Park Pick

ARDGOWAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, CHARLOTTETOWN

Ardgowan, a gracious 19th century Gothic revival residence not far from downtown Charlottetown, was the home of William Henry Pope, one of the Fathers of Confederation. It’s an example of a large rural “cottage” from the Victorian era and was the scene of lavish entertaining in 1864 during the historic Charlottetown Conference. The interior—which now houses Parks Canada’s administrative offices for all P.E.I. holdings—isn’t open for public tours, but visitors are encouraged to stroll around the gorgeous grounds and perhaps pause for a picnic. Pope was an avid gardener and the sprawling property reflects his passion (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ardgowan). National Parks and Historic Sites: www.parkscanada.gc.ca

1-888-773-8888