1.5hr Harbour Experience on North America’s LARGEST solar boat!

The most unusual part of this Charlottetown outing is the boat itself. The Isola Solaretto is billed as North America’s largest solar boat, and it carries you quietly around the harbour without the usual engine roar. That makes the ride feel calm, even when the subject turns to forts, shoreline erosion, lobster fishing, or the birth of Canada.

I like the small group size, capped at 34, and the way every seat sits near a large window. I also like the human touch from guides such as Steve and Justyn, with captains including Craig and Alan adding their own stories. The main thing to consider is the boarding ladder, which may be difficult if you have mobility problems.

Key points to know

• A quiet solar boat with a story: The Isola Solaretto has roots in Expo 67 in Montreal and is itself part of the tour’s subject matter.
• A 90-minute harbour loop: You return to the Charlottetown Cruise Ship Terminal after seeing Victoria Park, Rocky Point, Peake’s Wharf, and several historic sites from the water.
• Good viewing from nearly every seat: Large windows and opening roof hatches help with photographs and fresh air.
• History delivered with humor: Steve, Justyn, Captain Craig, and other crew members mix Confederation history with local stories, trivia, and tales from life on PEI.
• Comfort in changing weather: The enclosed cabin can be welcome on cool days, though wind and choppy water can still make the ride rocky.
• Optional food, not part of the base price: The listed fare does not include lunch, drinks, coffee, tea, or alcohol, though lobster and chicken meal options may be available when booking.

Why the solar boat is the real attraction

You are not boarding a fast sightseeing vessel. This is a slow, easy ride built around conversation, views, and the novelty of traveling under solar power.

The Isola Solaretto has a quiet presence on the water. That matters because you can hear the guide without fighting a loud engine. It also gives the captain time to point out details along the shore instead of rushing from one landmark to the next.

The boat’s backstory adds another layer. The vessel was introduced at Montreal’s Expo 67 and later refurbished for use in Charlottetown. You learn about the boat as you ride it, so the experience is not simply a harbour cruise with a solar label attached.

You get large windows beside the seating area, opening roof hatches, WiFi, video screens, and a restroom. The screens and WiFi are practical, but the windows matter most. Sit where you have a clear view outward, then use the roof hatches when the weather is bright and comfortable.

The boat holds a maximum of 34 people. That is small enough for the guide to keep the tone personal, but it is still a boat, not a private charter. If you want a completely quiet ride, the regular commentary and occasional trivia will not suit you. If you want context for what you are seeing, the narration is a major part of the value.

Setting out from Charlottetown Cruise Ship Terminal

The tour begins at the Charlottetown Cruise Ship Terminal at 1a Weymouth Street. It ends at the same place, which keeps the outing easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or a cruise-port stop.

Morning, midday, and afternoon departures give you some flexibility. The ride lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, long enough to cover a broad stretch of the harbour without consuming half your day.

The captain begins with a short introduction to Charlottetown Harbour and the history of the area. You hear about the Mi’kmaq, who first settled the province, and Charlottetown’s role as the Cradle of Confederation.

That opening is useful because the rest of the trip is easier to follow once you understand the setting. The harbour is not just pretty water beside town. It connects Indigenous history, early settlement, military defense, shipping, politics, and the continuing problem of coastal erosion.

Guides such as Steve and Justyn have been praised for keeping this material lively. Captain Craig, described as an experienced lobster fisherman, has also shared local stories from a mariner’s point of view. The exact crew can vary, but you should expect an informal presentation rather than a memorized lecture.

Victoria Park and the harbour entrance

One of the first notable sights is Victoria Park, where you can see the cannons and armaments of the historic fort. From the water, you get a different sense of the park’s position and its role in protecting the harbour.

This is a good example of why the boat works best as a companion to walking tours, not a replacement for them. You can see the fortifications and learn their broad story, but you will not be walking among the cannons or examining them at close range.

The boat then heads toward the entrance to Charlottetown Harbour. At Rocky Point, you see Port-la-Joye, also known as Fort Amherst. The location is important to PEI’s early colonial story and gives the route a wider view beyond the streets and waterfront buildings of central Charlottetown.

You may find the scenery more open here than near the downtown waterfront. Weather affects this part of the trip most clearly. On a sunny, calm day, it is a pleasant place for photographs. On a cooler or windy day, you will appreciate the enclosed cabin and roof hatches that can be closed.

The birthplace of Confederation from the water

The central historical stop is the site associated with the 1864 Charlottetown Conference. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick met here to discuss the idea that became Canada.

The boat gives you a view of the birthplace of Canada from the harbour rather than from inside a museum or historic building. That perspective is valuable because the water was the practical route connecting the colonies. It helps you picture Charlottetown as a meeting place reached by ship, not simply as a modern provincial capital with a historic label.

The guide explains the Confederation story alongside the Mi’kmaq presence and the development of Charlottetown Harbour. That broader framing is one of the tour’s strengths. You get more than a single famous date, and you are encouraged to think about the region’s history before and after 1864.

The presentation also has a playful side. Trivia games and humorous facts have been part of the onboard entertainment, including lighthearted information about PEI and its food. Families can find this useful because younger passengers are not expected to sit through a long, formal history talk.

Still, you should keep your expectations realistic. This is a harbour-view history tour. If your main goal is to explore Charlottetown’s streets, churches, and museums on foot, you will need a separate city tour or your own walking route.

Shoreline erosion and expensive homes

A more modern subject appears as the boat passes several multi-million-dollar homes. One property valued at about $15 million is used to explain rock armoring and the problems caused when shoreline protection is designed poorly.

PEI is losing about one foot of shoreline each year, according to the tour information. The point is not simply to admire waterfront real estate. You are shown how attempts to hold back the sea can sometimes damage the shore or shift the problem elsewhere.

This part gives the ride a useful present-day edge. Historical tours can stay safely in the past, but this one connects the view outside your window to a problem affecting the island now.

The example also makes the lesson easier to remember. Instead of hearing a general warning about erosion, you see the kind of protective work being discussed and learn that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach it.

You should not expect a technical engineering class. The explanation is intended for a general audience, and the guide’s stories and humor keep it accessible. I find that a good fit for a relaxed boat ride, especially if you want some substance beyond landmark names.

Peake’s Wharf and St. Dunstan’s Basilica

The route includes a view of Peake’s Wharf, one of the best-known waterfront areas in central Charlottetown. From the boat, you see the wharf in front of St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and the guide connects the view to local food and city history.

This is also where you hear about Cow’s Ice Cream, a PEI favorite that has been ranked as the number one ice cream in the world. Ice cream is a small detail, but it gives the commentary a local flavor. The ride is not trying to be solemn from start to finish.

St. Dunstan’s Basilica is the tallest structure in Charlottetown. It is one of 27 designated basilicas in Canada and is also a National Historic Site.

From the water, the basilica gives you a strong visual marker. Its height makes it easier to orient yourself as the boat moves along the waterfront. You will not get the same interior detail as you would on a church visit, but the outside view works well from the boat.

Bring a camera, but do not spend the whole ride looking through it. The opening roof hatches can improve your angle, and the large windows reduce the need to crowd toward one side. If the weather changes, the enclosed design lets you keep watching without standing outside in the wind.

Beaconsfield Historic House and Victorian Charlottetown

The final featured sight is Beaconsfield Historic House, built in 1877 for shipbuilder and merchant James Peake. It is one of seven Museum and Heritage PEI sites and reflects the wealth and style of Victorian Charlottetown.

From the harbour, the house helps show how closely the city’s prosperity was tied to shipping and commerce. You are seeing the building as part of the waterfront story, not just as an isolated grand residence.

Again, this is an exterior view. If Beaconsfield catches your interest, plan a separate visit for a closer look. The boat gives you the setting and the historical connection, while a land visit would provide the rooms and architectural detail.

That division of labor is important when deciding if this cruise fits your plans. The boat is best for a broad introduction, fresh views, and historical context. It is not a substitute for going ashore at every landmark.

What the ride feels like in different weather

The boat has received good feedback for comfort on chilly days. The enclosed cabin can be a real advantage when an open-air sightseeing boat is too cold. You can still use the roof hatches when conditions are pleasant, then close them when the wind picks up.

The ride is generally slow and relaxing, but it is not guaranteed to be perfectly smooth. In colder weather or stronger wind, the harbour can feel rocky. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most comfortable and keep that possibility in mind.

The solar system does not mean the boat is weatherproof. Poor weather can lead to cancellation, with a choice of another date or a full refund. A minimum number of passengers is also required, so the operator may cancel if that number is not reached.

The restroom is onboard, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the boarding ladder deserves special attention. One passenger with mobility issues could not manage the ladder and was unable to take the trip, so contact Ride Solar before booking if stairs or ladders are a concern.

Price, food, and overall value

The listed price is $85.61 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see the harbour, so I would judge it by what you want from the outing.

You are paying for a 90-minute cruise, a small vessel, the solar boat story, onboard commentary, and a guided look at sites connected to PEI and Canadian history. The price includes GST, WiFi, and use of the onboard restroom.

Food and drinks are not included. Coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, alcohol, lunch, and dinner are listed separately. Lobster and chicken meal options may be offered when you book, but you should select and confirm that option rather than assume it comes with the standard ticket.

Some passengers have enjoyed the chicken, Caesar salad, and homemade rolls. The lobster roll is another possible choice. Food service on a small solar vessel can be less polished than service in a restaurant, so I would book the meal for the menu and novelty, not for a formal dining experience.

For me, the strongest value comes from the guide and the boat, not the meal. Steve and Justyn have been singled out for animated, funny presentations, while captains such as Craig and Alan add practical local stories. If you like history told with jokes, questions, and trivia, the price makes more sense.

If you only want a short scenic ride and do not care about commentary, the fare may feel high. If you want a relaxed introduction to Charlottetown Harbour with a distinctive vessel and a strong local narrative, it is easier to justify.

Who should book the Isola Solaretto?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a gentle first look at Charlottetown from the water. It also suits families, couples, solo visitors, and cruise passengers who have about 90 minutes and want something more memorable than a standard motorboat ride.

It is a good choice for history fans who prefer stories to formal exhibits. It also works for people curious about renewable energy, coastal erosion, PEI’s lobster industry, and the practical side of running a solar-powered boat.

Families may appreciate the trivia and the informal style. The crew has even allowed children to take a turn at the wheel in some cases, though that is at the captain’s discretion and should not be treated as a guaranteed feature.

I would pause before booking if you have serious mobility limitations, dislike boats that can move in choppy water, or want an in-depth walking tour of downtown Charlottetown. You may also want to skip the meal add-on if you prefer a more predictable dining experience on land.

Should you book it?

Book the Isola Solaretto if you want a quiet, unusual harbour outing where the boat is part of the story. The route covers the main historical themes well, the windows and roof hatches give you good viewing options, and the best guides turn the 90 minutes into an entertaining lesson about PEI.

Before paying, check the departure time, confirm any meal choice, and ask about the boarding ladder if mobility is an issue. With a 4.7 rating and 94 percent recommendation rate, this is a strong choice for an easygoing introduction to Charlottetown Harbour, especially on a day when you want local stories, open water, and a slower pace.

FAQ

Where does the solar boat tour begin and end?

The tour begins at the Charlottetown Cruise Ship Terminal at 1a Weymouth Street in Charlottetown. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the harbour experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What sights will I see from the boat?

You will pass Victoria Park, the entrance to Charlottetown Harbour, Port-la-Joye at Rocky Point, the site linked to the 1864 Confederation meeting, Peake’s Wharf, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and Beaconsfield Historic House.

Is food included in the ticket price?

No. Coffee, tea, alcohol, lunch, dinner, soda, and bottled water are not included in the listed price. Lobster and chicken meal options may be available as additions when booking.

Is the boat suitable for people with mobility issues?

The boat is boarded by a ladder, which may be difficult for some people with mobility limitations. Contact Ride Solar before booking if you need to confirm access details. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of passengers is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.