Ask The Expert

If you’re like us, you’ve already started planning your summer vacay on PEI! With many things to see and do on our beautiful Island, you might wonder, “Why should we go to Summerside?” Wonder no longer; we’ve asked some famous Seasiders why you’ll love visiting #TheCityByTheSea! 


Alex Clark, Owner/Operator of Evermoore Brewing Co.

On what makes seaside city truly special…

“We for sure take it for granted from being surrounded by it, but it’s the water that makes this place special. Even when we travel, we always want to be able to see the water, or we just don’t feel right. And when the water warms up, that first dip in the saltwater kind of washes away all those winter woes. I see that happen to people that visit here too, and it reminds us of how lucky we are every time.”

On where can you find the best breakfast…

“Family breakfast is often at Starlite Dinner, and we have lots of visitors that enjoy it as well. Granville Street Diner is also great; the breakfast poutine is a serious start to the day. They both serve up classic diner breakfast, just the way it should be! But I really don’t go out for breakfast much anymore. The Samuel’s Drive Through uptown is my usual quick caffeine fix, simple black coffee for the regular and then caramel macchiatos when I’m feeling fancy!”

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“The boardwalk with a nice south breeze to start the day. The southerly wind is usually warm, but it also picks up that great salty breeze that’s in our blood. Samuel’s Coffee House has its main location downtown on the boardwalk in the Journal Pioneer building, and it’s a great, charming spot to stop and grab something on your walk. In the summertime, there’s The Knot Beach Bar & Rentals for a cocktail and an oyster (also on the boardwalk) and then maybe a late afternoon app on the deck at the Deckhouse Pub! The Deckhouse is a staple of Summerside, and their patio has a great warmth surrounded by the sounds of the halyards of the nearby sailboats clanging against their masts.”

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“There’s for sure lots to do here, but in a more grand sense of a vacation, Summerside makes a great home base location while travelling to PEI. The Island holds so much to do and see. Summerside has a great option of services and amenities that make it enjoyable to stay in. It also makes for an ease of vacation with some bigger city services that can be super convenient when travelling. Taking day trips from Summerside as your base and enjoying a sunset boardwalk walk really compliments a longer stay to PEI!”





Sean Aylward, Owner of The Humble Barber & The Knot Beach Bar & Rentals

On One thing that makes our seaside city truly special…

“The people! Making lifelong friends through business and sharing great times is the best!”

On where can you find the best breakfast…

“Starlite Diner – great breakfast with a cool and authentic 50s vibe.”

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“Walk the boardwalk, stop at the Knot for oysters, a paddleboard, and a cocktail, then carry on to Evermoore for dinner and beers.”

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“Come visit us to get off the beaten path and away from the regular tourist stops. Summerside has great things to experience, and we’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the local hot spots between Up West and Malpeque.” 


Jasmine White, Manager, Coles Bookstore

On One thing that makes our seaside city truly special…

“It’s the folks who live and work in Summerside that make our seaside city so special, from the neighbours who’ve become family to the shop clerks who know me by name and sometimes even my lunch order.” 

On where can you find the best breakfast…

“The best breakfast in Summerside comes from Samuels, hands down!”  

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“For me, the most fabulous day in Summerside includes: Stopping at Coles to pick up the next book on my TBR (to be read) list, grabbing lunch with some friends at South Central Kitchen and Provisions and ice cream from Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour for dessert, then ending the day with the sun setting as I close my book and start to venture home along the boardwalk.” 

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“Summerside is the ideal place to spend time while on the Island because it has city amenities and community feel. If you’re planning to visit other spots on the Island during your stay, Summerside will be a quiet place to unwind at the end of your day.”




JP Desrosiers, Deputy CAO and Director of Community Services, City of Summerside:

On One thing that makes our seaside city truly special…

“We consistently think and thus act like we are more than just a small town. When an idea, concept, or vision hits us, we NEVER think, “We can’t do that here,” and it’s that kind of swagger that makes me smile about living here. Do we have everything we want? No. Do we have a 6.5-kilometre waterfront boardwalk, a $58 million recreation and entertainment venue, a $68 million solar farm coupled with a $30 million wind farm?… Yes! Do we welcome amazing acts and events annually to our city?… Big yes! These are things you’d usually see in a larger city. Should we have this stuff based on our geographical location or population?… heck no, but we do.” 

On where can you find the best breakfast…

On where you can find the best breakfast…

“While I’m not a big breakfast kind of guy, we all know a morning spent at Samuels getting the morning caffeine fix coupled with whatever delicious (and not-so-good-for-me) options are on offer are always on point.” 

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“I can be sitting on my boat at a cove overlooking the confederation bridge swimming in crystal clear salty water, and within 25 minutes, be back home having stopped to pick up the freshest seafood for dinner… I don’t know about you, but that’s my favourite day in Summerside.” 

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“I’m always amazed when I invite clients to Summerside by what amazes them. It’s usually the quaint and walkable feels that brings a sense of relaxation. The food and friendly vibes don’t hurt either 😊”


Adriane Gaudet, House Manager Samuel’s Coffee House

On One thing that makes our seaside city truly special…

“The people! Summerside is a truly warm and welcoming place. There are so many lovely newcomers that make up our population now, and it is such a wonderful thing.” 

On where you can find the best breakfast…

“Samuel’s! I may be a tad biased as I work there, but there are so many great options with fresh fruit and local ingredients. The coffee is top notch too! The farmers market is another great option on Saturdays.”

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“Start your day with coffee and a snack at Samuel’s, go to Holmans for amazing ice cream (they have homemade waffle cones – need I say more), and then take a walk on the boardwalk along the water.” 

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“I think people should come to Summerside for its rich history, its small-town vibes and the serenity. It’s a great place to relax and recharge!”


Shellilee Ballum, Owner/Operator Little Dutch Flower Farm

On One thing that makes our seaside city truly special…

“Part of what makes Summerside so special is its location. It truly is the city by the sea. In the warmer months, we love taking our kids biking along the 6.5 km boardwalk/cycling trail. We pass the beautiful marina, Spinnaker’s boardwalk, lighthouses, the cutest swing set and more.”

On where you can find the best breakfast…

“Samuel’s makes the best breakfast sandwiches on the Island. I love the laid-back atmosphere inside & its proximity to the boardwalk trail makes it easy to walk or bike to breakfast!”

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“I can’t pick three! I’d start the day by biking our seaside boardwalk, then mid-morning relaxing with a Samuel’s iced coffee in Leger Park while my kids play in the splash pad, antiquing at Rose Cottage and Antiques and Coulson’s Antiques, checking out the amazing plants at Kool Breeze Garden Centre, then having an afternoon drink by the sea at The Knot, then dinner at Evermoore Brewery (I love their pizza!), and ending the day with a stroll through the gardens at Holman’s while enjoying their homemade ice cream.”

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“Because it’s a charming little city & there’s ALWAYS a festival or event going on!”

Caley Joy

Caley Aylward, Owner of Home by Caley Joy

On One thing that makes our seaside city truly special…

“The waterfront; there truly isn’t a more beautiful view than watching that sunset glow light up the Summerside harbour. And that view of the Indian Head lighthouse and how its breakwall changes depending on the weather and tide. Some days you can’t tell the sky from the sea. Watching the rain give way to the burst of sun rays falling onto the harbour – stunning!”

On where you can find the best breakfast…

“The best breakfast is at the Summerside Farmers’ Market, for sure! We get crepes from Viva every week and shop all the local farmers for the best food! Such a great place to check in with our community and friends and support local.”

On three things that make for a fabulous day in Summerside…

“A fabulous day in the city of Summerside? Easy! Walking or biking through the heritage homes and going down to say hello and check what’s new at Home by Caley Joy. Following the path behind HOME to our friends at Evermoore Brewing Co. for the Saturday afternoon ceilidh. Heading down along the waterfront to watch the boats come in and see the catches unloaded on the way to The Knot to sample some of those fresh oysters yourself, grabbing hand-crafted cocktails and tacos, feet in the sand while watching the waves and paddlers out in the water. Heaven!”

On why should YOU come, visit, stay, or play in Summerside…

“Come for the views; stay for the people! The people really are the heart of our city, and one of the things I love most is that our locals are always around, frequenting the same places as our visitors. You pass friendly people on the boardwalk, on our downtown sidewalks, and there is always a story being shared over a cup of coffee or pint of beer. Befriend a local, and you’re bound to have a more memorable stay!”

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