The city of Summerside may be quieter than usual this summer, but there’s no shortage of things to see and do. To inspire Islanders to go adventuring right in their own backyards, Explore Summerside executive director Rose Dennis says they’ve created four itineraries for authentic Island experiences in and around the beachside city.
The GET ACTIVE itinerary inspires people to get their hearts pumping in the fresh ocean air, like windsurfing and kiteboarding at Green’s Shore Park, playing beach volleyball at Credit Union Place, hiking the Rotary Park Trail or mountain biking in Heather Moyse Heritage Park.
Leger Park is also organizing free programming all summer, from crafts and activities for toddlers all the way through to fitness and games for adults 55+.
The HEALTH & WELLNESS itinerary reminds folks to take the time and space to nourish themselves this summer, like a Red Sands Reiki experience or forest-bathing in Rotary Friendship Park.
“It’s all about eating well — like fresh, local food from the Summerside Farmers’ Market, which is now an open-air market — maybe doing yoga by the sea, walking along our 7km Bayside Boardwalk and just getting in touch with nature,” says Dennis.
The SUMMERSIDE’S HERITAGE itinerary invites Islanders to wind along the city’s historic streets, peek into the past and explore local culture. Dennis says there are plenty of guided and self-guided tours through museums, galleries, cultural centrals and historical buildings, as well as quaint shops to explore.
The MEMORY MAKER itinerary is what Dennis calls “an Instagram-worthy scavenger hunt” through the city, directing people to must-see sites where they can take photos to record their adventures. The list includes four spectacular lighthouses, the colourful waterfront marketplace known as Spinnakers Landing, award-winning ice cream parlour Holman Homestead and the famous Lylah the Lobster. Don’t forget to use the #ExploreSummerside hashtag when you’re sharing those photos!
Dennis says Summerside is packed with local eateries and there’s always something new to try. Locals are invited to sample local craft beer from Evermoore Brewing Company, grab an iced coffee and a treat from Samuel’s Coffee House, order a sandwich on freshly-baked bread from South Central Kitchen & Provisions and grab a scoop of ADL ice cream — made right in Summerside and served up in more dairy bars per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Since most of Summerside’s businesses are small- to medium-sized operations, Dennis says many will struggle during this unusual, slower tourist season.
“It’s more important than ever to support our neighbours this summer. Every single purchase makes a difference.”
Learn more at ActivateOurIsland.ca and connect on social media using #ActivateOurIsland.
