Prince Edward Island National Park North Shore
Explore stunning red sand beaches, scenic cycling trails, and unique dune ecosystems along PEI's picturesque North Shore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Solitude and silence
Prince Edward Island National Park North Shore
Best Time
Solitude and silence
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore stunning red sand beaches, scenic cycling trails, and unique dune ecosystems along PEI's picturesque North Shore.
"A coastal paradise with breathtaking views, perfect for beach lovers and outdoor adventurers."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the park's vastness and nearby attractions.
👟 Pack Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on trails and beaches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cavendish Beach
Cavendish
Iconic red sand beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks. Warm, shallow waters make it family-friendly.
Greenwich Beach & Dunes
Greenwich
Wander through unique sand dunes and explore diverse ecosystems via well-maintained boardwalks. A photographer's dream.
Gulf Shore Parkway Trail
Cavendish to North Rustico
Scenic 11.8-mile out-and-back trail for biking or walking, offering stunning gulf views and passing by beaches.
Anne of Green Gables Sites
Cavendish area
Immerse yourself in the world of Anne Shirley with nearby attractions and historical connections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Red Sands
Coastal Exploration Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the park's vastness and nearby attractions.
👟 Pack Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on trails and beaches.
📸 Capture the Red Sands
The unique red sand and coastline offer incredible photo opportunities.
🏖️ Beach Facilities Vary
Some beaches have lifeguards & showers, others are more natural. Check ahead!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the park's vastness and nearby attractions.
👟 Pack Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on trails and beaches.
📸 Capture the Red Sands
The unique red sand and coastline offer incredible photo opportunities.
🏖️ Beach Facilities Vary
Some beaches have lifeguards & showers, others are more natural. Check ahead!
🚲 Bike the Gulf Shore
Rent a bike and cycle the scenic Parkway Trail for amazing views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the park's stunning red sand beaches, warm waters, and extensive coastlines, perfect for relaxation and exploration. The cycling and hiking trails are also highly praised for their scenic beauty. However, some find the non-beach facilities, particularly campgrounds, to be dated and lacking privacy compared to other national parks.
"This park is mostly concerned about beaches and protecting the coastline. The sand here tends to be red from the sandstone in the area. The beaches are shallow, warm, and long. Some have washrooms, showers, are dog friendly, and have lifeguards. When it comes to non-beach facilities this park is dated. The campgrounds offer virtually no privacy and are not on the same level as other national parks."
Scott Payette
"I visited this park during the summer. It’s a highly attractive spot, especially for those who enjoy hiking and cycling. As someone who prefers road trips, I only stopped to spend some time on the warm beach, but even that was enough to feel relaxed. I’m glad I had the chance to visit."
Christopher Dai
"🏖️ Beautiful Coastline - Never Wanted to Leave 🏖️
You can spend an entire day here walking the coastline and possibly enjoying some of the summer activities. The park is over 60km long and simply breath-taking to soak up. It includes a beach, wildlife, and a refreshing breeze. If you’re visiting the Island or touring the Anne of Green Gables Museum, definitely plan the National Park as a stop on your itinerary."
Casey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car, with the main entrances located off Highway 1. If flying, you'll likely land at Charlottetown Airport (YYG), which is a short drive away. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the park and the island.
Yes, the park is well-signed, especially along the main routes like the Gulf Shore Parkway. Maps are available at visitor centers.
While possible, it's challenging. Public transport on PEI is limited. Consider ride-sharing or tours if you don't have a car, but a rental offers the most flexibility.
Driving is the most efficient. For specific areas like the Gulf Shore Parkway, cycling is a fantastic option.
Currently, there are no regular shuttle services operating within the park. Visitors are encouraged to use their own vehicles or bicycles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Parks Canada charges an entry fee for the national park. You can purchase daily or annual passes.
The park is generally open year-round, but visitor services and facilities like washrooms and campgrounds have seasonal operating hours. Check the Parks Canada website for specifics.
Yes, you can purchase your Parks Canada Discovery Pass online in advance to save time upon arrival.
Parks Canada sometimes offers free admission days, often around Canada Day or Parks Day. Keep an eye on their official announcements.
Your park pass grants you access to all areas of the park, including beaches, trails, and visitor centers. Campground fees are separate.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cavendish Beach is very popular, known for its warm, shallow waters. Greenwich Beach offers stunning dunes and boardwalks. Brackley Beach and Stanhope Beach are also beautiful options.
Absolutely! The park has numerous trails, including the scenic Gulf Shore Parkway Trail for biking and walking, and the Homestead Trail for snowshoeing in winter.
Yes, it's excellent for cycling! The Gulf Shore Parkway Trail is a highlight, offering miles of paved path with ocean views.
Yes, there are several campgrounds, but reviews suggest they offer limited privacy and may not be as modern as in other national parks.
You might spot various bird species, seals along the coast, and if you're lucky, other small mammals. The park is a haven for coastal wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The red sand beaches, dramatic dunes at Greenwich, and coastal vistas along the Gulf Shore Parkway are prime photography locations. Sunsets are particularly stunning.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic light for capturing the red sand and coastal landscapes. Midday can be harsh.
Lookouts along the Gulf Shore Parkway and the boardwalks at Greenwich provide elevated perspectives of the coastline and dunes.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sky and water.
Drone usage is regulated by Parks Canada. Always check the latest regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting bikes for a family ride along the Gulf Shore Parkway Trail, which is relatively flat and offers beautiful scenery. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities can be spread out. The park's natural beauty provides endless opportunities for exploration and fun for children of all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Walking the extensive beaches or cycling the quiet trails offers a perfect opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation. The park's natural beauty provides a serene backdrop for a peaceful escape.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1Bring a variety of lenses to capture both grand landscapes and finer details of the coastal flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for seabirds and seals. The well-maintained boardwalks and trails provide excellent access to diverse viewpoints.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring PEI's Iconic Red Beaches
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, the expansive shorelines are perfect for long, leisurely walks. The red sand contrasts beautifully with the blue ocean and green coastal vegetation, creating picturesque scenes. Visitors in the shoulder seasons, like October, can experience these beaches with near solitude, enjoying the sounds of the waves and wind without the summer crowds.
When visiting, remember that the park's primary focus is coastal protection. Respect signage regarding dune access and stay on designated paths to help preserve these fragile ecosystems. The unique geological makeup of PEI truly makes its beaches a must-see natural wonder.
Cycling and Hiking Adventures
For hikers, numerous trails weave through diverse landscapes. The Homestead Trail is popular, especially for snowshoeing in winter, offering a different perspective of the park's beauty. Boardwalks at areas like Greenwich allow for easy exploration of sensitive dune ecosystems and offer elevated vantage points for photography.
+1Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a relaxed bike ride, the park's trails are well-maintained and provide an immersive experience in PEI's natural environment. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially for longer excursions.
The 'Anne of Green Gables' Connection
Visitors can experience the charm of the era through historical reenactments or by visiting sites that inspired the book. Some TikTok videos showcase historical fashion inspired by the Edwardian period, reflecting the timeless appeal of Anne's world and its connection to PEI's landscape.
For fans of 'Anne of Green Gables,' a visit to the National Park is often combined with a pilgrimage to the Green Gables Heritage Place, offering a deeper appreciation for the island's cultural heritage and its stunning natural beauty that served as the backdrop for these enduring stories.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit