19+ of the Best Beaches in PEI, Canada

Canada’s smallest and least populated province has an incredible amount of shoreline – 1100km to be exact, with 800km of beaches.

And PEI’s beaches are something a little extra special, with the sand ranging from tropical island white to a vibrant rosy red in colour. 

For this reason, it is no surprise that Prince Edward Island is well known for idyllic beach holidays.

Last summer, we took on the challenge to find the best beaches in PEI, driving over 2000km to see as much of the island as we could.

Last updated 2023

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Finding PEI’s best beaches

And what a success it was! Prince Edward Island has an incredible range of spectacular beaches from coast to coast to coast.

The highlight for us was definitely the eastern shore, a less visited region with SO many gorgeous golden stretches of sand.

At one point, we had to force ourselves to move on and see the rest of PEI! 

Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best beaches in PEI, Canada.

For each beach, I have first explained why it is one of our favourites and then listed important information regarding location, facilities, level of supervision (lifeguards) and local accommodation.

Please note that high season on PEI is late June (usually 29th or 30th) to the end of August. Unless otherwise noted, the PEI beaches in this post are free to visit.

Some of these beaches may have been affected by Hurricane Fiona in September 2022. This tropical storm caused significant erosion of PEI’s coastline.

Locate these amazing PEI beaches on the below map!

Basin Head

The ‘singing sands’ of Basin Head have made this beach famous across Canada and beyond.

When the sand is dry, it will squeak as you walk through it. It’s a result of a perfect blend of sand grain size, silica content and humidity.

The singing sands aren’t, however, the only reason that Basin Head is on this list of best beaches in PEI. 

Basin Head is actually two beaches, split by a channel towards the southern end. The channel (or ‘run’ to the locals) is crossed by a bridge and is popular for people of all ages to dive into.

The white sands of the main beach seem endless, though most people do stay close to the parking area and Fisheries Museum. So your visit can be as busy or quiet as you like!

Essential details

Directions: Basin Head Provincial Park is in the northeastern corner of Prince Edward Island and is well signed from Highway 16. Souris is a fifteen minute (13km) drive to the south

Facilities: Play area, concessions, washrooms, showers, beach mat, floating wheelchair rental

Supervised: Yes (high season only)

Accommodation: There isn’t a lot of accommodation choice around Basin Head, but the town Souris is close by. The Library Inn is a highly rated heritage B&B situated right on the harbour.

Bothwell Beach

Like the sound of Basin Head but prefer solitude? Head to Bothwell Beach, which lies just a five minute drive away.

This golden sand beach has all the same ‘squeaking’ properties of Basin Head, but with far less people.

Of course, that means that there are some disadvantages too – a small parking lot, narrow access road (see below) and no facilities.

If you are planning to swim, Basin Head is a better choice since it has lifeguard supervision during the summer. We witnessed some pretty gnarly riptides on our visit.

Essential details

Directions: Like Basin Head, Bothwell Beach is is in the northeastern corner of Prince Edward Island, just off Highway 16. The access road is (red) dirt and narrow in places. I would not recommend visiting Bothwell Beach with a RV or low clearance vehicle. There is one short, steep hill that may be slippery after and during rain

Facilities: None

Supervised: No

Accommodation: As with Basin Head, Souris is the place to go for accommodation in this area. The super cute ‘glamping’ cabins at at Shanty Stay have everything you need for a restful night (we loved it!)

Greenwich Beach

A more secluded and peaceful version of the other north shore beaches (Brackley and Cavendish, see below), Greenwich is a bit of a hidden gem.

The beach is accessible via a short boardwalk, starting at the eco-friendly washroom buildings. Once you get there, it feels like the white sand just goes on forever. 

Greenwich Beach is part of PEI National Park and has the largest sand dune system on the island.

Numerous rare plant species are found here and the surrounding wetland areas. Besides the supervised beach, there is an interesting interpretive centre and three day hiking trails. 

Essential details

Directions: Greenwich Beach is a short drive west of Saint Peters Bay, on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. The park is just under an hour’s drive away from Charlottetown (60km). Please note – Greenwich Beach has a daily admission fee as it is situated within a National Park

Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, exterior showers, large picnic shelter, beach boardwalk

Supervised: Yes (high season only)

Accommodation: Pretty Saint Peter’s Bay has a few options for accommodation. Gateway to Greenwich Suites overlooks the water and hosts four spacious apartments, each with kitchens and balcony/deck.

Brackley Beach

Part of Prince Edward Island National Park, Brackley Beach is the closest stretch of sand to Charlottetown.

It only takes 25 minutes to drive from downtown to the Brackley Beach parking lot on PEI’s northern coast. And what a winner of a beach this is, especially for families. 

Brackley Beach is a particularly large and long PEI beach, so despite the popularity and close proximity to Charlottetown, there is still a lot of space for everyone. Just walk a little further to find your spot.

A short (wheelchair accessible) boardwalk leads to the beach via the spacious changeroom, shower and washroom buildings. 

Essential details

Directions: Getting to Brackley Beach is easy – simply follow Highway 15 from Charlottetown to the northern coast. There is a large Parks Canada parking lot close to the beach. Please note – Brackley Beach has a daily admission fee

Facilities: Washroom, change rooms, exterior showers, concessions, mobility mats, beach wheelchair rentals, beach boardwalk

Supervised: Yes (high season only)

Accomodation: Baywatch Lighthouse Cottages & Motel is a less than five minutes drive from Brackley Beach. Choose between studios, suites, cottages or even the lighthouse!

Cavendish Beach

Prince Edward Island’s flagship beach is Cavendish, conveniently situated not far from Charlottetown on the north coast.

Visiting Cavendish Beach is one of the most popular things to do on Prince Edward Island but the seemingly endless miles of sand help to break up the crowds. 

Bordered on one side by red sandstone cliffs, the tan coloured shores of Cavendish Beach stretch for miles in the other direction.

Boardwalks and trails lead visitors safely over and around the gorgeous sand dunes that line the beach.

Families are well catered for with changerooms, washrooms, supervised swimming and water that never seems to be too deep. 

Essential details

Directions: Cavendish Beach is an easy forty minute drive from both the Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown. The main parking lots are found on Graham’s Lane, behind the township of Cavendish. Please note – Cavendish Beach has a daily admission fee

Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, exterior showers, concessions, beach boardwalk, mobility mats, beach wheelchair rentals

Supervised: Yes (high season only)

Accommodation: There’s plenty of choice for accommodation close to Cavendish Beach. Be sure to book early, however. Charming Avonlea Forest Hill Cottages are well suited for families

Jacques Cartier Beach

The first European visitor to PEI, Jacques Cartier, came ashore in this area in 1534.

Cartier proclaimed the vicinity to be “the fairest land ’tis possible to see!” and he had a good point. Jacques Cartier Beach offers a strip of soft red sand, backed by grass and a quiet road. 

There’s a provincial park campground here, with easy access to the water, a supervised section of the beach and a statue of Jacques Cartier. We parked a little further up the road. Jacques Cartier was our favourite beach in Western PEI. 

Essential details

Directions: Jacques Cartier beach is located just off Highway 12, less than fifteen minutes south of Tignish. It is about 100km northwest from the Confederation Bridge

Facilities: Washrooms, showers, playground

Supervised: Yes (high season only)

Accommodation: The highly rated Mill River Resort is 20 minutes drive from Jacques Cartier beach. There is a 18 hole golf course right on-site, as well as a spa, pool and restaurant

Cedar Dunes

A definite highlight of driving PEI’s western shore is the light terracotta sands of Cedar Dunes.

Backdropped by dunes and a boardwalk, this quiet provincial park lies far beyond the beaten path. Next to the beach is a small campground; some spots even have ocean views. 

Cedar Dunes is also the home of the distinctively white and black striped West Point Lighthouse.

As well as being PEI’s only working lighthouse, the historic structure now contains a museum and 13 room inn. 

Essential details

Directions: Cedar Dunes is found on the western shore of Prince Edward Island, just off coastal Highway 14. It takes about an hour to reach Cedar Dunes from Summerside by road, and forty five minutes from Tignish in the north

Facilities: Washrooms, picnic shelter

Supervised: No

Accommodation: Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean waves at the West Point Lighthouse Inn! The tasty breakfast features homemade bread.

Argyle Shore

A fairly narrow red sand beach, Argyle Shore may not be big but it is a solid choice for a coastal stop along Prince Edward Island’s southern shore.

Bordered by rugged red cliffs (and sometimes a waterfall or two), another distinctive feature of this beach is the muddy red appearance of the seawater. On close examination though, you’ll find that the water is completely clear. 

Argyle Beach tends to be fairly quiet, despite being just a short detour off the highway.

There is a well maintained washroom building with showers and change rooms. A staircase leads down from the cliffs to the beach. 

Essential details

Directions: Part of a Provincial Park of the same name, Argyle Shore is found south of Highway 19. It is about half way between the Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown, so convenient for many visitors to PEI

Facilities: Washrooms, showers, playground, picnic facilities

Supervised: No

Accommodation: The cottages at Blue Spruces have ocean views and their own beach!

Beach Point

One of our more accidental finds (we simply followed the ‘Beach Road’ signs), Beach Point is definitely one of our top choices for PEI’s best beach.

This stretch of golden sand is about a kilometer long with some of the warmest water we found anywhere on the Island. 

The ocean is a little shallow to start (there’s a sand bar) but even at low tide we found enough depth to swim in.

When not swimming or sunbathing, Beach Point is a great place for a walk. There’s a lighthouse on the western edge and views of fishing boats coming in and out of the bay. 

Keep in mind that there are no facilities at Beach Point. Some families may prefer to visit a beach with washrooms, showers etc.

Essential details

Directions: Beach Point is a 4.5km (5 minute) drive east of Murray Harbour on the southeastern tip of Prince Edward Island. The beach itself is not signed from the main road (Highway 18) so you’ll need to keep an eye out for the gravel turnoff labelled ‘Beach Road’

Facilities: None

Supervised: No

Accommodation: Relax in your own private cottage at Forest & Lake PEI Cottages. The Confederation Trail is located only 400m from the lakeside property.

Poverty Beach

On the other side of the harbour to Beach Point, Poverty Beach offers another long swathe of golden sand.

Poverty Beach is a great pick if you’re looking for some peace after spending time at the busier PEI beaches. This is a wonderfully quiet area with sweeping ocean views. 

We found Poverty Beach to be a little more buggy than other beaches in the area. It is possible we were just unlucky but I’d still bring repellent to be safe! 

Essential details

Directions: Poverty Beach is located at the end of the helpfully named Poverty Beach Road, close to the community of Murray Harbour North on Highway 17. The road is narrow but paved almost all the way along, with a parking and turning area at the end

Facilities: None

Supervised: No

Accommodation: The welcoming Olde Anchor Bed and Breakfast is located just down the road from Poverty Beach Guests enjoy hot tub access and beautiful river views.

Panmure Island Beach

An off the beyond path gem, Panmure Island is a family favourite. The causeway allows access to both a sheltered bay and the ocean.

The latter offers a white sand beach backed by impressive dunes and pristine water. There are supervised swimming areas. 

Prince Edward Island’s oldest wooden lighthouse sits Just beyond the end of the causeway. A small fee to access the top is worth it for the panoramic beach scenes.

Part of a provincial park of the same time, Panmure Island has a small campground, popular with families looking to escape the crowds at Cavendish. 

Essential details

Directions: Panmure Island is on Prince Edward Island’s eastern shore, just north of Gaspereaux on Highway 17. The provincial park boundary is a twenty minute (20km) drive from Montague, a starting point of the Confederation Trail

Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, showers, concession

Supervised: Yes (high season only)

Accommodation: The Olde Anchor Bed and Breakfast is convenient for Panmure Island Beach as well as Poverty Beach. Relax in the hot tub after a day at the beach!

Sally’s Beach

Accessed via a short walk through a path of trees, Sally’s Beach feels like a secluded escape.

The light mahogany sands stretch for longer than a kilometre, offering plenty of privacy and space for those who do make the effort to come here. 

Sally’s Beach is ideal for exploring at low tide, when it is possible to spot hermit crabs, clams and other sea creatures in the numerous rock pools. It is also a popular place for beachcombing, particularly for those looking for seaglass. 

If you’re curious, this beach was named after Sarah (Sally) Steele of Little Pond. She spent the entirety of her life living on the land that is now the provincial park.

Essential details

Directions: Sally’s Beach is part of a day-use only provincial park on PEI’s eastern shore. It is a 7km detour from the nearest highway (310). Souris is a 30 minute or 23km drive to the north

Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, picnic shelter

Supervised: No

Accommodation: The spacious and well-equipped apartments at Ned’s Landing are located on a 110-acre peninsula just above Sally’s Beach. The views are simply gorgeous!

Little Harbour Beach

A little hidden pocket of paradise, Little Harbour Beach offers soft, golden sand backdropped by sand dunes.

There are no facilities here besides a long dirt parking lot, so bring everything you need for an afternoon by the beach. 

The sand dunes at Little Harbour Beach are a vital habitat for the endangered piping plover bird so be sure to keep away and walk only on the wet sand to avoid disturbing them. 

Essential details

Directions: Little Harbour Beach is easily accessible from Highway 16, less than ten minutes north of Souris. You’ll find the parking lot at the end of Little Harbour Beach Road

Facilities: None

Supervised: No

Accommodation: Little Harbour Beach is very close to Souris, which hosts a range of inns, B&Bs and vacation rentals. We really liked the ‘glamping’ cabins at at Shanty Stay

Other amazing PEI beaches

There are dozens of more beaches I could name on this best beaches in PEI list! I’m sure any Islanders reading will have plenty of suggestions for places I have missed.

Do let me know in the comments below which are your personal favourites. 

Here are a couple more of my nominations for PEI’s best beaches:

• Red Point Beach – Beautiful supervised white sand beach just south of Basin Head
• King’s Castle Beach – Situated on the Murray River behind large forested play area for children
• Chelton Beach – Supervised red stretch of sand with views of the Confederation Bridge
• Thunder Cove – Interesting rock formations and red cliffs to the west of Cavendish
• Northumberland Beach – This supervised red sand beach is located close to the ferry terminal 
• Skinner’s Pond – Golden sand with dunes in a quiet area northwest of Tignish
• Tracadie Beach – Less than 20 minutes drive from Charlottown, this beach is also known as “Pogey beach”
• Stanhope Beach – Supervised PEI National Park beach with excellent accessibility (mobility mats, beach wheelchair rentals)
• North Rustico Beach – Another popular sandy beach within Prince Edward Island National Park

Essential tips for exploring Prince Edward Island’s beaches

• Many of the beaches on PEI are home to endangered birds and plants. Only use designated paths and boardwalks to cross sand dunes to avoid disturbing animals and prevent damage to fragile ecosystems
• Regulations for dogs vary from beach to beach. The National Park beaches do not allow dogs at all. Other PEI beaches require dogs to be on a leash to protect nesting birds
• Speed limits on Prince Edward Island’s roads may be lower than you are used to. For this reason, allow more time than you may expect to travel between beaches. There is no reason to rush around PEI

• Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. With so many kilometers of beach across the province, there plenty of beautiful spots that are not marked on the tourist maps or signed from the main roads
• PEI’s beaches are spectacular but do come with some dangers. Respect the water and know your limits. Keep updated with surf conditions. Know how to recognise a riptide and what to do if caught in one
• There is a daily admission fee to visit Prince Edward Island National Park. This must be paid to gain access to any beaches within the park, including Greenwich, Cavendish and Brackley. If visiting PEI for a number of days, I would consider purchasing an annual Discovery Pass
• Some of PEI’s best beaches are a distinctive shade of red, thanks to an abundance of iron. Soft red sandstone cliffs have eroded over time and produced these oxidized rosy sands
• Be sure to take a drive along the Gulf Shore Parkway from Cavendish to North Rustico Beach for wonderful views of PEI’s coast

Other posts you may find helpful for planning your PEI trip:

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