While "must-visit" seems to accompany its self-descriptions, Spinnaker's Landing consists of perhaps a dozen shed-sized shops / souvenir stands, as well as some snack shacks and one or two eateries. There is a central fountain surrounded by a short boardwalk along the water and interior perimeter of the shops. The Deckhouse Pub seems oft-recommended here, but it is also one of the only places to eat a full-service meal at the Landing, so if you're staying anywhere nearby, you will likely end up here (probably explaining why they accept reservations). The Deckhouse was adequate / average for local beer and flavor, with two small upper decks of a few tables. Seats outside overlooking the water boost the vibe a bit. Basic Krusty Krab nautical decor inside. Spinnaker's Landing is an okay stop-off on your PEI driving tour. Won't take long (unless you have wee ones, then all bets are off :) ). The Landing seemed to be referred to in all tourist literature as "the" place to go in Summerside, according to island recommendations and research. Because of this, we expected more. To the point where we got there after all the brochure hype and said, "This is it???" So if you go, understand it is merely a little horseshoe of a pit stop if there are no special events going on, and not necessarily a day-long destination if you are trying to cover the island in less time than you'd wish. Spinnaker's Landing gives the feel of a pop-up tourist spot. It is not a historic fishing village, but manufactured-to-look-like-an-old-fishing-village. It's akin to a film set or Disney facade, which is absolutely fine if that's what you like, or you know this fact in advance. It may also be just right a place for older visitors or anyone with difficulty walking long distances -- it gives you a little dose of a few shops with a ramp-accessible boardwalk. But we were a group hungry to experience the best of PEI -- we did not feel this was it. The consensus was if we had skipped this spot altogether, we wouldn't have missed much. So if authenticity is more your style and you are crunched for time, you might skip the anticlimactic Spinnaker's Landing stop and dedicate that time to any one of the plethora of climbable lighthouses, historic buildings, and ragged landscapes awaiting you on beautiful PEI. read more

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