CHARLOTTETOWN -- Cirque du Soleil is headlining Charlottetown's SummerFest this year. The annual event focuses on the Canada Day weekend and Cirque is performing June 30, July 2 and July 4. Other acts at the family friendly event include the Doodle Bops, the Lumberjack show and plenty of buskers.

Day passes cost $40 for adults and $20 for children. More information can be found at walkandseacharlottetown.com/summerfest/.

For a free history lesson, families can stop by Province House in Charlottetown. Each evening at dusk, the history of "Birthplace of Canada" is projected in colour against the historic building.

Although not free, another attraction is the Elmira Railway Museum. Open summers only, the museum offers its own miniature railway tour and the whole family can visit the museum for $11 and ride the railway for $13.50.

And what would a visit to the Island be without Anne of Green Gables? Anne & Gilbert The Musical, based on the popular books, opens June 15 and runs to Sept 26.