This town is the major community on PEI’s west side, on a narrow isthmus that separates Prince County from Queens County. Because it lies on the warmer south shore, it is said to be on the “Summer side” of the Island. The town is filled with wood-frame houses, and is central to the areas, fishing, farming and tourism, and its harbour serves ocean-going vessels that take its potatoes around the world.
The town is focussed on expanding its economic influence and has five industrial parks, and is blessed by its proximity to the Confederation Bridge, only 25 km away. Check out The Kirk, a Presbyterian church (“Kirk” is Scottish for church) built in 1818 in Bedeque and moved here in 1899.
Lady Slipper Drive, is the 228 km (179 mile) scenic coastal drive that connects the coast communities along the southern, western and northern shores of PEI starts and ends in Summerside.
Here are some of the attractions in and around Summerside:
Indian Head Lighthouse
This uniquely shaped lighthouse is at the end of a long rockpile breakwater at the entrance to Summerside Harbour. Its closest vantage point is MacCallum’s Point, where the breakwater starts. Follow Route 112 through Bedeque, Lower Bedeque and out the unpaved dead-end road to the point.
The 13 metre tall lighthouse is quite visible from most places along the Summerside waterfront. Best to do your viewing from the shore. Do not attempt to walk out along the breakwater. Should the tide come in while you are out on the breakwater you could be trapped or have a difficult trip back to shore.
Wyatt Heritage Properties
PO Box 1510 Summerside, PE C1N 4K4
75 Spring Street, Summerside
(902) 432-1327 Facsimile: (902) 432-1328
Wyatt Heritage Properties combines the Lefurgey Cultural Centre, the Wyatt House Museum, and the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, a genealogical and history research facility. It is owned and operated by the City of Summerside, and was donated by the late Dr. Wanda L. Wyatt.
Former Summerside Post Office
At the Summerside Town Hall, Summerside
Built from 1883-86, this structure was designed by Thomas Fuller, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works from 1881-86. This basic design was adapted to many small post offices across the country and came to symbolize the federal presence throughout Canada.
Feast Dinner Theatres – Summerside
Water St. East, Summerside.
(902) 436-7674; toll-free 1-888-748-1010
Atlantic Canada’s longest running dinner-theatre…celebrating its 24th spectacular season! Enjoy performances combining musical comedy and improv, and a fabulous four-course meal, for loads of laughs and fun. Open seasonally, Mon-Sat. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Phone for reservations. Group discounts available.
Summerside Raceway
477 Notre Dame Street Summerside, PE C1N 1T2
(902) 436-7221
Racing every Wednesday evening from June 5 to Oct. 16, post time, 7:30 pm. Double headers on Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day and July 1 (Post times 1:30 and 7:30 pm). Races every evening during Lobster Carnival, July 15 – 20.
Acadian Museum/Musee Acadien
23 Main Dr E, Miscouche, PE C0B 1T0
(On Rte 2, west of Summerside)
(902) 423-2880; fax (902) 432-2884
Visit exhibits which showcase multifaceted aspects of Island Acadians from 1720 to the present, both their history and culture. Genealogy resources and gift shop on site. Open year round. Summer hours: July and Aug, daily, 9:30 am-7 pm. Regular hours: Sept-June, Mon-Fri, 9:30 am-5 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm. Admission fee. Group and school tour rates.
International Fox Museum And Hall Of Fame Inc.
286 Fitzroy St , Summerside
(902) 436-2400; off-season (902) 436-0177
This museum, housed in the historic Holman Homestead, tells the story of the fox industry on Prince Edward Island and why a pair of foxes could sell for $35,000. Open June-Sept. Admission fee. Reservations requested for large groups.
Ptek Art & Culture Centre
Waterfront Properties (right of the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre).
(902) 888-8373
Through the skillful blending of contemporary and historical collections, see how the timeless beauty of the past has inspired today’s artists and artisans. Red Sands Gift Shop on site. Featuring “Contemporary Pastimes” – an exhibition featuring Prince Edward Island hooked mats, paintings, primitives and aboriginal artifacts. Open daily June 4-Oct 14. Admission fee.
MacCormacks Food Mart/Flea Market
99 All Weather Highway, Summerside, PE, C1N 4L3
(902) 436-5260
Free of charge. Refreshments available. Open Year Round, May – Oct. outside and Oct. – May indoors, on Sat. and Sun. 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food Mart – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The North Walking Tour
This tour takes you through tree-lined streets, past stately 1890s Queen Annes, and the Four Squares and Colonial Revivals of merchants and fox men. It carries you past Parkside Elementary, originally the Davies School, a 120 year-old school and past the house where its first principal lived. The North Tour guides you along historic Beaver Street, and past Prince County Courthouse, to name a few of the highlights. This tour is 2.3 kilometers and has 19 properties.
The South Walking Tour
This tour takes you through the oldest section of the city, the “Old Village” that developed between Queen’s Wharf and Joseph Greene’s Inn. Along this tour you will find buildings with a high shipbuilding heritage, the Gothic Revivals, and Georgians. The tour carries you along Water Street, the commercial core of this “City on the Bays”, and past some of our oldest public buildings. This tour is 1.5 kilometers long and has 18 properties.
demonstration of wind energy systems and equipment. AWTS is an integral part of Canada’s wind energy development program, and has been established since 1980.Up to 20% of the output from the wind farm is being made available for Maritime Electric customers. Visitor Centre open daily 9 am to 8 pm in July & August, and 10 am to 6 pm in June & September. Admission fee.