Prince Edward Island National Park
Gentle surf strokes sandy beaches alongside red cliffs and wind-sculpted dunes. Cycle a seashore path, savour a picnic by a lighthouse and spot heron wading in coastal bays. Hike woodlands and overlook ponds watching for red fox, waterfowl and warblers, then head to one of many beaches to build spectacular sandcastles. At sunset, roast marshmallows over a campfire listening to tales and songs – Prince Edward Island National Park is a giant playground for kids of all ages.
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North Cape Coastal Drive
Explore North Cape Coastal Drive’s 350 kilometers of coastal roads, and you will see some of the most breath-taking vistas on Prince Edward Island. Here rolling hills give way to rugged red cliffs and winding red dirt roads lead to pristine beaches.
Central Coastal Drive
The Central Coastal Drive is a well-loved road tripping route that circumnavigates the region and is 253 km in total. If you have the time, you might want to break up the drive into two days, so you can enjoy leisurely stops along the way. In addition to paper and digital maps that will help you navigate this beloved route, you’ll also find blue signage marked “Central Coastal Drive” along the way – keep your eyes peeled!
This scenic drive will serve up all sorts of visual treats for your eyes to feast on as you travel along the Red Sands Shore region on the south and the Green Gables Shore region on the north. From bold red cliffs jutting into the sea to sweeping stretches of white sand dunes, pastoral farmland, charming seaside villages, and more, you’re bound to be wooed by PEI’s charming vistas. Plus, of course, you’ll find all sorts to see, do, eat, and drink along the way. Pack your beach gear for this road trip, because the ocean will undoubtedly call you during this road trip.
Points East Coastal Drive
Located in Canada on the eastern side of Prince Edward Island, Points East Coastal Drive is 475 kilometres (295 miles) of scenic roadways, small towns, picturesque landscape and endless opportunities to stop and explore.
Perhaps what you will feel most strongly when you travel through Points East Coastal Drive is a peaceful, old-world quality. It’s here, away from the crowds and amusement parks that you will best experience what really personifies island living – the rural charm of small communities, friendly locals and a diverse natural beauty.
And what a beauty it is. Spectacular beaches, lines of cultivated fields stretching to ocean cliff edges; cool, fragrant forests; white farmhouses with laundry blowing in the breeze; a beckoning stretch of red dirt road that leads to a serene country destination;, the clear blue waters of the Northumberland Strait and Prince Edward Island’s most picturesque fishing harbours. All the while you’ll breath in the fresh air that is an intoxicating mix of wild rose bushes and the salt of the sea.
Safe, friendly and easy to get to, Points East Coastal Drive offers visitors more than a vacation to Prince Edward Island – it offers a chance to get away from it all while feeling a bit like you’ve finally come home.
Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery achieved international fame with the publication of her novel Anne of Green Gables, which is set in Prince Edward Island. When it was released in 1908, most readers were not even aware that Prince Edward Island was a real place. The book’s popularity helped put PEI on the map as millions of fans began to visit the magical setting of their favourite novel.
There are many places in PEI that are dedicated to Montgomery and her most well known character, Anne Shirley. You can even visit Green Gables House, the very site that inspired the book.
Montgomery published approximately 500 short stories and poems in addition to twenty novels. Nineteen of these novels are set in Prince Edward Island and beautifully incorporate the location as an essential character in each story’s plot.
Her writing has had an incredible impact on PEI’s tourism industry because it completely captures the charm and serenity that make the Island such a special place.
“You never know what peace is until you walk on the shores or in the fields or along the winding red roads of Prince Edward Island in a summer twilight when the dew is falling and the old stars are peeping out and the sea keeps its mighty tryst with the little land it loves.” – Lucy Maud Montgomery
Visit Tourism PEI for All Things Anne
Provincial Parks and Beaches
Prince Edward Island’s network of provincial parks has eight camping parks and 12 day-use parks with spectacular beaches, beautiful scenery, nature trails and lots of outdoor recreation and interpretive programs.
The Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale is located in the central part of Queens County. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing and snowshoeing. During the off-season, mountain biking and hiking trails are popular from the Nordic Centre location.
Our campground parks offer facilities for overnight camping, as well as general recreational use and our day-use parks are a wonderful place for swimming, outdoor sports, picnics and other outdoor experiences.
Beaches & Parks in Prince Edward Island
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Dreaming of carefree play, sunsets, bird watching or stargazing? Discover the Island’s endless acres of green wide-open spaces at our provincial and national parks. Don’t you think it’s time to turn off the technology and get back to nature?
Here, you’re always close to a park with beautiful scenery, nature trails and interpretive programs. Eight of our provincial parks include campgrounds.
One of the best things about being on an island is being surrounded by pristine beaches that are ready to be explored. Whether you like to nap in the sun, splash in the water, build a sandcastle, enjoy a stroll or capture an unforgettable sunset, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you.