Your Complete Guide To Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Written on 09/24/2025
SOUBHIK CHAKRABARTI

Founders’ Food Hall & Market is Charlottetown’s vibrant waterfront hub for food, drink, shopping, and community events. Inside, you’ll find a mix of local food vendors, artisan shops, and boutique businesses, all under one roof. It’s a perfect stop for both tourists looking for PEI flavours and locals enjoying a casual hangout spot.

Plan Your Visit Here. 

Getting There

By Foot

  • Located on the Charlottetown waterfront – only a 5–10 minute walk from most downtown hotels and attractions (Confederation Centre, Victoria Row).

By Car

  • Input 6 Prince Street, Charlottetown into your GPS.

  • Parking options:

    • Free lot: East side of the building (off Stan MacPherson Way), includes accessible parking.

    • Paid lot: Across Prince Street (west side), card payment only.

  • Tip: Arrive before noon on weekends for easier parking.

By Transit / Taxi

  • T3 Transit buses stop nearby.

  • Local taxis and rideshares (Uber, Kari, etc.) can drop you off right at the door.

You can also check the Translink website for the current Skytrain schedules. 

Hours of Operation

  • Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Visitor Information Centre: Open daily at 9:00 AM (closes earlier than market).

Tip: Food vendors typically start service around 11:00 AM.

Key Features & What to Do

Eat & Drink

  • Variety of local and international food stalls: pizza, sushi, burritos, French-Caribbean street food, vegan comfort meals, coffee, and sweets.

  • Pretzel, Pint & Pickle: Licensed spot offering PEI craft beer, cider, and cocktails.

  • Perfect for a food crawl: try multiple small dishes instead of one big meal.

Shop Local

  • Artisan shops & boutiques:

    • Jewellery, crafts, and Island-made souvenirs

    • Local gourmet products (jams, sauces, teas, chocolates)

    • Prints and artwork by PEI artists

Entertainment & Patio

  • Outdoor patio with harbour views – great spot for food and drinks in summer.

  • Live music and events: seasonal performances, pop-up shows, and community programs.

  • The event calendar is updated regularly on the official website.

Visitor Information Centre

  • Located inside the market.

  • Provides maps, brochures, and travel advice for exploring Charlottetown and PEI.

  • A good starting point if you’re planning a walking tour of downtown.

Suggested Self-Guided Tour

  1. Start at the Visitor Information Centre – grab brochures or ask about current events.

  2. Do a food crawl – share plates with your group so you can try multiple vendors.

  3. Browse artisan shops – meet makers, learn about PEI crafts, and pick up souvenirs.

  4. Take a break on the patio – enjoy harbour views with a drink in hand.

  5. Check for events – live music or community pop-ups often run on weekends.

Visitor Tips

  • Arrive early for lunch or dinner to avoid long lines.

  • Bring a payment card – some vendors may not accept cash.

  • Plan at least 1.5–2 hours to explore fully.

  • Sundays are shorter hours (12–5 PM) – plan your visit accordingly.

  • Events calendar: check the official site before visiting.

Final Note

Founders’ Food Hall & Market is more than a food court — it’s a slice of Charlottetown culture. With its mix of local flavours, artisan shopping, and lively atmosphere, it’s one of the best places to taste, shop, and connect with PEI in one visit. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch, souvenir hunting, or an evening drink with a view, it’s a must-stop on your Charlottetown itinerary.