Site management

Ardgowan is located in the city of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in a residential neighbourhood two kilometres (1.25 miles) northeast of the city centre. It was the home of William Henry Pope, one of the Fathers of Confederation at the time of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864. A keen gardener, Pope created lavish grounds around his substantial and ornate Victorian cottage-style house with outbuildings on his 31-hectare (76-acre) property.

In 1966 Ardgowan was recommended for designation as a National Historic Site. The house and remaining two-hectare property were acquired by the federal government in 1967, before which Ardgowan had fallen into disrepair. Later, the home’s exterior, complete with Gothic Revival detailing, a small barn/carriage house and much of its remaining grounds were restored to their 1860s appearance in keeping with the time period of the Confederation debates. The interior now houses Parks Canada’s administrative offices and is not open for public tours. Learn more about the history of Ardgowan National Historic Site.

Visitors can stroll Ardgowan’s beautifully maintained period gardens, enjoy a family picnic or simply reflect and relax within a slice of serene Victorian life.