs. Visiting runners are welcome to join in.

SHORT

5K

Magical History Tour

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/ca/pe/charlottetown/902126016138716100

This is a nice, easy figure-eight route that tracks a bit of Canada’s history. Start the run at Province House at the top of Great George Street, head down Richmond Street to Rochford Street, turn right, and when you reach Euston Street, take a left. It’s best to keep to the sidewalk along this part of the run, as traffic can be busy. Euston turns into Brighton Road as you head toward Goodwill Avenue, take a right on Goodwill, then left on to York Lane, go to the end and turn left on Queen Elizabeth Drive. Enter Victoria Park and take the boardwalk along the water’s edge. As you approach the other end of the boardwalk, look to your left to see Fanningbank, the Lieutenant Governor’s residence. After exiting the park, turn right on West Street, take the turn to Richmond Street, right on to Haviland, left at Water Street and then left on Great George Street. Head up Great George back to the start at Province House to complete the run. The run up Great George is the same path from the waterfront to Province House that the delegates for the Charlottetown Conference took in 1864 for their historic meeting. Great George Street has been named a National Historic Streetscape.

MEDIUM

10K

Not Bored on the Boardwalk

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/ca/pe/charlottetown/811126023181725438

Enjoy a tour through Victoria Park and quiet neighbourhoods on this out-and-back route. Start next to the Island’s provincial government buildings at the corner of Kent and West Streets, head up Kent to Rochford Street, turn left and continue taking lefts at Fitzroy Street, then Government Drive to the Victoria Park entrance. Along the boardwalk, look for sailboats and windsurfers – and maybe a cruise ship – in Charlottetown Harbour. The next part of this run is about 6K through quiet streets featuring grand households, both old and new. Exit the Park and go straight up Queen Elizabeth Drive and continue until Edinburgh Drive. Turn left on Brittany Drive, left on Moreau Drive, left on Spruce Street, right on Belvedere Avenue and left on Vista Street. Run right to the end of Vista, where there’s a turnaround. Follow your tracks back to complete the 10K route.

LONG

21K

My Better Half

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/ca/pe/charlottetown/558126023496888210

This is an easy-going half-marathon-distance run, mostly on the Confederation Trail. The Trail is fairly flat and covered with finely crushed gravel. Start this run at the foot of Prince Street, on the waterfront, go right on Water Street, left on Weymouth Street, then turn right on Grafton Street. Holland College is to your left. After you pass the College grounds, look for Joseph Ghiz Park on your left (at Edward Street) and enter the Trail. At about the 3K point, the Trail crosses Belvedere Avenue and then runs along the edge of the University of PEI campus. There are entry points into the university from the Trail if you feel like exploring. Continue along the Trail until Mt Edward Road, and follow this to Sherwood Road and turn right. About half a kilometre up the Sherwood Road, turn left back onto the Trail. Follow the Trail (keep right at the fork) and take a right onto Brackley Point Road and then another quick right on Royalty Junction Road. Go left on the Trail and continue on the Trail until you get back to Mount Edward Road. Head up Mount Edward to Ash Drive and turn left, then right on Maple Street. Take Maple to the end and turn right on Belvedere Avenue. Look for the Trail on Belvedere, and take a left on the Trail. From here, the final 3K traces back to the start point.