Summerside often plays little sibling to the more popular Charlottetown, but, as Prince Edward Island’s second largest city, offers a picturesque waterfront, many museums for a town its size, and a burgeoning cultural scene. It also acts a gateway to the western side of the province and Malpeque Bay. Cultural highlights include a summer concert series of Celtic music and dance, and the Eptek Art & Culture Centre, which showcases local history and artisans. An unusual museum dedicated to the history of fox breeding is located inside the Holman Homestead.
Visit the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House and gain a deeper insight into the lifestyle which prevailed here in the past. You can delve into the history of the once-booming shipbuilding industry and how the success of master shipbuilder James Yeo Jr. fueled the development of the Island. Additionally, admire the fine Victorian details which define the architecture of Yeo's house during your visit.
The Green Gables Heritage Place is home to the farm and stead that served as inspiration and later as a setting for Lucy Montgomery's most popular novel, Anne of Green Gables. Hordes of tourists and fans of the novel come here to have a glimpse of farm and to learn more about its author. Tours beginning in the visitor’s center highlight the life and work of the author, and pass to the Green Gables House itself. Visitors can also explore the Haunted Wood Trail, and the Balsam Hollow Trail, which are said to have inspired some of Montgomery’s writing.
Rustico was the home to many Acadians after the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The Farmers' Bank of Rustico and Doucet House preserve the legacy of the Acadian lifestyle. The Farmers' Bank of Rustico Museum recreates the 1800's, housing exhibits on banking and the Acadian way of life. The Doucet House holds countless period antiques and furniture. It is also regarded as the oldest house in the Rustico area and quite possibly the oldest house on the island.
The Wyatt House Museum was built the same year of Canada’s conception, 1867. The home was restored into a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Learn about the fascinating Wyatt family and their contribution to the community. History buffs will appreciate the vast collection of artifacts ranging from tiger skin rugs to antique furniture.
The Eptek Art and Culture Center displays art by local artists and features exhibits concerning local history. As one of seven Museum and Heritage PEI sites, the Eptek Art and Culture Center offers a taste of local pride. The gift shop advertises an array of locally crafted goods. The center is open seven day a week during the summer months. Admission is by donation.
At Gallery 18, you'll find a wide variety of goods. Inventory includes art, vintage maps, period books and antique posters. After browsing the impressive collection, check out the genuine carriage house from the early 20th century behind the gallery. Located in New London on the north shore of the island, the gallery is highly accessible from Rustico or Cavendish.
The Wyatt House Museum was built the same year of Canada’s conception, 1867. The home was restored into a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Learn about the fascinating Wyatt family and their contribution to the community. History buffs will appreciate the vast collection of artifacts ranging from tiger skin rugs to antique furniture.
The Eptek Art and Culture Center displays art by local artists and features exhibits concerning local history. As one of seven Museum and Heritage PEI sites, the Eptek Art and Culture Center offers a taste of local pride. The gift shop advertises an array of locally crafted goods. The center is open seven day a week during the summer months. Admission is by donation.
The Anne Gallant Gallery in Kensington offers paintings, calendars, and art classes. The vast majority of the artwork depicts colorful shoreline, harbors, and beach life. What better way to remember a vacation than to bring home a painted rendition?
The Anne of Green Gables Museum is housed in the childhood home of famed author Laura Maud Montgomery. The 110-acre property houses a museum, a gift shop featuring Anne of Green Gables themed goods, carriage rides, and lovely gardens. If you’re a Laura Maud Montgomery fan, you’ll certainly recognize the similarities between the house and the settings of her novels Pat of Silver Bush, Mistress Pat, and of course, Anne of Green Gables. See for yourself the “enchanted bookcase” as described by Anne in the novel. Hours are seasonal, so be sure to check the website.
Explore the history of the Acadian culture here.This museum reveals the interesting island of the Acadians since 1720 which allows you to encounter three hundred year treasures! You can choose to walk through one of the ten heritage trails or visit exhibits indoors. Past exhibits have included "Hooked Rugs" where artisans showcase their work of hooked rugs made of wool, yarn, and other fabric. Viewing the permanent showcase and video presentation about the Acadians is another option. You may even purchase a heritage passport to visit other sites on Prince Edward Island. Please check website for summer hours