Things to do in Summerside, Prince Edward Island
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
Summerside, Prince Edward Island (PEI), was originally known by the Mi'kmaq as Eptek—the "hot place" due to its unusually warm coastal waters—and later dubbed the "summer side" of the island by a local innkeeper. This name perfectly captures the essence of a city that blossoms under the July sun. As the island’s second-largest hub, Summerside is anchored by a rich history of shipbuilding and a world-renowned legacy in the silver fox fur trade. Today, its economy is a robust blend of traditional potato farming, a thriving fishery, and a burgeoning green-energy sector, all coexisting within a geography defined by iconic red sandstone cliffs and lush, rolling pastoral lands. This is my guide to some of the things to do when visiting Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
My arrival in this "City by the Sea" was part of my solo cross-Canada road trip. After weeks of navigating the vast, changing landscapes of the mainland, crossing the Confederation Bridge led to a different dimension of calm. Summerside, with its tree-lined streets and quiet, historic grandeur, was the ideal place to catch my breath. It felt like a natural place to begin my explorations of this tiny province, which I detailed in my post on Road Trip Routes Through Prince Edward Island.
Whether you are following my 2-week Maritimes road trip itinerary or simply looking for a peaceful seaside escape, you will find no shortage of things to do in Summerside, PEI. The city manages to feel both like a lived-in community and a meticulously preserved museum of Maritime life. From the artisanal treasures found at local markets to the historic murals that tell tales of high-seas adventure, Summerside is a place where you can truly "eat your way" through the local culture, a sentiment I’ve shared in my guide to eating through the Eastern Provinces, where the seafood is always fresh, and the hospitality is warm.
Table of Contents
Where to Lay Your Head: Accommodations
Choosing where to base yourself is the first step in uncovering the best things to do in Summerside, PEI. For those who want to be in the centre of the maritime charm, the Waterfront District is the place to be. Staying in this area—home to well-regarded spots like the Loyalist Country Inn or the Microtel—puts you within a two-minute walk of the harbour. The rationale here is simple: convenience and atmosphere. You'll be near Spinnaker's Landing and the Harbourfront Theatre.
If you prefer a stay wrapped in heritage and quiet elegance, look to the Historic Residential District. This area is dotted with stunning late-Victorian and Queen Anne Revival homes, many of which have been converted into intimate Bed and Breakfasts. Choosing a B&B here offers accommodations where you can enjoy an elegant hot breakfast in a formal dining room before walking just a few blocks to the Wyatt House. It is the perfect choice for those who appreciate architectural history and a more personal, "home-away-from-home" vibe.
For the road trippers and nature lovers who prefer the smell of salt air over hotel linens, Linkletter Provincial Park offers the premier camping experience just eight kilometres west of the city. Overlooking the tranquil Bedeque Bay, this park provides both serviced and unserviced sites, making it a budget-friendly option for those on a cross-country trek. The park offers a bay beach for sunset walks and direct access to the rolling green spaces of the Island. It’s a quiet neighbourhood where the only "noise" is the wind off the Northumberland Strait, providing a rugged but clean home base for your Island adventures.
Things to Do in Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Day 1: Heritage, Houses, and Harbourside Walks
Your first day in the city is best spent grounding yourself in its storied past before following the sunset down to the water. This route is designed to be walkable, taking you from the leafy, quiet streets of the historic core down to the vibrant boardwalk. As you wander between these sites, keep an eye out for the city's outdoor murals. It’s a day of slow discovery, perfectly suited for the traveller looking to understand the "soul" of the city.
Wyatt Historic House Museum
You must visit the Wyatt Historic House Museum. This is not your typical, hands-off museum; it is a meticulously preserved Edwardian home that belonged to the prominent Wyatt family for generations. As you move through the rooms, you’ll see the original furnishings and personal trinkets of Wanda Wyatt, a legendary local figure. The guides here excel at storytelling, painting a vivid picture of high society and the eccentricities that defined this household. It’s a fascinating, deeply personal look at the town's history through the lens of one family's legacy.
Location:Â 85 Spring Street
Summer Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:Â Approximately $10 CAD for adults.
PEI Fox Museum
Housed within the imposing stone walls of the historic Armoury, the PEI Fox Museum captures the era when Summerside was the "Silver Fox Capital of the World." In the early 20th century, the fox farming industry brought immense wealth to the Island, and this centre does a fantastic job of explaining how a small maritime town became a global fashion hub. Beyond the fox industry, the interpretive centre offers broader exhibits on the city’s cultural evolution. It’s a small, manageable museum with unique subject matter and is one of the most distinctive things to do in Summerside, PEI.
Location:Â 33 Summer Street
Summer Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:Â Admission by donation (suggested $5).
Spinnakers Landing
Finish your first day by soaking in the sea air at Spinnakers Landing. This waterfront marketplace is designed to resemble a traditional fishing village, with colourful wooden huts housing local artisans, boutiques, and eateries. It is the social heart of the harbour during the summer months. You can grab a scoop of local ice cream, listen to live music on the deck, and watch the boats bobbing in the marina. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the evening atmosphere without the pressure of a formal sit-down meal. The fish and chips here are hard to resist.
Location:Â 150 Heather Moyse Drive
Hours:Â Daily, 10 AM to late (restaurant hours vary)
Cost:Â Free to enter and explore.
Day 2: Market Finds and Coastal Lines
Day two is all about embracing the active, coastal lifestyle that makes summer on the Island so special. After a day of historical immersion, today offers you the chance to stretch your legs and engage with local flavours and landscapes. We begin with a community staple before heading out to the shore, where the red earth meets the blue sea. This itinerary captures the refreshing energy of the Maritimes and offers some of the most scenic things to do in Summerside, PEI.
Summerside Farmer’s Market
There is no better way to start a Saturday morning than at the Summerside Farmer’s Market. Housed in a charming historic building, the market is a bustling hub of community life. Here, you can find everything from organic produce and locally raised meats to handmade soaps and intricate wood carvings. It is the ideal spot to pick up picnic supplies or simply grab a coffee and a fresh-baked Acadian meat pie. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, offering a true taste of Island hospitality.
Location:Â 215 Cedar Street
Hours:Â Saturdays only, 9 AM to 1 PM
Cost:Â Free admission; bring cash for the vendors.
Bay Walk Boardwalk Trail
Following your market visit, head to the Bay Walk for some fresh air and stunning views. This 6.5-kilometre trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail system and winds along the city's scenic waterfront. Whether you walk, jog, or rent a bicycle, the path offers a peaceful corridor away from traffic. You'll pass through saltwater marshes, wooded areas, and open vistas of the Bedeque Bay. It is a fantastic place for birdwatching or simply enjoying a lovely walk.
Location:Â Access points at Spinnakers Landing or the Marine Terminal
Hours:Â Open daily, dawn to dusk
Cost:Â Free.
Outer Range Lighthouses (Indian Head & Clark's Shore)
To truly cap off your coastal experience, you'll want to visit the range lights that have guided sailors safely home for over a century. The Indian Head Lighthouse and the Clark’s Shore Range Light are iconic symbols of the Island's maritime heritage. These structures, with their classic white-and-red shingle siding, sit against the rugged shoreline. While you cannot enter the towers, they offer a magnificent subject for photography, especially during the "golden hour" as the sun sets over the strait. The Indian Head Lighthouse can be quite a challenge to visit -- make sure to check the tides! If you are not up for a scramble over rocks, it would be wise to avoid this one.
Location:Â Southern shoreline of Summerside
Hours:Â Viewable daily
Cost:Â Free.
The Harbourfront Theatre
If you have any energy left in the evening, I highly recommend checking the Harbourfront Theatre's schedule. This state-of-the-art facility hosts a variety of professional touring acts, from Celtic musicians to contemporary theatre and comedy. It’s a wonderful way to support the local arts scene and experience the high-calibre talent that flows through the Maritimes during the summer season.
Location:Â 124 Heather Moyse Drive
Hours:Â Varies by performance
Cost:Â Tickets range from $25 to $60 CAD.
Day 3: The Anne of Green Gables Day Trip
No visit to Prince Edward Island is complete without paying homage to its most famous fictional resident. Using Summerside as your home base allows for a scenic 40-minute drive into the heart of Cavendish, where the literary world of Lucy Maud Montgomery comes to life. This day trip is a rite of passage for many road trippers and offers a deeper look at the rural beauty that has inspired generations of readers. For a complete breakdown of this route, be sure to refer to my detailed PEI Anne of Green Gables Day Trip guide.
Green Gables Heritage House
Located in the Prince Edward Island National Park, the Green Gables Heritage House is the jewel of the North Shore. You can tour the late-Victorian farmhouse, which has been restored to match the setting of the "Anne" novels. Walking through the house is magical, but the real charm lies in the surrounding grounds. You can stroll through the Haunted Woods or take a reflective walk down Lovers' Lane. It is an experience that transcends literature, offering a glimpse into the serene Island life of the late 1800s.
Location:Â 8619 Cavendish Rd, Cavendish
Summer Hours:Â Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:Â Approx. $9 CAD; requires a National Park entry fee.
The Bottle Houses (Les Maisons de Bouteilles)
On your return journey to Summerside, plan to stop at Les Maisons de Bouteilles in Cape Egmont. This architectural marvel was the passion project of Édouard Arsenault, who began constructing these buildings in 1980 using over 25,000 recycled glass bottles. The way the summer light filters through the glass walls creates a kaleidoscope of colours that is simply breathtaking. It is a truly special place that I highly recommend. You can read more about my visit in my post on Les Maisons de Bouteilles.
Location:Â 6891 Route 11, Cape Egmont
Summer Hours:Â Daily, 9 AM to 6 PM (seasonal)
Cost:Â Approx. $10 CAD for adults.
Final Thoughts
As I look back on my time in Summerside, I am struck by how perfectly it embodies the "Gentle Island" spirit. It is a city that doesn't demand your attention with neon lights or frantic energy; instead, it invites you to slow down, to notice the detail in a heritage garden, and the vastness of the sea from a red-sand beach. Whether you are on a cross-country odyssey or just starting a week-long escape, the variety of things to do in Summerside, PEI ensures that every traveller finds their own rhythm.
I hope this itinerary helps you find that same sense of wonder on your own journey. If you’ve found this guide helpful, I’d love to hear your own favourite Maritimes memories in the comments below.
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