Summer Magic in PEI National Park

Lyn (aka Jazz)
3 hours ago
7 min read

If you are searching for a fabulous Maritime beach break, you’ll find it within the boundaries of PEI National Park. Stretching along the province's north shore, this coastal park is a landscape of dramatic contrasts, with towering red sandstone cliffs, shifting silica dunes, and salt marshes teeming with life.

The park sits on the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq First Nations, who have called this land Epekwitk (meaning "lying on the water") for over 12,000 years. The park is a fragile ribbon of protection, preserving some of the most significant dune systems in North America. It is also the heart of "Anne’s Land," where the rolling farmlands and coastal breezes inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books.

Red sandstone arch against a blue sky with clouds. Rocky terrain and coastline visible in the background, conveying a serene, natural scene. — MacKenzie's Brook, Cavendish

My arrival at PEI National Park marked another chapter in my solo cross-Canada road trip. After navigating the rugged, wind-swept capes of my road trip through Prince Edward Island, the park was a beautiful and restful stop, where I could enjoy trails, beaches, and the stunning landscapes of this tiny province.

Whether you are following my 2-week Maritimes road trip itinerary or simply meandering across the country, PEI National Park is a mandatory stop.

Red and white striped hut on a sandy beach with grassy dunes, overcast sky, and calm waves. A serene and peaceful scene. — Cavendish Beach

Accommodations: Camping and Coastal Stays

Regular readers know that I travel in my campervan and usually stay at campgrounds in Canada. However, I recognize that not every traveller is fond of camping. Finding the right base camp is essential for soaking in the park’s atmosphere. Parks Canada operates two distinct campgrounds, each offering a different flavour of the Island experience. There are also several communities near the park that offer a range of holiday accommodations.

Cavendish Campground

If you want to be steps away from the most iconic sites, Cavendish Campground is your best bet. Located in the Cavendish-North Rustico district, this is the largest facility in the park. It is the perfect choice for those who enjoy being close to the buzz of the Anne of Green Gables sites.

You’ll find everything from basic tent sites to executive RV sites with 3-way hookups. For a unique experience, try an oTENTik—a hybrid between a tent and a rustic cabin that provides a comfortable bed without the hassle of a full setup.

Sunny forest path lined with green trees and wildflowers under a clear blue sky. Peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Stanhope Campground

For the solo traveller or those seeking a quieter connection with nature, I highly recommend the Stanhope Campground in the Brackley-Dalvay district. It feels more intimate and wooded than Cavendish, offering a peaceful sanctuary after a day of exploring. It is perfect for those who want to watch the sunrise over the Covehead Harbour or enjoy the more serene, less-crowded stretches of the eastern beaches.

Stanhope offers tent and RV sites (including 2-way hookups) and its own selection of oTENTiks. It is conveniently located right across from the Gulf Shore Way multi-use trail.

Coastal Communities and Nearby Stays

Not everyone is a camper, and the beauty of PEI National Park is how seamlessly it integrates with the surrounding villages. Several communities abut the park boundaries, offering a range of cozy accommodations.

North Rustico: Often called "The Crick" by locals, this charming fishing village offers lovely cottages and B&Bs. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of fresh seafood markets.

People stand on a wooden deck attached to a yellow building labeled Adventure Antigonish. Colourful kayaks line the dock by the water.

Brackley Beach: This area features modern vacation rentals and classic Island inns, providing quick access to the towering dunes of the central park district.

Wooden path between shingled buildings leads to a grassy dune under a cloudy sky. Signs and a park bench are visible; mood is calm and serene.

Cavendish: Beyond the campground, Cavendish is home to historic inns and full-service resorts for those who prefer a touch of luxury with their coastal views.

The 3-Day PEI National Park Itinerary

To help you navigate the park’s diverse landscapes, I’ve organized these experiences into three days of the must-see highlights.

Day 1: The Cavendish Experience

To kick off this Island adventure, we begin in the world-famous Cavendish district. This is where the red cliffs are at their most dramatic, and the legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery is felt in every rustle of the trees. It’s a day for reconnecting with your inner child while marvelling at the geological wonders of the North Shore.

Haunted Wood & Cavendish Dunelands Trails

Begin your morning where fiction meets reality. The Haunted Wood trail winds through woods that are plucked straight from the pages of L.M. Montgomery’s imagination. Connect to the Cavendish Dunelands trail, with sweeping views of the freshwater ponds and the sand dunes that define this coast.

Forest path with a sign reading "Site of the School House, Site de l'école" in a mix of green foliage and trees, conveying mystery.

Both are easy-level trails. Start at Green Gables Heritage Place. Access is included with your National Park entry fee. This is a perfect morning for photography; the light through the trees in the Haunted Wood is ethereal. Don't forget to read my full Anne of Green Gables Day Trip for more.

Cavendish Beach & Mi’kmaq Heritage

Spend the afternoon on the wide, bustling sands of Cavendish Beach. While the water is famous for being the warmest in Canada, take time to visit the A’Tuken (Mi’kmaq Cultural Heritage) programs often held nearby. These drop-in sessions highlight the Island's Indigenous history through storytelling and crafts.

Man in traditional attire performs a hoop dance; others play a drum. Vivid patterns, outdoor setting, green foliage background.

Beach access is at the end of Graham’s Lane. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

North Rustico Harbour

Finish your day in the neighbouring community of North Rustico. Watching the sun set over the lobster boats in the harbour is a meditative experience. Refer to my guide on Eating Your Way Around Canada’s Eastern Provinces to decide on what to eat for dinner.

Boats are docked along a marina with houses in the background. The scene is under a clear blue sky, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.

Day 2: The Central Hub

On your second day, we shift our focus eastward to the central Brackley-Dalvay district. This area offers a slightly more rhythmic, serene pace, which is perfect for those who want to feel the salt air on their faces while exploring the Island's unique interior ecosystems and sprawling paved paths.

Cycling the Gulf Shore Way West

Rent a bike or take your own out on the Gulf Shore Way West. This paved multi-use trail hugs the coastline, offering spectacular views of the red cliffs and the blue Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trail spans 8.5 km between Cavendish and North Rustico. It is mostly flat and incredibly well-maintained. Bike rentals in Cavendish average $30–$50 per day.

Wooden boardwalk curves through lush marshland under a clear sky. Two people are walking in the distance. Calm and serene setting.

Bubbling Springs Trail

Head toward the Stanhope district for the Bubbling Springs trail. This easy 2.5 km loop takes you through former farmland and forest to a small spring where the water literally "bubbles" up through the sand. Keep an eye out for Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons in the marshy areas.

A serene pond with clear water reflecting trees, surrounded by grassy banks and autumn foliage. Stones and logs are visible in the water.

Sunset at Brackley Beach

Drive over to Brackley Beach for a long walk along the base of the massive dunes. The scale here is humbling. If you have time, stop by the historic Dalvay-by-the-Sea just outside the park gate—a grand Victorian home that is worth a quick stroll around the grounds.

Historic Victorian-style building with gabled roofs and wraparound porch under a clear blue sky, surrounded by a grassy lawn.

Day 3: The Greenwich Peninsula

For the final leg of our journey, head to the Greenwich district. This is the park’s most secluded and ecologically significant area, where the silence is broken only by the calling of birds and the gentle lap of the water against the floating boardwalks.

Greenwich Dunes Trail

Located about 45 minutes east of the main park hub, Greenwich is the park’s "crown jewel." The Greenwich Dunes trail features an extensive floating boardwalk that takes you across Bowley Pond to a spectacular dune system. This is a 4.8 km return hike, moderate in difficulty due to some sandy patches. This area is a protected sanctuary for the endangered Piping Plover; please stay on the designated paths.

Wooden boardwalk through grassy dunes under a partly cloudy sky, leading to rolling sand hills. Green and brown hues dominate the scene.

Greenwich Interpretation Centre

Before you leave, spend an hour at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre. It houses over 20 interactive exhibits that detail the 10,000 years of human history on this peninsula. It’s an excellent way to ground your natural explorations in a historical context. Summer hours are typically 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Bottle Houses

As you loop back toward the western side of the Island, make sure to visit Les Maisons de Bouteilles (The Bottle Houses). These buildings, made from over 25,000 glass bottles, are a testament to Island creativity and upcycling long before it was trendy.

Read my full post on the Bottle Houses for the history behind this quirky stop.

A house made of glass bottles on the left and a white lighthouse in the background; lush greenery surrounds the scene. Bright, sunny day.

Beyond the Park Borders: Island Exploration

While the National Park is the undisputed star of the north shore, Prince Edward Island’s charm spills over into its vibrant towns and quiet corners. No road trip is complete without exploring the province's urban heartbeat and its secondary coastal hubs.

Charlottetown

Just a short 25-minute drive from the Brackley district, the capital city offers a perfect blend of historic architecture and modern culinary delights. Whether you are strolling down Victoria Row or catching a show at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, my 3-day guide to Charlottetown covers all the best things to see and do.

Bronze statue of a man with a fishing net sits on a brick walkway. Background features colorful shops, a gazebo, and outdoor seating.

Summerside

Head west to experience the Island's second-largest city. It has a slower, more relaxed pace that I found incredibly welcoming. For tips on the best local boardwalks and heritage homes, check out my post on things to do in Summerside.

Two buildings on a wooden boardwalk; "Get Caked Donuts" on a sign, "Deckhouse Pub & Eatery" across. Sunny, clear sky, benches nearby.

Tips for Travellers

Planning a trip to PEI National Park requires a bit of logistical foresight, especially during the busy summer months. Here is what you need to know before you pull into the park gates.

Park Passes

To access any part of the park, including beaches and trails, you must have a valid Parks Canada pass. You can purchase a Daily Pass at the entry kiosks or, if you're on a longer journey like my cross-Canada trip, the Discovery Pass is a fantastic investment that covers over 80 Parks Canada locations for a full year.

The good news for travellers planning their Canadian National Parks trips is that passes are free (and camping fees are reduced by 25%) for the 2026 season, as part of the Canada Strong program.

Wildlife Etiquette

The park is a sanctuary for delicate species. Most importantly, stay off the marram grass! This grass is the only thing holding the sand dunes together; walking on it can kill the plants and lead to dune erosion. Additionally, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, particularly the endangered Piping Plovers that nest on the beaches.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are hiking the floating boardwalks of Greenwich or tracing the steps of a fictional redhead through the Haunted Wood, the Island has a way of slowing your heart rate and sharpening your focus on the beauty of the present moment.

If you find yourself on the East Coast, I encourage you to take the "long way home." Pull over at the unmarked lookouts, talk to the locals in the fishing villages, and let the red dust of the Island settle on your boots.

Colourful buoys hang on a building with a green roof by the sea. A Canadian flag waves, and colorful chairs sit in the grass, evoking a coastal vibe.

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Summer Magic in PEI National Park