Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince Edward Island
Stretching along the rugged north coast of Prince Edward Island, this national park features some of the province’s most dramatic scenery. It encompasses red sea cliffs, sandy beaches, towering dunes, salt marshes, and sprawling birch forests inhabited by red fox, muskrat, and mink.
Prince Edward Island National Park is one of PEI’s biggest attractions. Drawn to its scenic landscapes, visitors commonly hike, cycle, bird-watch, and kayak in the park. Its beaches are another big draw, with the dune-backed Cavendish Beach proving particularly popular.
SomeAnne of Green Gables tours make stops at the park, which served as inspiration for the popular book series, as do multi-day tours of the Maritimes, which typically cover parts of the neighboring province of Nova Scotia, and—in some cases—New Brunswick, too.
Prince Edward Island National Park is a must for outdoorsy types andAnne of Green Gables fans.
Refrain from picking flowers, unusual rocks, or patterned shells as this can disturb the park’s delicate natural environment.
Brackley Beach, Cavendish Campground Beach, and Stanhope Beach are wheelchair accessible from late June to early September. Accessible campgrounds (Cavendish Campground and Stanhope Campground) and trails (Gulf Shore Way East and Gulf Shore Way West) can also be found within the park.
The nearest airport is in Charlottetown, the island’s capital. For those driving, the island can be accessed via Confederation Bridge, which connects New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. Alternatively, take the Northumberland Ferries crossing from Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island. Once in the park, it’s best to explore by car or as part of an organized tour, as its attractions are spread out across a wide area.
While the park is open year-round, most attractions and services operate only between mid-May and October, making this the best time to visit. Summer months, particularly July and August, see warmer weather, meaning visitors can take advantage of many outdoor attractions, from beaches to campsites. Spring and autumn are best for peace and quiet.
The park will forever be associated with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which took inspiration from the landscape for its setting. Green Gables Heritage Place, which runs a summer program of themed activities, such as tours and picnics, is located within the park, as is Dalvay-by-the-Sea, a Queen Anne Revival-style hotel featured in theAnne of Green Gables films.
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