Government House

Government House is a Palladian-style building in Charlottetown distinguished by eight Doric columns and balanced proportions. The three-story structure contains formal reception rooms, a dining hall, and private chambers arranged with classical refinement.

The building was completed in 1834 as a residence for the Lieutenant Governor after the site was designated on Crown land by Lieutenant Governor Edmund Fanning in 1789. It became a symbol of provincial governance and a venue for official occasions.

The residence reflects its role as a seat of provincial leadership and displays British traditions of governance through its formal spaces. Visitors can observe rooms that continue to serve official functions and ceremonial events today.

Visits work best during warmer months when guided tours are available and the grounds look their finest. The estate sits centrally in the city and is easily accessible with clear directions from downtown.

The estate was built on a foundation of Island sandstone, a local material that gives buildings in the region their distinctive reddish tone. This choice of building material reflects the historical connection to local resources and quarrying traditions.

Location: Charlottetown

Architectural style: Palladian architecture

GPS coordinates: 46.23117,-63.13615

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43