About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team boarded this 1967 heritage vessel in Charlottetown, we found ourselves on North America's largest solar-powered boat — and apparently the world's only solar dinner cruise. The 90-minute loop around sheltered harbour waters trades diesel fumes and engine roar for near-silent cruising, live music, and unobstructed views through oversized windows. It's a neat bit of Canadian history (the hull dates to Expo '67, underwent an 8-year restoration) that doubles as working proof solar hospitality can actually work. Grab a meal if you're peckish, enjoy the trivia and live performers, or just sit back and watch Charlottetown drift past.
Highlights
- Silent, zero-emission cruise around sheltered harbour — no diesel smell or noise
- Live music and trivia with prizes throughout the 90-minute loop
- 1967 heritage vessel: Expo memorabilia, opening roof hatches, walkable deck
- Large windows from every seat; covered boat means decent weather shelter
- Chicken or lobster meals available on board if standard tour ticket feels sparse
- Onboard WiFi, video screens with French/Italian subtitles, full bathroom
- Suitable for prams, strollers, infants — accessible layout for families
What to expect
The boat fills with a mixed crowd of families, couples, and solo travellers keen to tick off a quirky local experience. Once you're settled into booth seating, the quiet electric hum is genuinely refreshing — you can hear the live musician and other guests without shouting. The harbour itself is calm and narrow, so the pace feels leisurely rather than thrilling; don't expect dramatic cliffs or open-water drama. Lily found the trivia and onboard video commentary kept things ticking over, and the Expo '67 memorabilia gave it a nostalgic edge that appeals more to history buffs than thrill-seekers.
That said, if you're just after a scenic float with drinks, the base ticket is fairly bare: no coffee, tea, water, or alcohol included. The meal upgrade (chicken or lobster) is where you actually eat; without it, you're relying on snacks you've brought. The 30-minute early arrival buffer is firm, so don't cut it close. On a clear day, the opening roof hatches and large windows genuinely shine. Drizzle or grey skies still work fine because the boat is covered, but it won't transform a dull afternoon into spectacular.
What travellers say
- Silent, emission-free cruise — genuinely novel quiet experience on water
- 1967 heritage vessel with real Expo memorabilia and quirky character
- Live music, trivia, video commentary keeps the pace engaging throughout
- Large windows and opening roof hatches mean good sightlines in clear weather
- Accessible for families: prams, strollers, infants welcome and catered for
- Onboard bathroom and covered boat provide genuine comfort and practicality
- Base ticket excludes food, hot drinks, water, and alcohol — feels sparse
- Meal add-on effectively becomes mandatory if you plan to eat or drink much
- Sheltered harbour is pretty but not dramatic; scenic rather than stunning
- 30-minute early arrival requirement is strict and can feel inconvenient
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a genuinely unusual bit of kit — solar-powered cruising isn't common, and the silence is oddly luxurious if you've done noisy boat tours elsewhere. The live music and trivia add texture to what could be a passive float. The boat is accessible for families with prams, strollers, and infants (kids sit on laps). Restroom on board is a practical win. Harbour views are pleasant without being jaw-dropping, making it a relaxed rather than all-consuming outing.
The base ticket is lean on inclusions — no hot drinks, alcohol, or even bottled water. If you want to eat, the meal add-on is effectively mandatory; without it, you're looking at a 90-minute harbour loop with maybe a snack. The 30-minute pre-arrival requirement is strict and can feel fussy. Weather matters: a sunny day makes it shine, but it's not a rescue activity for truly foul conditions. The harbour itself is sheltered and scenic but not dramatic. Group sizes can fluctuate; peak summer days may feel busier.
Arrive 30 mins early. Bring your own water or commit to a meal upgrade. Jacket recommended — water reflects sun but doesn't warm much. Peak season is summer; shoulder months are quieter. Suitable for all fitness levels, though boarding involves a short walk and step onto the vessel.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.