PEI's official legislative building, this imposing landmark of sandstone was built in 1847 in an area set aside by town fathers for administration and churches. When it served as a colonial legislature, the massive building rose up from vacant lots of dust and mud; but today, as the provincial legislature, it's ringed by handsome trees and an inviting lawn. A bustling downtown area lies just beyond it. The building occupies a special spot in Canada's history: This is the place where the details of the Confederation were hammered out in 1864. (During the 1980s, the building was restored to appear as it would have looked in that year.) Start your tour by viewing a film that documents the process of confederation. Afterward, wander the halls and look in on the Legislative Assembly, where the island's legislators have been meeting since 1847. It's surprisingly tiny, but that's appropriate given that PEI's legislature has just 27 members -- the smallest in Canada. Especially impressive is the second-floor Confederation Chamber, where a staffer is usually on hand to explain the place and answer that burning question: Why did PEI wait 9 years to join Canada? History buffs could spend an hour here.