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.