9 Best Sights in North Cape Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island

Built in 1875, lit in 1876, manned until 1963, and still operating today, the West Point Lighthouse is a certifiable PEI icon. A gracefully tapered shape and eye-popping black-and-white stripes make the 69-foot structure very photogenic. Inside, displays and assorted artifacts relating to lighthouses provincewide make it educational, too. Be sure to climb the 72 steps to the top for panoramic views. Beautiful any time of day, they are especially glorious at sunset because the lighthouse faces west.

Built in 1867 (the year Canada was "born"), the restored, heirloom-filled home of a prominent local family feels like a Summerside time capsule. Guided interpretive tours last about 50 minutes. There are concerts in the garden on Wednesdays, and this is also a venue during the Summerside Lobster Carnival and Summerside Arts Festival. The entry fee also admits you to another of the Wyatt Heritage Properties: the Lefurgey Cultural Centre at 205 Prince Street.

Many descendants of PEI's first French settlers still live in the Miscouche area, 10 km (6 miles) northwest of Summerside, and the Acadian Museum commemorates their history. This National Historic Site includes a permanent exhibition on Acadian life, including six large paintings by Claude Picard that portray Acadian national symbols, as well as an audiovisual presentation outlining the story of Island Acadians from the early 1700s onward. A genealogical center, heritage walking trail, and themed gift shop are also on-site.

The potato is one terrific tuber: that's the message delivered by this museum. Earnest and intriguing, it has exhibits devoted to the "Amazing Potato," displays of antique potato-farming equipment, a Potato Hall of Fame, even a gift shop selling potato-themed goods. The museum also runs fun add-on tours, which include a guided spin through the facility, plus a trip out to a potato farm, a potato fudge-making lesson, and a lunch of (you guessed it) potato-based dishes.

Encompassing the lighthouse site, this park boasts blissful beaches and supervised swimming (late June to early September), plus children's activities in summer. Recreational programs—including guided walks of the park's nature trails—are also available seasonally.

On the waterfront, this center has rotating exhibits of PEI history and fine arts on display in the main gallery: the variety of the exhibitions is one of the center's hallmarks. It also hosts art and craft demonstrations in July and August and lunchtime films on winter Thursdays.

Housed in a 1911 armory used by local militia until 1992, the museum recounts the days when fox fur was the height of fashion and fox "farming" was a thriving Summerside industry, and also charts its eventual decline. The heritage building also has a seasonal art gallery upstairs.

Exhibits here explain how turbine technology channels wind power to produce "clean" electricity for Islanders. It also includes hands-on displays pertaining to wind energy, local history (including the story of the infamous "ghost ship"), and a touch tank with lobster, crabs, and starfish that kids will enjoy. (A staff member will lift one out so you can get a real feel for these aquatic creatures.)

The cornerstone of Summerside's waterfront revitalization project is this collection of cheery little structures that are linked by a boardwalk and designed to evoke a seaside fishing village. The development offers a good blend of craft, clothing, and souvenir shopping, history, and entertainment; plus you can climb a lighthouse lookout for panoramic views of Bedeque Bay and the city. In summer, weather permitting, there's often free weekend entertainment (usually starting at 6 pm, earlier on Canada Day) on the outdoor stage over the water.