BY JOHN SUTTON
Located just minutes west of the city of Summerside,
this region of P.E.I. emulates the rich culture and
history of the Island's Acadian population. The priceless contributions Acadians have made with respect to
virtually all aspects of life on P.E.I. have been recorded and preserved within the Acadian Museum/Musee
Acadien in Miscouche. To further immerse oneself in this richly textured culture, visitors are encouraged
to visit the town of Evangeline, located just off of Highway #2 on the Western end of the Miscouche bog.
There people can delight in the Acadian way of life while walking the newly-constructed boardwalk.
Traditional art and craftwork of the region's finest artisans can be viewed at the Handcraft Co-op in
Abram-Village while the finest in Acadian cuisine can be enjoyed at Le Village de l'Acadie. As well,
La Cuisine a Meme offers a very popular dinner theatre for those who seek a little adventure with their
culinary experience.
Some of the province's best musical and artistic talent come to the forefront during the
Festival Acadian and Agricultural Exhibition,
held in late August. The joyous spirit of the Exhibition, coupled
with the energetic brand of music, makes the whole festival a can't miss event for those who long to
acquaint themselves with the Acadian way of life.
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Spinnaker's Landing
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For those who possess an affinity for majestic architecture and quality craftsmanship, the Our
Lady of Mont-Carmel
Church offers visitors the chance to view an exalted turn of the century structure
which towers beautifully over its shoreline backdrop. Built from Island brick, the church epitomizes
the care and effort characteristic of the time period in which it was constructed.
The ship-building boom of the 1800's provided many communities with a source of income and employment.
The Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House at Green Park Provincial Park in Port Hill offers
testimony to the importance of the industry to Islanders. Visitors can learn about the life and
times of James Yeo, one of the most powerful and influential men in P.E.I. during the age of "wooden
ships and iron men". The tree line surrounding the park offers peace and solitude for many a
travel-weary visitor. For those interested in the wonders of Native culture, a trip to Lennox Island
is a definite must. There one can view the production of the Glooscap Legends, a collection of
earthenware Mi'kmaq figurines. A Mi'kmaq hero who's magical powers were used to benefit his people,
Glooscap remains one of the most beloved of all Native legends. Many more traditional crafts are
available at Indian Art and Craft of North America.
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Summerside Harbour
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Boasting a rich heritage, the city of Summerside
offers stately homes which grace the residential
core of the community, harkening back to the days of the "Golden Age of Sail" of the 1800's and the
prosperous fox-breeding industry which flourished during the early part of the 20th century. Further
evidence of the importance of the ship-building industry is brought to life on the waterfront at
Spinnaker's Landing. There visitors can learn more about building ships the "old-fashioned" way,
followed by a relaxing sunset cruise of Summerside
Harbour. Culture and history buffs can can view
a diverse array of artistic and cultural exhibits at both the Wyatt Centre and the Eptek National
Exhibition Centre while sports fans can learn more about our Island's athletic elite at the Prince
Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame, all located along the waterfront.
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Eptek Centre
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Lovers of the arts can partake in the productions put on by the Jubilee Theatre, a fantastic
showcase for many Maritime theatrical creations. As well, the College of Piping and Celtic
Performing Arts of Canada offers impressive testimonials to the Scottish heritage and culture.
A community which exudes the finest in hospitality, Summerside has earned its world-wide reputation
as the "hosting capital of Atlantic Canada". A visit to this region of P.E.I. wouldn't be complete
without stopping in and checking out the Summerside scene.
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