Basin Head is the island's most unusual beach. Its pure white sand is geologically unusual, and its high silica content makes it squeak, or sing, when you walk on it, which is why people call it the Singing Sands. The provincial day-use park is at 336 Basin Head Road on Route 16 in Kingsboro, about a 15-minute drive from Souris, on the Points East Coastal Drive at the island's far eastern end. A channel known as the run splits the beach into two sections, and a beach mat gives access to the water from the wharf. A floating wheelchair is available when surf conditions are safe.
What to do
Walk the sand and listen for the squeak, which is loudest on dry sand, then swim or paddle in the sheltered water if the season and conditions allow. The park page lists a supervised beach, on-site concessions and a washroom, with lifeguard days and hours that vary and are posted on the province's beach reports.
When the beach is unsupervised, visitors swim at their own risk. The park also has the Basin Head Fisheries Museum on the bluff above the Northumberland Strait, which is one of the seven Museum and Heritage PEI sites, but the museum's hours page says it is closed for the 2026 season and reopens in 2027.
The beach itself is a natural shoreline and can be walked outside the season, but lifeguards, concessions and washroom are not available, and the wind off the strait is strong in late autumn. The page does not list daily opening hours or an admission fee, so check the province's page for the current rules. Swim only when lifeguards are on duty if you can, and watch the tide and the channel currents around the run.
Fitting it in
Basin Head is a long way from Charlottetown, at the far eastern end of the island, and a visit is a day trip rather than a short outing. Combine it with the Points East Coastal Drive, stopping at Point Prim or Souris on the way, and plan the day around a meal and the beach.
A car is the practical way to reach it. It is much quieter than the north shore beaches in the national park, which makes it appealing if you prefer a smaller crowd, and it is a favourite with families because of the shallow, sheltered water and the novelty of the singing sand.
Who it suits
Families, beach walkers and curious travellers who want something distinctive rather than the standard red-sand beach. Photographers like it for the pale sand against the red sandstone and blue water. If you are visiting out of season, treat it as a scenic stop on the east shore rather than a swim, and bring layers.
If you want the red-cliff scenery and dune walks instead, the national park on the north shore has more variety and more services in season. Whatever the season, bring a towel, water and a windbreaker, since there is little shelter on the open beach and the weather on the strait can change quickly.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a provincial day-use beach with unusual squeaking white sand, a channel called the run and a seasonal supervised swim area.
Best time
June to early October for supervised swimming; out of season it is a windy shoreline walk.
How long
One to three hours on site, plus a long drive from Charlottetown.
Tips
Check lifeguard schedules on the province's beach reports, swim only when supervised if you can, and pair the visit with the Points East Coastal Drive.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and beach walkers who want something different from the red-sand beaches.
- Families
- Shallow, sheltered water and singing sand appeal to children; check lifeguard hours first.
- Couples
- A quiet east shore stop on a coastal drive, best in late summer light.
- Pair with
- Point Prim Lighthouse and the Points East Coastal Drive, with a meal in Souris.
- Time needed
- A half day, including the drive from Charlottetown.
Good questions
Why is it called the Singing Sands?+
The sand is pure white with a high silica content, and that makes it squeak or sing when you step on it. Dry sand gives the clearest sound.
Is Basin Head open in November?+
The park's 2026 season ran June 5 to October 12, so services are closed. The shoreline can still be visited, but there are no lifeguards, concessions or washroom.
Is there a fee?+
The park page does not list an admission or parking fee. Check the province's page for the current rules before you travel.
Is it safe to swim?+
The beach is supervised on days and hours that vary, and swimming is at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty. Take care near the channel known as the run.
Is the museum open?+
The Basin Head Fisheries Museum is closed for the 2026 season and reopens in 2027, according to Museum and Heritage PEI's hours page.
