Being named executor is an honour, and it can also feel like a second job arriving at the hardest possible time. One of the biggest tasks is often the family home. I have helped a number of Island families through this, and while every estate is different, the path usually follows a similar shape. This post walks through it in general terms. It is not legal advice, and your estate lawyer is your best partner for the legal side.

Step one: confirm your authority

On Prince Edward Island, probate is handled through the Estates Section of the Supreme Court. When there is a will, the executor applies for what are called Letters Probate, which confirm the executor's authority to administer the estate. The court's forms for this include a petition, an executor's oath and an inventory of the estate.

PEI's Probate Act also sets an expectation that an executor will have the will proved and filed within 30 days of learning of the appointment. That is one reason to call a lawyer early, even if you are not ready to think about the house yet.

Until your authority is confirmed, I generally suggest holding off on signing a listing agreement. We can still talk, look at the property and plan, so you are ready when the paperwork is in place.

Step two: understand who needs to agree

The Probate Act has specific rules about when an executor can sell real property and when beneficiaries need to consent, including extra steps when a beneficiary is a minor. These details depend on the will and on the family. Your lawyer will tell you whose signatures are needed. Sorting this out at the start avoids a stalled sale later.

Step three: secure and care for the house

An empty home needs attention, especially through a PEI winter. A few practical points:

• Call the insurer. Let the home insurance company know the owner has passed and the house may be vacant. Vacancy can change what a policy covers, so ask exactly what they require, such as regular checks.
• Keep the heat on or have the plumbing properly winterized by a professional. Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive problems in a vacant house.
• Arrange regular visits. A family member or neighbour checking in weekly can catch a problem early.
• Forward the mail and keep utilities in place until the sale closes.

Step four: sort the contents, at a kind pace

This is usually the most emotional part. Families often find it helps to set a few simple rules: first, set aside anything named in the will; then let family choose keepsakes; then decide what to sell, donate or discard. You do not need an empty house to list, but a home that is clean and reasonably clear shows better and photographs better.

If family members live away, plan a weekend when people can be on the Island together. It is often easier to make decisions in the house than over the phone.

Step five: find out what the home is worth

Executors have a duty to act in the best interests of the estate, so a well-supported price matters. A comparative market analysis based on recent local sales is a good place to start. You can request one through my home evaluation page, and I am happy to walk through the property with you in person.

Many estate homes have been lived in for decades. They may have older systems, original kitchens or deferred maintenance. That is normal. We will talk honestly about whether a few simple fixes make sense or whether pricing it as-is is the better route for the estate.

Step six: plan for disclosure and costs

An executor may not know the full history of a house the way the late owner did. Be honest about what you know and what you don't. Gather what paperwork you can find: old receipts, oil tank details, well and septic records, renovation permits.

Selling also comes with costs that are easy to overlook. My post on costs most PEI sellers forget is a helpful checklist to share with your lawyer and the beneficiaries.

Step seven: list, sell and close

From here, the process looks much like any other sale, with the executor signing on behalf of the estate. The proceeds go to the estate, and your lawyer handles the distribution under the will. For an overview of how I approach marketing and negotiation, see my page on how I help you sell your home in PEI.

A note for out-of-province executors

Many executors I work with live off-Island. Much of the process can be handled by phone, email and electronic signature, with a local lawyer and REALTOR® coordinating on the ground. It helps to have one trusted person nearby who can let in an inspector or check the furnace.

You don't have to do this alone

If you are handling a loved one's home in Summerside, Kensington or anywhere in Prince County, I would be honoured to help. Contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, for a quiet, no-pressure conversation about next steps.

Some of my favourite conversations are with people who have raised a family in a big house and are now wondering what comes next. Maybe the stairs are getting harder, the lawn takes all Saturday, or the kids have settled off-Island and the extra bedrooms sit empty. Downsizing is a big decision, and it is about much more than square footage. Here are the questions I encourage people to work through, with a Prince County lens.

What does "smaller" really mean to you?

Downsizing means different things to different people. For one couple it is a single-level home with the laundry on the main floor. For another, it is a condo with no outdoor maintenance at all. For someone else, it is simply less land: trading twenty acres outside town for a regular lot inside it.

Before looking at listings, write down what you want to leave behind and what you can't live without. Common must-haves I hear include:

• One-level living, or at least a main-floor bedroom
• A garage or covered parking for winter
• A small yard or garden space
• A spare room for visiting grandkids
• Less snow to clear

Where do you want to spend your days?

Think about where you go every week: the doctor, the pharmacy, groceries, church, the rink, your coffee group. Being close to those things matters more as time goes on.

In Prince County, many downsizers look at Summerside because services, shopping and health care are close at hand. Others want to stay near friends and family in Kensington, where the town has a quieter pace but still has the essentials. Smaller communities like Miscouche can be a nice middle ground. There is no right answer, just the one that fits your routine. Take a look at Summerside homes for sale and homes in Kensington to get a feel for what is out there.

How much will you really save?

Downsizing often frees up equity, but it doesn't always cut monthly costs as much as people expect. Before deciding, compare:

• Property taxes, including any municipal tax if you move into town
• Heating costs, which can drop a lot with a newer, smaller, efficient home
• Condo fees, if you are looking at a condo
• Maintenance and snow removal you will no longer pay for
• Moving and selling costs

If you have owned your current home for a long time and lived in it, your taxable assessment may be quite a bit lower than its market value because of PEI's owner-occupied assessment cap. A new purchase may be assessed differently, so ask for the details on any home you are considering.

Is now the right time?

The best time to downsize is usually before you have to. Moving on your own terms, while you have the energy to sort, decide and enjoy the new place, is far easier than moving in a rush after a health scare or a hard winter.

Think about the season, too. Many people prefer to sell in spring or summer and be settled before the snow flies.

What will you do with everything?

Decades of belongings can feel overwhelming. A few approaches that work well:

• Start early, one room at a time
• Invite family to choose keepsakes before you start selling or donating
• Measure your new space and plan which furniture fits
• Give yourself permission to let go of things that no longer serve you

Rent, buy or something in between?

Some downsizers buy a smaller home outright. Others rent for a while to test a new community before committing. Each choice has trade-offs around cost, flexibility and control. There is no shame in taking it slowly.

What is your current home worth?

Your home's value is the starting point for almost every downsizing plan. A free home evaluation gives you a realistic range based on recent local sales, so you can plan the next step with confidence.

Who should be part of the conversation?

Family, a financial advisor, your lawyer and your REALTOR® can each help with a piece of the puzzle. I also suggest talking openly with your kids, even if they live away. They often have helpful ideas, and it avoids surprises later.

Let's talk about your next chapter

I have helped many Prince County homeowners make this move, and I know it is about more than a house. If you are starting to think about downsizing, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, for an easy, no-pressure conversation.

Islanders who lived through post-tropical storm Fiona on September 24, 2022, don't need to be told how quickly the weather can turn. The Province's own field notes describe severe shoreline erosion and flooding in places, along with damage to wharves and homes. Living by the water is one of the great joys of PEI, and a bit of preparation each fall helps you enjoy it with peace of mind. Here is the checklist I share with coastal homeowners as storm season approaches.

Before the season: the yearly once-over

Late summer is a good time for a walk around your property with fresh eyes.

• Trees. Look for dead limbs or leaning trees that could reach the house, a shed or the power line to your home. Have an arborist handle anything large.
• Roof and siding. Loose shingles and siding are the first things wind finds. Fix them before the first big blow.
• Gutters and drainage. Clear gutters and make sure downspouts carry water well away from the foundation.
• Sump pump. Test it, and consider a battery backup if your basement relies on it.
• Shoreline. Take photos of your bank or beach from the same spots each year. It's an easy way to track change over time and useful if you ever need advice from a coastal professional.

Secure what can fly

Outdoor furniture, trampolines, kayaks, barbecues and garbage carts can all become hazards in high wind. Pick a spot in a garage or shed where these items can go quickly when a storm is in the forecast. If something is too big to move, make a plan for strapping it down.

Power outages: plan for a few days

Coastal and rural areas can lose power during big storms, sometimes for an extended stretch. A few things make a big difference:

• Water. If you are on a well, no power means no pump. Fill containers and the bathtub before the storm.
• Heat. Know how you will stay warm. A wood stove helps, if it has been inspected and the chimney is clean.
• Generator. If you have one, have it installed properly by a qualified electrician, run it only outdoors well away from windows and doors, and never plug it straight into a wall outlet.
• Food. Keep a few days of food that does not need cooking.
• Light and communication. Flashlights, spare batteries, a battery or crank radio, and charged phone power banks.

Know your utility's outage line

Save your power company's outage number in your phone before you need it. Most of the Island is served by Maritime Electric, while Summerside residents are served by Summerside Electric.

Paperwork and insurance

• Review your home insurance policy each year and ask your broker specifically what is covered for wind, storm surge, overland flooding and sewer backup. These are often treated differently.
• Keep a photo or video inventory of your belongings, stored somewhere off-site such as cloud storage.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container you can grab quickly.

When a storm is in the forecast

• Bring in or tie down outdoor items
• Charge everything
• Fill water containers and fuel the car
• Check on neighbours, especially older ones or those living alone
• Follow official updates from Environment Canada and PEI emergency officials

After the storm

Stay away from downed power lines and report them. Walk your property once it is safe, and photograph any damage before you start cleanup, for insurance. Check your shoreline, but stay well back from fresh erosion, since banks can be unstable after a storm. If your well was flooded, test the water before drinking it.

Make a household plan

A short written plan helps everyone in the house know what to do. Note where the main water shut-off and electrical panel are, who checks on which neighbour, where pets will go, and what you will do if the road floods or trees come down. Tape it inside a cupboard door. If you leave a cottage empty for the off-season, give a trusted neighbour a key and your contact details so someone can check the property after a big blow.

Thinking about coastal living?

Buyers sometimes ask me whether storms should scare them off the water. In my view, they should make you a smart buyer rather than a nervous one. My post on what to look for when buying waterfront property in PEI covers the due diligence side.

If you are ready to look at PEI waterfront properties along the North Shore or the Prince County coast, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty. I'll help you understand a property's setting before you fall in love with the view.

Drive north from Kensington on Route 20 and the land opens up toward the water. Within a short drive you are in Malpeque, looking out over one of the most famous bays on the Island. Whenever I take buyers up this way, the view tends to do most of the talking. If you are wondering what it is actually like to live near Malpeque Bay, here is my local take.

Where it is

Malpeque sits on the North Shore, about 14 km north of Kensington along Route 20, according to the Confederation Trail guide. Tourism PEI places it within the Green Gables Shore region. That location is a big part of the appeal: you get a rural, coastal setting while staying within easy reach of Kensington for groceries and errands, and Summerside a little farther for bigger shopping and services.

Cabot Beach Provincial Park

Cabot Beach Provincial Park, at 449 King Street in Malpeque, overlooks Malpeque Bay and is about a 15-minute drive from Kensington. The park has walking trails through the woods, plenty of green space, a playground and a supervised beach in season, with lifeguard days and hours that vary. There is also a provincial campground with 104 sites.

A fun bit of local trivia: Cabot Beach hosted two Canadian Scout Jamborees, and it was the location for five sets used in the television series Emily of New Moon, based on L.M. Montgomery's books. The park is open in the warmer months, roughly June through September, so plan your beach days accordingly.

Oysters and a working harbour

The name Malpeque is known well beyond the Island because of its oysters, which come from the bay. Down at Malpeque Wharf, the Malpeque Oyster Barn operates seasonally in summer, and it is a favourite stop for visitors and locals alike. Living nearby means you see the working side of the bay too: boats heading out, gear on the wharf and the rhythm of the fishing season.

For buyers, that working character is part of the charm. It also means harbours and wharves are active places, so if you are looking at a home right near one, visit at different times of day.

What homes and land are like

Properties around Malpeque range from year-round homes to seasonal cottages and open land, often with farmland or water views. Expect most rural homes here to draw water from their own well and handle wastewater with septic. If you are coming from a town with municipal services, read up on what that means, and budget for regular water testing and septic maintenance.

For a current look at what is available, I keep an up-to-date page for Malpeque real estate.

Questions to ask about a property near the bay

• Is it built for year-round living? Some cottages are seasonal and may need insulation, heating or plumbing upgrades for winter.
• How is the road maintained in winter? A paved provincial road and a private gravel lane are different experiences in February.
• What does the shoreline look like over time? If the property is on or near the water, ask about erosion, and look at older photos or aerial images if you can.
• Where is the closest beach access? Not every home near the bay has its own access.
• What internet service is available at the address? This varies in rural areas, so check before you buy.

Life through the seasons

Summer brings beach days, campers at Cabot Beach and visitors stopping for oysters. In fall, the farmland turns gold and the roads go quiet. Winter is peaceful and wide open, and it rewards people who enjoy a slower pace. Spring is mud, migrating birds and the first boats heading back out.

Many of my clients who choose this area talk about the quiet and the sky as much as the house. If that appeals to you, it is worth spending time up here in more than one season.

Staying close to town

One reason Malpeque works for full-time living is its closeness to Kensington. If you want a bit more town convenience while staying near the water, it is worth comparing with homes in Kensington. And if beaches are high on your list, my PEI beaches guide covers some favourites across the Island.

Want to explore the Malpeque area?

I would be happy to show you around this beautiful part of Prince County and help you find a property that fits. Contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, to set up a drive or a showing.

Congratulations, you have the keys. Now comes the part nobody puts on the moving checklist until the last minute: getting the lights, water and garbage pickup sorted. On PEI, who you call depends a lot on where the house is. Here is a simple guide I give to my buyers in the weeks before closing.

Electricity: Maritime Electric or Summerside Electric

Maritime Electric supplies power to homes across PEI outside Summerside. If your new home is in Summerside, though, your power likely comes from the city's own utility, Summerside Electric.

Maritime Electric. You can submit a moving connection request online or call 1-800-670-1012. They will ask for details like your civic address, contact information and the date you want service to start. Maritime Electric suggests applying at least a week ahead, since a connection or transfer can take a few business days. Depending on your situation, they may ask for ID or a security deposit.

Summerside Electric. The City of Summerside handles both electric and water and sewer accounts. You apply for service through the city's utilities page, and the city's general line for new accounts is 902-432-1230. The city also offers budget billing once you have twelve months of electrical service with them.

Water and sewer: town service or your own well

If you are buying in a town with municipal water and sewer, contact the municipality to put the account in your name. In Summerside, as noted above, that is part of the same city utility account.

If the home is in the country, your water will most likely come from a private well, with a septic system for wastewater. There is no water bill, but there is responsibility. Plan to test your water after you move in and on a regular schedule after that. My guide to PEI well water testing explains what to test for and when. It is also smart to find out when the septic tank was last pumped.

Garbage, compost and recycling: Waste Watch

PEI runs an Island-wide sorting program called Waste Watch, managed by the Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC). It is a three-stream system: compost, recycling and waste, and sorting is mandatory.

As a new homeowner, you request cart service from IWMC. You will receive a black waste cart, a green compost cart, a small kitchen bin for compost, a collection calendar and information on how to sort. IWMC says to allow about two weeks for delivery. Recyclables go out in clear blue bags. On collection day, everything needs to be at the curb by 7 a.m.

The collection charges themselves are billed on your property tax bill, so they will show up there rather than as a separate account.

Heating fuel

If the home heats with oil or propane, ask the seller who delivers and set up your own account before you move in. Many companies offer automatic delivery, which takes one worry off your plate in winter. If the home has a heat pump or electric baseboards, your heat cost comes through your power bill.

Internet, phone and TV

Service options vary a lot between town and country on PEI. Before you buy a rural property, check which providers serve that exact address. Once you have firm closing dates, book installation as early as you can, especially in busy moving months.

Mail and address changes

Rural homes may have a roadside mailbox, a community mailbox or a post office box. Ask the seller how mail arrives. Then update your address with your bank, employer, insurer and the Province, including your driver's licence and health card if you are new to PEI.

A simple timeline

• Once your offer is firm: check internet availability and book installation.
• About two weeks before closing: request IWMC cart service, arrange heating fuel, and contact the power utility.
• On closing day: take meter photos and note oil tank levels if relevant.
• First month: test the well water if you have one and keep your utility setup notes in one place.

New to the Island?

If you are relocating, my guide to moving to PEI covers the bigger picture. And if you are still at the browsing stage, you can search homes across Prince Edward Island or focus in on Summerside homes for sale.

Questions about a specific property's services? Contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, and we can track down the answers before you sign.

When buyers ask me what there is to do in Summerside once the summer visitors head home, I love answering, because the honest answer is: more than you'd think. Summerside has a steady rhythm of things to see and do through every season. Here is a short list of places I point people to, especially families and newcomers getting to know the city.

Walk or bike the Baywalk

If you only do one thing, make it the Baywalk. This 6.5 km path hugs the shoreline and welcomes walkers and cyclists alike. Along the way you pass the "City by the Sea" swings and the marina, and the trail later moves into a stretch of Acadian forest through the Natural Duck Pond Conservation Area, where you can watch for herons, ducks and chickadees.

Since June 2025, the Baywalk has been home to a public art piece called "Holy Mackerel" by Island artist Patrick Brunet: three large wooden fish that frame views of the water. Kids tend to love it. The trail has parking, benches, picnic areas, washrooms and a wheelchair-accessible path, and the main lot is at 60 Water Street.

Stop at Spinnakers' Landing

Right on the waterfront, Spinnakers' Landing is a cluster of shops, food spots and patios on the boardwalk. In the warmer months it is a natural place to grab an ice cream and watch the harbour. Plenty of locals use it as the turnaround point on a Baywalk stroll.

Catch a show at the College of Piping

Summerside's College of Piping, officially The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada, is one of the city's best-known institutions. Its Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre hosts Celtic music and dance performances, and Tourism PEI notes shows there throughout the year. If you have family visiting from away, it is a lovely introduction to Island culture.

For theatre and concerts, Harbourfront Theatre is another venue worth keeping an eye on.

Head to Credit Union Place

Credit Union Place is Summerside's big multi-use centre for sports, concerts and family events. It is also home to the PEI Sports Hall of Fame. Through the colder months it is a busy community hub, and for families with kids in sports, you will likely find yourselves there often.

Get out on the water in summer

In summer, kayak and paddleboard rentals let you see the harbour from a different angle. Tourism PEI lists paddling and even guided Segway tours of the Baywalk among the things to do in the city. It is a good way to spend a warm evening without leaving town.

Hop on the Confederation Trail

Several Baywalk access points join the Confederation Trail, so a short city walk can turn into a longer ride through the countryside toward Kensington or Miscouche. In fall, when the leaves turn, it is one of my favourite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Learn a little history

Summerside has a rich story, from shipbuilding to the fox farming era. The PEI Fox Museum is a fun, quirky stop that explains the Island's historic fox industry. It is the kind of place that makes you see the older homes and streets of the city a little differently.

Why this matters when choosing a home

When you are deciding where to live, it helps to picture an ordinary Tuesday, not just a summer vacation day. In Summerside, that might mean a walk on the boardwalk after supper, a hockey game at Credit Union Place on the weekend, or a concert in the winter. Knowing what is close by can help you decide which neighbourhood fits your routine.

For a deeper look at day-to-day life, cost of living and the overall feel of the city, I have put together a full guide to living in Summerside.

A few tips for newcomers

• Check seasonal hours before you go. Waterfront businesses are busiest in summer, and some have shorter hours in the off-season.
• Follow the city and Tourism Summerside for event listings. Community events pop up through the year.
• Bring layers. The breeze off the bay is real, even on a sunny day.

Ready to find your place in Summerside?

If the Baywalk and a good show have you picturing life here, browse Summerside homes for sale and save the ones you like. When you want to see them in person or talk through neighbourhoods, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty. I'd love to show you around.

Buying a duplex and living in one side while renting the other is an idea that comes up more and more in my conversations with buyers. It can help with the mortgage, build equity, and give you a foot in the door of real estate ownership. It also turns you into a landlord with a neighbour on the other side of the wall. Here is a practical look at what living in your own duplex involves on the Island.

Why owner-occupiers like duplexes

The main appeal is simple: rent from the other unit can help cover your costs. For a first-time buyer, a young family or someone semi-retired, that extra income can make a home possible that otherwise would not be.

There are other upsides too. You are on site, so you notice problems quickly. You choose your tenant. And down the road, the other unit can become a place for a family member, a caregiver or adult children.

How property tax treatment can work

PEI's owner-occupied assessment program caps yearly increases on the taxable value of an owner-occupied home. In a building with more than one dwelling unit, PEI's Real Property Tax Act looks only at the unit the owner actually occupies when deciding the owner-occupied tax credit. The rented side is treated separately.

The Real Property Tax Act also includes a separate tax credit for long-term rental units in multi-unit buildings that meet specific conditions, such as being rented long-term for at least six months of the year. The rules have dates and conditions attached, so look at the exact wording or check with the Province's property tax staff before relying on any credit.

One more detail: under the current definition, short rentals of under 30 days in any part of an owner-occupied home can affect its owner-occupied status. If you are thinking of using the other unit as a short-term rental, check the rules first.

Financing basics

Lenders treat an owner-occupied duplex differently from a pure investment property. Many will consider some of the expected rental income when assessing what you can afford. Down payment requirements and how rental income is counted vary, so talk to a mortgage professional early. Use our mortgage calculator to rough out payments, then confirm with your lender.

Which side should you live in?

It sounds like a small question, but it matters. Consider:

• Which unit has the better layout, light or yard for you
• Which unit would rent more easily, and for how much
• Where the shared systems are, like the electrical panels, water heater or laundry
• Noise: who is above or beside whom

Some owners choose the smaller side to keep the higher rent coming in. Others want the nicer side because it is their home. Both are fine; just decide on purpose.

What to check before you buy

• Separate metering. Are power and heat separate for each unit? If not, how are costs shared?
• Existing leases. If there is a tenant, ask for the lease, the rent amount and the deposit details. You may be inheriting that arrangement.
• Fire separation and safety. Ask your home inspector to look closely at the separation between units, smoke alarms and exits.
• Permits and legal use. Make sure the building is recognized as a two-unit dwelling.
• Parking and snow. Two households means two sets of cars, and somebody has to clear the driveway.

Being a good landlord

Residential tenancies on PEI are governed by provincial rules. The Residential Tenancy Office handles landlord and tenant matters, and its orders can be appealed to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC). Before you rent out the other unit, read up on your obligations around leases, deposits, rent increases and notice periods. Having clear expectations from the start keeps things friendly.

Living next to your tenant means the relationship is personal. Be clear, be fair and keep your boundaries. Many owner-occupiers find it works best to handle requests in writing, even when you see each other in the driveway every day.

Is it right for you?

A duplex is a great fit for people who are handy, organized and comfortable sharing a property. If you prefer total privacy, it may not be. For a broader view of rental property on the Island, my post on investing in PEI real estate covers the investor side.

Ready to look?

You can browse PEI duplexes and multi-unit homes to see what's available now. When something catches your eye, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, and we can talk through how it would work for you.

Ask people what they love about Prince County and the Confederation Trail comes up again and again. It runs right through both Kensington and Summerside, and for a lot of my clients, being able to walk out the door and onto the trail is a big part of why they chose their home. Here is what the trail looks like in this part of the Island and what to think about if trail access is on your wish list.

A quick bit of background

The Confederation Trail was built on the Island's old railway line after rail service ended in 1989. The main trail runs tip to tip from Tignish to Elmira, 273 km, and the total network including branch trails is 449 km, according to Tourism PEI. The surface is rolled stone dust, which makes it friendly for walking, running and cycling.

The trail is marked with distances from west to east, starting at 0 km in Tignish. On the official trail map, Summerside sits at km 109 and Kensington at km 123. That puts the two towns about 14 km apart along the trail.

The Kensington stretch

Kensington's railway heritage is easy to see. The trail guide notes the Kensington Rail Road Station as a stop along the way, along with Engine 1762, a diesel locomotive that arrived at the station in 1990. It is a nice landmark for a family walk, and it gives the town's trail section a real sense of place.

Heading east, the trail continues toward Freetown and Emerald, where a branch trail runs south to Borden-Carleton. Heading west, you are on your way to Summerside through farmland and small communities.

If you are drawn to the idea of walking to town for a coffee and walking home on the trail, have a look at Kensington homes for sale and filter by the streets closest to the old rail line.

The Summerside stretch

In Summerside, the trail brings you close to the downtown and the waterfront. The city's Baywalk, a 6.5 km waterfront boardwalk and cycling trail, connects to the Confederation Trail at several access points. That combination is a big draw. You can head out on the main trail, loop down to the harbour and come home along the water.

Between Summerside and the west, the trail passes Miscouche at km 101, home of the Acadian Museum. If you like the idea of a smaller community with the trail on your doorstep, Miscouche is worth a look.

What trail access means day to day

Clients who live close to the trail tell me they use it in all kinds of ways:

• A safe place for kids to learn to ride a bike away from traffic
• An easy daily dog walk
• Commuting by bike in the warmer months between nearby communities
• A flat, steady surface for runners and walkers of every age

Winter brings different conditions and uses on some sections, so check Tourism PEI or the Province for current trail guidance before you head out on skis or snowshoes.

Things to consider when buying near the trail

Being close to the trail is a plus for most buyers, but a few details are worth checking on any specific home:

• Privacy. A backyard that borders the trail will see foot and bike traffic. Some people love the friendly waves; others want a fence or a hedge.
• Access points. Living near the trail is not the same as having an easy way onto it. Find the closest official access.
• Seasonal rhythm. Ask neighbours how busy the section behind the house gets in summer compared with winter.
• Lot lines. The trail corridor is not part of your yard. A survey or a look at the property map will show exactly where your boundary sits.

Questions I hear from trail-loving buyers

"Can I bike to work?" In the warmer months, some people do ride between nearby communities, though most commuters still drive in winter. "Is it lit at night?" Generally, plan on daylight use and bring a light if you are out at dusk. "Will a trail-side lot hold its appeal?" Many buyers see trail access as a lifestyle bonus, so it is worth mentioning in a listing, but every home is valued on its own merits.

Find your spot near the trail

Whether you picture yourself in a Summerside neighbourhood a few blocks from the Baywalk or in a quieter spot in Kensington, I can help you narrow down homes with good trail access. You can browse Summerside homes for sale anytime, and when you are ready to see some in person, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty.