Summerside, the gateway to the western end of the Island, is the second largest municipality in Prince Edward Island. With a population of 15,000 people it is a small city with a large town feel. Built around the natural deep water port its history is steeped in wooden shipbuilding, silver fox trading, export of seed potatoes, and military service. In recent years it has become home to the aerospace industry, a community college, and some provincial and federal government services. It maintains its long established role as an agricultural service town.
Summerside takes pride in being a working class city where people still greet you on the street. Sports play a prominent role in the city culture and the art, theatre, music, and dance scene is ever evolving in vibrancy through venues such as The Collage of Piping for the Celtic arts, Harbourfront Theatre, Spotlight Theatre, Centre Belle Alliance, Mik’maq Confederacy, and Culture Summerside. Music of all genres is found throughout the city. The traditional old world crafts are supported through various groups and organizations. There are museums and art galleries and private craft outlets.
The historic district is intact and the tree lined streets are a pleasure to walk as is the 7 km boardwalk along the waterfront which looks out over Bedeque Bay and the Indian Head Lighthouse where the sunrises and sunsets are world class. The community is rich in stories drawn from our Native, Celtic and Acadian traditions now blending with newcomers.
The city, filled with public green space, is ever striving to be environmentally conscious. The pollution control centre was one of the earliest systems in Canada and is continuously updated; a state-of-the-art wind farm converts the ever present wind into wind energy and garbage is composted and recycled as part of the Island-wide Waste Watch program. A city transit bus has recently been introduced to give travel options, and most places can be reached with a short walk or bike ride.
The bounty of the Island’s land and sea can be enjoyed in Summerside with fine meals of lobster, mussels, oysters, fish, and fresh beef and pork coupled with the harvest of the red Island soil.
Summerside is an easy place in which to find your way around and make yourself at home. Come, fill your boots!
More Information about Summerside and Prince Edward Island