Prince Edward Island, often known as PEI, would be the smallest province on the East Coast of Canada, but it surely packs a punch. The Northumberland Straight separates Prince Edward Island from its mainland neighbours of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Island, and the Gulf of St Lawrence – from the far jap Newfoundland and Labrador.
PEI is thought for its lovely surroundings and boasts purple sand seashores, quaint villages, and rolling inexperienced hills.
Prince Edward Island provides loads of sights, however in our opinion, the seashores on PEI steal the present. The seashores on Prince Edward Island are a number of the greatest in Canada providing gorgeous views, tender sands, and clear waters. Many PEI’s seashores are additionally very family-friendly. There’s loads of area to unfold out on the sand, and there’s all the time one thing occurring within the close by cities to maintain the entire household entertained throughout a PEI seaside trip.
Having road-tripped round PEI on our latest East Coast Canada highway journey, we visited just a few PEI’s seashores en route. So if you wish to know extra about seashores on PEI, learn on to absorb all the data we’ve collected alongside the way in which.
On the highway in PEI
Methods to Get Round Seashores in PEI
We travelled round PEI in our campervan and loved the last word freedom to discover at our personal tempo. In the case of getting round PEI and visiting seashores, there are a number of methods to get round.
Automobile Leases
A number of automobile rental firms on Prince Edward Island can be found at Charlottetown Airport, equivalent to AVIS, Price range, Enterprise and Hertz. Automobile leases are a good way to get across the island as a result of they provide the freedom to discover at your individual tempo. However should you’d moderately go for a extra sustainable transportation choice, contemplate ride-sharing or utilizing public transport.
Our campervan, Benji, on the highway in PEI
Trip Sharing
In the event you don’t need to lease a automobile, an alternative choice is to make use of an area ride-sharing service referred to as, Kari. Kari works similar to Uber or Lyft, providing ride-sharing providers throughout PEI. However the app is constructed regionally and is designed to serve PEI with dependable reasonably priced rides.
Public Transportation
T3 PEI Public Transit spans island-wide and operates Monday – Friday. T3 Metropolis Transit providers transfer inside Cornwall, Charlottetown, Stratford & Summerside. Whereas T3 Rural Transit provides island-wide transit on provincial highways connecting Georgetown, Montague, Souris, St. Peter’s, Summerside, Borden, O’Leary, Alberton, Tignish & Charlottetown.
Bicycle
One other nice strategy to get across the PEI seashores is by bicycle. There are numerous locations to lease bikes, and you may even take a guided tour. These are glorious choices if you wish to discover at your individual tempo with no car. The well-known bike-friendly Confederation Path runs throughout PEI and provides a singular strategy to journey throughout PEI and go to a few of PEI’s greatest seashores!
On the highway in PEI
Strolling
In case you are staying in close by small cities, you possibly can all the time select to stroll to the seashores in PEI. This fashion, you possibly can really feel the native vibes and get to know the world a bit higher.
What to Think about When Selecting a PEI Seaside
PEI seashores supply every part from enjoyable and sunbathing to water actions. In the case of selecting one of the best PEI seashores for you, there are just a few issues to think about.
Services: PEI seashores typically supply fundamental amenities, like washrooms and picnic spots, however some additionally supply free showers, altering amenities, and even beachside eating places and solar chair leases.
Shade: A few of the most lovely PEI seashores span for miles, however supply little to no shade for a reprieve on a scorching day. Think about whether or not the pure shade is important to you or should you favor to pack your umbrella/solar tent as an alternative.
On-site actions: Some PEI seashores supply further actions and tools leases to make an additional enjoyable day on the seaside. Some seashores supply choices to lease kayaks, SUPs, and different toys, whereas others are situated subsequent to a trailhead or day-use park with further playground amenities for youths.
Lifeguards: Not all seashores in PEI have a lifeguard on obligation, and a few lifeguards are restricted to peak hours of the day.
Finest Seashores in PEI
There are numerous seashores on Prince Edward Island, all of which have a singular appeal. Listed below are 15 of one of the best seashores in PEI, based mostly on our personal very biased standards!
1. Cavendish Seaside, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park
Location: Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
Services: washrooms, showers, restaurant
Supervised Seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: Households, first-time guests
Cavendish seaside is PEI’s premier vacation spot and one of many busiest seashores in Canada. The eight-kilometre-long seaside is a Blue Flag seaside, which implies it meets strict environmental and security requirements.
As one of the crucial in style seashores, Cavendish Seaside is thought for its white-gold sand surrounded by putting purple sandstone cliffs and dunes. It’s a preferred spot for swimming, and sunbathing. The rugged cliffs make Cavendish seaside notably picturesque.
There are a number of eating places and cafes alongside the shore, in addition to Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park with trails and a campground, and some outlets.
Cavendish Seaside, PEI
Cavendish Seaside
Cavendish Seaside, PEI
2. Stanhope Seaside, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park
Location: Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park – Stanhope, Prince Edward Island
Services: washrooms, showers, picnic shelter, altering space
Ideally suited for: Households with young children
Stanhope Seaside is one other well-known seaside on PEI and one among Canada’s most lovely must-see seashores. The seaside is quiet and peaceable with reddish sand and turquoise waters, hidden from the curious customer. The waves should not too robust, making it a super spot for households with young children.
A playground and some picnic tables are on the cliff’s prime, and there’s a wood path main right down to the seaside from the highest of the cliff.
Stanhope Seaside, PEI. Photograph credit score: Tourism PEI/Sean Landsman
3. Basin Head Seaside
Location: Basin Head Provincial Park, Factors East Coastal Drive, PEI
Services: Washroom, showers, altering rooms, on-site concessions, playground, fishery museum
Supervised seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: Households, first-time guests
Basin Head Seaside might be probably the most well-known seaside on PEI. Situated contained in the Basin Head Provincial Park, the seaside is named the “singing sands seaside” because of its tender, white sand that produces a wierd squeaking noise when strolling on it. The sand is okay, powder-like, with a excessive share of silica, which creates friction in opposition to your toes.
The shore is lengthy and vast, and the water is shallow and crystal clear. The seaside is a well-liked spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoyable for the day.
While you get hungry, you possibly can go to Souris, the small close by city, the place you could find a number of eating places and cafes. And for many who need to keep lively, there are many fishing and paddling alternatives. There may be additionally a Fisheries museum on the seaside, which is price a go to.
Basin Head Provincial Park
Basin Head Seaside from above
4. Greenwich Seaside, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park
Location: Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park, Greenwich, Prince Edward Island
Services: Washrooms, change rooms, exterior showers, massive picnic shelters
Supervised Seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: Households, first-time guests
Greenwich Seaside, PEI is a quiet and secluded seaside situated inside Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park. The seaside is thought for its craggy cliffs, in depth sand dunes, crystal-clear water, and gorgeous surroundings. Guests can discover a wide range of actions to get pleasure from whereas at Greenwich Seaside, together with mountaineering, swimming, fishing, and biking. The situation is an ideal place to spend a day in nature.
Households with young children discover this coast the right place to loosen up and play.
Greenwich Seaside, PEI Nationwide Park
5. Chelton Seaside
Location: Chelton Seaside Provincial Park, Pink Sands Shore, PEI
Services: Washrooms, showers, small playground, kitchen shelter
Ideally suited for: Households with young children
There’s one thing particular about Chelton Seaside. Perhaps it’s the mild waves lapping on the shore or seagulls overhead. Both manner, this tiny Canadian seaside has rather a lot to supply guests.
The water is clear and clear, excellent for swimming, standup paddle boarding and kayaking. And the sand is purple, offering a beautiful place to loosen up within the solar. To not point out, Chelton Seaside is located in a fantastic pure setting with towering evergreens throughout.
Chelton Seaside was created within the early Sixties when a dam was constructed to create a freshwater lake. Immediately, the seaside is a well-liked spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and having fun with the good outdoor. Households get pleasure from this coast as it’s protected and simple to oversee young children.
Chelton Seaside. Photograph credit: Tourism PEI/Louisse Vessey
6. Cabot Seaside
Location: Cabot Seaside Provincial Park, Inexperienced Gables Shore, PEI
Services: Campground, wifi, laundromat, playground, kitchen shelter, washrooms with showers
Supervised Seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: Households, first-time guests
The biggest and hottest seaside on Prince Edward Island, Cabot Seaside, is a must-visit for any traveller to the world. The seaside is half-hour by automobile from Cavendish and stretches over 2 kilometres contained in the Cabot Seaside Provincial Park.
Cabot Seaside is well-known for its rustic purple sand, which is exclusive to the world. The sand will get its color from the excessive iron focus within the close by soil. The seaside can also be nice for swimming, sunbathing, mountaineering within the Provincial Park and having fun with the gorgeous surroundings.
Lifeguards are on obligation throughout summer time, making it excellent for households with young children. There are additionally a restaurant and a restaurant close to the seaside, making it the best place to spend a day in nature.
Cabot Seaside, Cabot Seaside Provincial Park
Entrance to Cabot Seaside Provincial Park
7. Tea Hill Seaside
Location: Tea Hill Park, Charlottetown, PEI
Services: Parking, washroom, playground
Ideally suited for: Households and {couples}
Tea Hill Seaside is a hidden gem of a seaside in PEI and is unquestionably price a go to! The park includes 15 acres of shoreline with public seaside entry and gorgeous views. It’s the closest seaside on our record to Charlottetown, the capital of PEI and will be simply accessed inside 15 minutes from the town.
The coast round Tea Hill is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and enjoyable. On the shore, you’ll spot seagulls, clams, and starfish. Tea Hill Seaside is ideal for picnics, as a number of picnic tables are close by. The huge inexperienced floor of the Park provides to the fantastic thing about the place and is a perfect area to play sports activities.
You’ll be able to include your loved ones and have a good time or get pleasure from a romantic stroll together with your companion.
8. Brackley Seaside, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park
Location: Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park, Brackley, Prince Edward Island
Services: Washrooms, change rooms, huge parking
Supervised seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: households with young children
One other nice seaside on Prince Edward Island is Brackley Seaside on the north shore. Situated about 30 minutes drive from Charlottetown inside PEI Nationwide Park, the seaside is situated inside Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park is legendary for its towering sand dunes.
Brackley Seaside PEI is well-known for its mild waves, making it excellent for swimming. The towering sand dunes are excellent for absorbing the solar, and the sunsets listed below are beautiful. Households get pleasure from this seaside as it’s protected and simple to oversee young children.
There are many actions to maintain you busy at Brackley Seaside. You’ll be able to go for a swim, construct sandcastles, fly a kite, cycle on the multi-use path or simply get pleasure from a leisurely stroll alongside the shore.
Brackley Seaside. Credit score: ©Tourism PEI / Chestnut Studios
9. North Rustico, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park
Location: North Rustico Seaside, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park, Inexperienced Gables Shore, PEI
Services: Washrooms
Ideally suited for: households with young children
North Rustico is one other in style seaside in Inexperienced Gables Shore situated inside Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park. The seaside is situated within the city of Rustico, a 5 minutes drive from Cavendish. The purple sandy seaside and purple cliffs make for a postcard-perfect view, and the ocean is all the time heat and alluring.
North Rustico seaside is a hotspot for fishing however can also be excellent for enjoyable. These desirous to get lively will get pleasure from a possibility to go kayaking with PEI’s oldest kayak clothing store, Get Outdoors. The seaside itself provides no facilities apart from lifeguard supervision in the summertime, however is conveniently situated near North Rustico city, the place you’ll discover eating places, outlets, lodging and different amenities.
North Rustico Seaside
North Rustico Seaside
North Rustico Seaside
10. Little Harbour Seaside
Location: Little Harbour, Factors East Coastal Drive, PEI
Services: none
Ideally suited for: off-the-beaten-path vacationers
Little Harbour Seaside is one among Canada’s best-kept secrets and techniques. This hidden pocket of paradise provides guests tender white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters. Guests can discover loads of issues to do on the coast, together with swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
It’s best for households to discover the seaside with youngsters as it’s not crowded, and the water is clear and shallow. The assorted marine life, like bay scallops, quahog, whelk, and ark shells, will be noticed on the shore. There are not any eating places or cafes within the rapid neighborhood, so you will need to pack a picnic lunch should you plan to spend the day right here. There are additionally no amenities.
Little Harbour Seaside
11. Panmure Island Seaside
Location: Panmure Island Provincial Park, Factors East Coastal Drive, PEI
Services: Washrooms, change rooms, eating places, kitchen shelters, provincial campground
Supervised Seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: Households, {couples} and first-time guests
The lengthy stretches of sand and crystal-clear waters make Panmure Island Seaside is a must-see for any seaside lover visiting Prince Edward Island’s seashores. The seaside is situated on Panmure Island and provides serene magnificence and remoted tranquility that you just wont discover at many different lovely seashores in PEI.
Many supervised swimming areas make this seaside excellent for households, and there’s additionally a campground contained in the park and picnic space. An previous wood lighthouse offers a picturesque backdrop and loads of photograph alternatives. There is no such thing as a entrance payment to entry the highest of the lighthouse, however we advocate you donate to assist with upkeep and restoration prices.
Panmure Island
12. Thunder Cove Seaside
Location: Thunder Cove Seaside,Inexperienced Gables Shores, PEI
Services: none
Ideally suited for: Photographers
Due to its lovely rocky shoreline, Thunder Cove Seaside is a well-liked vacation spot for guests to PEI. The seaside itself is gorgeous, and the water is heat, however the actual drawcard for a lot of guests coming to this PEI seaside is the rock formations dotted alongside the seaside. To achieve them, observe the path to the seaside, then head left and maintain strolling till you get to the formations.
Notice that the seaside is greatest accessed at low tide when it’s simple to stroll to the formation alongside the shore. Sadly, probably the most well-known rock formation referred to as the “Tea Cup” was destroyed by Hurricane Fiona that ravaged the area in October 2022. However don’t be dismay, there are many others nonetheless standing!
In busy summer time months, parking at Thunder Cove Seaside could be a actual problem, so plan forward, go to early or late within the day or keep on the town and stroll/bike to the seaside as an alternative.
Lovely shore at Thunder Cove Seaside
Rock formations on Thunder Cove Seaside
Tea Cup rock and different formations at Thunder Cove Seaside
13. Souris Seaside
Location: Souris Seaside Getaway Park, Factors East Coastal Drive, PEI
Services: Retailers, refreshments, playground, washrooms, showers, parking, pavilion
Ideally suited for: Households
Souris Seaside is a beautiful stretch of sand and a hidden gem on the jap coast of Prince Edward Island.
The seaside will get its title from the close by Souris River, which flows out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the event you’re in search of a little bit of solitude, you’ll need to go to early within the morning or late within the day, because the seaside can get fairly busy throughout peak vacationer season.
Households will discover loads of issues to do at Souris Seaside, together with swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and paddle boarding. A number of eating places and cafes are situated close by, so that you received’t should go far to discover a chunk to eat.
Souris Lighthouse
14. Blooming Level Seaside
Location: Blooming Level, Inexperienced Gables Shore, PEI
Services: Parking
Ideally suited for: First-time guests, {Couples}
There are not any shortages of seashores on the Inexperienced Gables Shore area of PEI. However what makes Blooming level seaside much more exceptional is its unimaginable sunsets. Each day guests and locals flock to the seaside to observe the solar dip beneath the horizon, portray the sky in a spectrum of oranges, pinks, and purples.
Through the day, the seaside is essentially quiet and even provides a nude seaside part for these trying to sunbathe within the nude. There are not any amenities on the seaside, not even rubbish bins and no lifeguards.
15. Cedar Dunes Seaside
Location: Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, North Cape Coastal Drive, PEI
Services: Laundromat, washrooms with showers, playground, wide-open areas, kitchen shelter, parking, wifi
Supervised seaside: Sure
Ideally suited for: Households with young children, {couples}
Cedar Dunes Provincial Park in PEI is the right spot should you’re in search of a fantastic and secluded seaside to go to for a long-term keep. Tucked away on the West Coast of Prince Edward Island, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is residence to a pleasant campground with loads of amenities and a seaside to name your individual. Even on busy summer time days, you’ll discover loads of area to benefit from the peaceable environment. The seaside is supervised throughout summer time and is wheelchair accessible.
The clear heat water and tender purple sand right here make it excellent for swimming, kayaking, or simply hanging out for the day. There’s a landmark lighthouse and a small museum close by, in addition to a restaurant and ice cream store inside strolling distance. There’s a day-use park and no charges to enter the seaside or day-use space.
West Level Lighthouse at Cedar Dunes seaside
Having visited numerous seashores of Prince Edward Island, we discovered them to be a number of the most lovely in Canada. Their mild waves, comfortable sand, and distinctive surroundings supply the right spot for a calming trip.
Whether or not you’re trying to escape the hustle and bustle of metropolis life or just benefit from the space’s pure magnificence, you’ll discover every part you’re in search of on PEI. You’ll want to add these improbable prime seashores to your record of must-see locations in Canada.