Prince Edward Island's City By the Sea knows how to do winter. Once the ice freezes, locals are known to leave the cozy comforts of home to spend hours in simple shacks in the middle of the frozen Summerside Harbour. The motivation? Solitude, fresh air and smelts. If you're looking to cook up a feed of smelts, visit JMK Fish Mart on Queen's Wharf.

If skating is more your style, there are several outdoor rinks in the city. The Oval at Queen Elizabeth Park is 400 meters in length and open from 6 am to 9 pm. Skates are available on loan from Credit Union Place. Steps away, Schurman Park is also flooded for skating and hockey.

Food and fun

On Saturdays, the Summerside Farmers’ Market is the place to be for local goods, hot food and friendly chats. This quaint city also offers a growing diversity in menu options. Check out these new spots and a couple of local favourites:

• House of Spice
• PEI Roti - closed until Friday, January 5, 2024
• Yumi Sushi
• Brothers 2
• Samuel's Coffee House

Winter provides the perfect conditions for a visit to Holman's Ice Cream Parlour (closed in January). With no fear of melting, you can eat your hot fudge brownie sundae or salted caramel cone very slowly.

Antique hunting and thrifting

Thrift shoppers and antique collectors will enjoy the thrill of the hunt at these shops; some curated, some chaotic.

• Coulson's Antiques, now at 27104 All Weather Hwy
• Rose Cottage Antiques and Gifts, 401 Water Street West
• R&S Frenchy's, 255 Heather Moyse Drive
• Riverview Antiques, 26317 Route 2, Travellers Rest (closed Sunday)
• Salvation Army Thrift Store, 79 All Weather Hwy

New places and unique wellness offerings

Spend a day at the spa. Take a class. Find your balance!

• Book a spa package at Mint Spa, ShangriLa Spa Sancturary or Quann Spa.
• For the ultimate infrared sauna experience, try out the Cocoon Wellness Pod at Enchanted Moments Holistic Healing.
• The Humble Barber knows the meaning of man pampering. Think elevated haircut and luxury shave complete with hot towel, straight razor, moisturizing finish and a cold beer.
• Create your own nordic spa experience at the CUP Aquatics Centre. Rotate between hot steam room, cold plunge, sauna and hot tub. Rest and repeat.
• Feel the joy that comes from working clay by hand with a Play in Clay experience at Island Stoneware. Make your own pottery mug or ornaments.

Indoor play on a chilly day

If the weather outside is a bit too frightful, take that energy indoors.

• Spend the day at Credit Union Place for bowling, skating, swimming, PEI Sports Hall of Fame, Western Capitals Junior A Hockey and restaurants.
• Work on your swing at Let it Snow Golf or Double Eagle Indoor Golf.
• Let the kids burn off some energy at Off the Wallz indoor amusement and trampoline park while the adults release pent-up tensions at the onsite axe throwing lanes and lounge.

For a slower pace, draw on beautiful roving exhibits on display at Eptek Art & Culture Centre, MacNaught History Centre and the Lefurgey Cultural Centre.

Outdoor winter activity

• Bring your fat bike along and enjoy 10 km of groomed trails at Heather Moyse Park (or borrow one from Credit Union Place).
• Slide on the monster snow hills on the grounds of Credit Union Place and Queen Elizabeth Park.

Free rentals of skates, snowshoes, sleds and fat bikes from Credit Union Place ($10 deposit; returned once equipment is returned).

Live performances

There's always something on stage or someone singing. Check event listings for the Harbourfront Theatre, the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Silver Fox or Evermoore Brewing Company.

Visit ExploreSummerside.com for more winter fun ideas.