Our Favourite beach days

A small, red and white striped beach house on a sandy area with green bushes and a wooden fence in the foreground, under a clear sky.

Greenwich National Park

  • The floating boardwalk hike is one of our favourite things to do on PEI and a must-visit if you're up for a little adventure.

    The trail combines beautiful forest paths, open floating boardwalks, and stunning views of the dunes and coastline. It's more of an outing than a quick walk, so plan to spend a few hours exploring.

  • If you’d love to experience Greenwich but aren’t up for the longer floating boardwalk hike, there’s also a shorter walk that takes you directly to the beautiful white sandy beach.

    Follow the wooden boardwalk path through the dunes until you spot the iconic red and white lifeguard hut, your sign that you’re almost there. Once you arrive, you’ll find wide stretches of soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to relax, explore, and enjoy one of PEI’s most beautiful beaches.

    It’s the perfect option for a slower-paced beach day and is only about 10 minutes from the cottage.

    • Approximately 10 minutes from the cottage (across the bay)

    • Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes

    • Much of the boardwalk is exposed to the sun

    • Washrooms are available at the trailhead

    • Dogs are welcome on the trails and boardwalks but NOT on the dunes or beach

    • National Park fees may apply

  • The Greenwich beach and the floating boardwalk trail are accessed from two different areas, which can be a little confusing on your first visit.

    As you approach the Greenwich Interpretation Centre (the large cedar shake building visible from Greenwich Road), you’ll have two options:

    • Turn right onto Wild Rose Road for the shorter walk to the beach.

    • Continue straight on Greenwich Road to reach the parking area for the floating boardwalk trails.

    The signage between the two areas can be easy to miss, so it’s helpful to know which experience you’re planning before you arrive. Both locations have ample parking and bathroom facilities available at the trailheads.

A deserted beach with sandy shoreline, with erosion cliffs in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

LAKESIDE BEACH

  • If you're looking for a quieter beach day, Lakeside Beach is one we find ourselves returning to again and again. We like to think of it as one of PEI's best-kept secrets.

    With its wide stretch of sand, beautiful dunes, and fewer crowds, it's the perfect place to spread out a blanket, take a long walk, or simply enjoy a slower pace. On many days, it feels like you have a little piece of the island all to yourself.

    Our favourite time to visit is just before golden hour, when the dunes begin to glow and the beach feels even quieter. Stay for sunset if you can, it's one of our favourite ways to end a summer day.


    • Approximately 15 minutes from the cottage

    • Great for families, swimming, and beachcombing

    • Typically quieter than many of PEI's more well-known beaches

    • Limited services, so bring water, snacks, and anything you'll need for the day

    • No washrooms available

    • Dogs are welcome, but please follow posted signage and seasonal restrictions

A white lighthouse with a red top and red railing, situated on sandy dunes covered with green grass and bushes under a partly cloudy sky.

St. Peter’s LIghthouse Beach

  • St. Peter's Harbour is one of our favourite places to visit when we're craving that classic PEI feeling.

    There's something about having a lighthouse in your view that instantly makes you feel like you're on the island. We love the first glimpse of the lighthouse as you walk up the sandy dune pathway from the parking area, and it always seems to find its way into our photos throughout the day.

    The beach itself is beautiful and expansive, with soft sand, rolling dunes, and plenty of space to wander. If you keep walking along the shoreline, you'll eventually find yourself heading toward Lakeside Beach.

    For us, this beach is all about the view and we love its connection to St. Peter’s Bay. Whether it's standing at the top of the dune looking toward the lighthouse or spotting it in the background of family photos, it's one of those places that feels uniquely PEI.


    • Approximately 15 minutes from the cottage

    • Great for beach walks, swimming, photography, and exploring

    • Beautiful views of the lighthouse, dunes, and coastline

    • Typically quieter than many of PEI's more well-known beaches

    • Dogs are welcome, but please follow any posted signage

A view of a sandy beach with a rocky slope covered in trees, seen from behind a wooden fence along a canal or river. The water is calm with a cloudy sky overhead.

BASIN HEAD PROVINCIAL PARK

  • Basin Head is one of PEI's most famous beaches and a favourite destination for families spending the day by the water.

    Known for its soft white sand, turquoise water, and the famous "singing sands," it's a great place to swim, relax, and experience one of the island's most iconic beaches. If you're visiting PEI for the first time, Basin Head is well worth the drive.

    If you're travelling with a four-legged family member, Basin Head is one of our favourite beach recommendations since dogs can enjoy the beach alongside you, something that's often restricted in PEI's National Park beaches.

    • Approximately 30 minutes from the cottage

    • Great for swimming and family beach days

    • Bring a floatie or inflatable if you enjoy spending time in the basin area

    • The basin is a popular gathering spot on warm summer days and is known for its calm water and fun atmosphere

    • Home to PEI's famous "singing sands"

    • Washrooms and seasonal facilities are available

    • Can be busier during peak summer months

    • Dogs are welcome on Provincial Park beaches, but please follow posted signage and seasonal restrictions

Close-up of a red rocky cliff with a cloudy sky and ocean in the background.

THUNDER COVE BEACH

  • Thunder Cove is one of our favourite beach adventures on the island and a destination we'll happily drive across PEI to visit.

    Known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, sea stacks, and long stretch of sandy beach, it feels completely different from many of the beaches on the eastern side of the island. If you're hoping to experience PEI's iconic red cliffs up close, this is the place.

    One of our favourite things to do is wander the shoreline and explore the sandstone formations carved by the ocean. We take a family photo in front of the red cliffs every summer and love looking back at how everyone has grown from year to year. It's one of those places that has become part of our family's PEI story, and we hope you'll make a few memories of your own while you're there.

    • Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the cottage

    • Great for beach walks, photography, and exploring

    • Famous for its red sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations 

    • Best explored at low tide when more of the beach and rock formations are accessible

    • Bring water, snacks, and anything you'll need for the day

    • Dogs are welcome, but please follow posted signage and seasonal restrictions

Other beaches we love

Truthfully, one of our favourite things about PEI is discovering a new beach. Sometimes the best beach day is simply the one you stumble upon while exploring the island.

  • A favourite little stop when we’re exploring North Rustico, this beach is perfect for a quick walk along the shore while waiting for a meal or enjoying the shops nearby.

  • Located within the National Park, Brackley is a beautiful stop while exploring the north shore. Since we often have our pup with us, we love driving the scenic Gulf Shore Parkway, taking in the coastal views, and often pair it with a visit to one of our favourite restaurants nearby!

  • One of our favourite stops when we’re exploring the north shore and the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and dip your toes in the water after a bite to eat or a longer drive.

  • After a bit of a steep set of stairs, you step down onto the red sand and find yourself below the red cliffs. It’s pretty amazing!