Prince Edward Island National Park is a long, thin park that follows the north coast, with sand beaches, dunes, salt marsh, red sandstone cliffs and walking trails. Parks Canada describes it as about 40 km of coast, from Cavendish to North Rustico and from Brackley to Dalvay, plus a 6 km section on the Greenwich peninsula. The three regions are separated by bays and are not joined by one highway, so each is a separate drive. The park is about 24 km from Charlottetown, which makes it an easy half-day or full-day outing. In summer the beaches are the draw, with swimming, boardwalks and picnic areas. Outside summer the park is quieter and wilder, good for long walks on empty sand, though visitor services are closed from mid-October to mid-May and most day-use areas close in September.
What to do
In summer, spend time on a beach at Cavendish, Brackley, Stanhope or Dalvay, walk the Dunelands floating boardwalk or the Homestead loop in Cavendish, and try the Robinsons Island trails in the Brackley-Dalvay section. Cyclists can use the paved Gulf Shore Way trails, which run along the coast.
At Greenwich, a separate section on the peninsula, there is a trail through dunes and a ponds area. The red cliffs and the colour of the sand are the visual signature of the island, and the light is best early and late in the day.
Seasons and planning
This is the sight to understand before you go. Parks Canada says visitor services and facilities are closed from mid-October to mid-May, boardwalks and beach stairs are installed only from May to late September, and the campgrounds at Cavendish and Stanhope run roughly 10 June to 21 September. The Greenwich interpretation centre is open from 8 June to 7 September in 2026.
In winter the park is still open to walkers, with cleared parking at spots such as Dalvay, Greenwich, Bubbling Springs, Shaws Beach and North Rustico Beach, but washrooms and shelters are closed and ski trails are not groomed. Pets are not allowed on park beaches from 1 April to 15 October, and beaches can close temporarily to protect nesting piping plovers.
Fitting it in
Allow half a day for one region, and a full day if you want to pair Cavendish with Brackley. A car is the practical way to move between sections, and you will pass the Green Gables area on the way. Fees and passes apply in the peak season, with free admission for youth, so check Parks Canada before you travel. Bring layers because the shore wind is cooler than it looks, and sunscreen in summer because there is very little shade on the dunes.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a national park with beaches, dunes, cliffs and trails, split into three separate regions along the north shore.
Best time
June to early September for beaches and services; spring and autumn for quiet walks, with summer facilities closed outside the season.
How long
Allow a half day for one region or a full day for two.
Tips
Check which areas are open before you go, pack layers for the wind, and keep to the boardwalks to protect the dunes and nesting birds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers, walkers and anyone who wants the island's signature coastal scenery.
- Families
- Summer beaches with boardwalks suit children, but swimming may be unsupervised, so stay close to young swimmers.
- Couples
- A quiet walk on a long beach at sunrise or sunset is the romantic option, especially outside peak season.
- Pair with
- Green Gables Heritage Place, Covehead Harbour and a north shore drive fit into the same day.
- Time needed
- Half a day for a single region, a full day for two.
Good questions
Is Prince Edward Island National Park open in November?+
The park itself stays open to visitors in winter, but Parks Canada says visitor services and facilities are closed from mid-October to mid-May. Expect no washrooms or shelters and limited parking at a few cleared winter areas.
How far is the park from Charlottetown?+
Parks Canada gives the distance as about 24 km. The park has three regions, Cavendish-North Rustico, Brackley-Dalvay and Greenwich, which are separated by bays and reached by separate drives.
Can I bring my dog?+
Pets are not allowed on national park beaches from 1 April to 15 October. Leashed pets are allowed in camping areas, picnic areas and on park trails.
Can I swim at the beaches?+
Swimming is a summer activity, and supervision varies by beach. Where there is no lifeguard on duty you swim at your own risk, and beaches can close temporarily for nesting piping plovers.
Do I need to pay to enter?+
Fees and passes apply in the peak season, and admission is free for youth. Check the current fee page on the park's site before you go, since passes and promotions change.
