Victoria Park Nature Education

Summer 2026 tours and activities 

The City of Charlottetown Parks and Recreation Department is happy to offer nature tours and activities in Victoria Park this spring and summer!  Groups of 5-25 children between the ages of 3-13 are welcome to join us for hands-on, outdoor fun and learning in nature!  Programs are typically 45-60 minutes long and the content is adapted to the age range of the group. 

To book a tour for your class, daycare group, or day camp, please contact [email protected] indicating (1) the date and time you would like to book, (2) the age range and number of children who will be attending, and (3) your preferred activity (see below). 

Please note we can also create customized programming, including programming for older age groups (youth groups, clubs, teams); reach out to us to let us know what you are interested in!

Pond Life: Deadman’s Pond Adventure (ages 5-13) 
Deadman’s Pond is a very special place in this park, and this tour focuses on what makes it such a wonderful and important ecosystem that many animals call home. This tour has a focus on the frogs and salamanders currently growing up in the pond, and we will also explore and celebrate the native tree species and birds who live here, too!

Forest Animal Tour (best for pre-school groups) 
What animals live in the forest? Join us for an adventure walking through the woods to learn about the different animals that call Victoria Park their home! This program is designed for preschool and kindergarten groups.

Monarch Butterflies and Pollinators (best for ages 7-10) 
This activity focuses on Monarch Butterflies, their incredible life cycle and migration, and the important elements they need along the way to thrive.  We will also take a look at some of Victoria Park’s native garden beds to learn about the flowers growing there, and to see if we can find some butterflies and other pollinators!

Insect Investigators (ages 5-13) 
Insects are amazing! While we often feel uncomfortable around them, or simply don’t notice them, they have so many superpowers that help people, animals, plants, and the whole ecosystem thrive. Come get acquainted with our crawling, buzzing, flying, beautiful neighbours, and see what cool insects we can find together in the park!

Birdsong in the Treetops (ages 5-13) 
Join us to learn about our beautiful local birds and their home, the forest of Victoria Park! We will play games that explore the connection between birds and trees. Participants will learn about different bird species and the ways they use trees for food and habitat. 

Self-Led Nature Activities and Free Resources 

Every week from May 19th to August 29th, 8:00-4:00, there are self-led nature activities and other free resources available to pick up at the Victoria Park Nature Education Resource hub, which is located in the front of the Victoria Park clubhouse, off Forbes Kennedy Way. The activities encourage nature-based learning and exploring, along with meaningful and fun time outside. Resources are available for both children and adults!
Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Public Tours and Activities 
Stay tuned for updates on special tours and activities open to the public throughout the summer! 

Victoria Park Arboretum Self-Guided Tour

Take a walk in the Victoria Park Arboretum and discover some of Prince Edward Island’s beautiful native trees and shrubs, some of which are rare species! There are labels to identify the trees and shrubs, and you can download the self-guided tour (see below) to learn details about these special species! In the middle of the arboretum, you will also find a garden of native plants that are especially helpful for pollinators.   


(click map image above for full tree tour details) Take a walk in the Victoria Park Arboretum and discover some of Prince Edward Island’s native trees, shrubs and wildflowers in the native plant garden. 

The arboretum at Victoria Park displays a diversity of woody plants representing Prince Edward Island’s native flora. Located in a woodland just south of the ball fields, the arboretum is a popular area for picnics and quiet activities. By its original definition, an arboretum is a botanical garden made up only of trees. At Victoria Park, the arboretum is comprised of both native trees and shrubs, some of which are quite rare!

In 1873, 40 acres of private Government Farm owned by the Lieutenant Governor was given as a gift to the citizens of PEI. Much of what is now park trails was landscaped, having once been agricultural land. Several non-native species, such as Norway maple, are present in the woods of Victoria Park due to ornamental plantings that occurred during the early development of the park. As time goes on, the arboretum will continue to grow, displaying the beauty of our Island’s native species for generations to come.


Click here for full details on the self-guided tour of the trees in the Victoria Park Arboretum.