5 Must See Spots In PEI National Park
Prince Edward Island is truly the gem of the Maritimes. We’ve been spending the summer knocking off more Canadian provinces (only ONE left – Newfoundland, we’re coming for you!) and PEI has really stood out as a beautiful, friendly summer haven. We have already planned our return for next summer.
A big highlight of our trip has been spending time in PEI National Park. We make an effort to stay in a National Park wherever we are visiting, and we have had the opportunity to stay in both major campgrounds and explore the majority of the park. With that said, we have come across some amazing spots that you absolutely cannot miss when you visit! Here are 5 must see spots on your next visit to PEI National Park.
1. Wharf Street
This little street is such a hidden gem that we just happened to stumble upon. In the Stanhope section, about a 25 minute walk from the campground, is Wharf Street. It features several seaside restaurants and take out spots, along with a little beach and swimming area (so don’t forget your bathing suit!)
Head there early for lunch, as the wildly popular Original Richards grows a lineup quickly, and you’ll have to wait for a table. There is also Roe’s tacos, where we had the best lobster tacos which were incredibly generous on the seafood. There are several more little seafood shacks to grab some food, and ice cream for dessert of course!
After enjoying your meal, be sure to make time to wade in the ocean in the little inlet beach next to the restaurants. It was bustling each time we visited, so this is definitely a must see spot for many!
If you opt not to walk or bike on the path, it is $2 to park at the Wharf, and you can spend as long as you’d like!
2. Brackley Beach
Brackley Beach is a major beachfront in the Stanhope section of PEI National Park. It has a dedicated swimming area that is monitored by lifeguards throughout the day, so it’s a great place to swim with kids. Just beyond the parking lot are washrooms and showers, so you can wash the sand and salt water off before moving on from the beach.
During the day, there is also a little shop and ice cream available. Brackley Beach is the perfect spot for a beach day, and has a little more available to you than one of the unserviced beaches to make your visit comfortable.
3. Green Gables House
Any self respecting Canadian knows the story of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. It is arguably Canada’s most famous and successful work of fiction, having been adapted into many movies and tv series, and capturing the hearts of readers for over a century. But did you know Green Gables is an actual place you can visit? This home inspired the stories of Anne, Marilla, Matthew, and Diana, and it’s right in Cavendish managed by Parks Canada. You don’t need a discovery pass to enter, but it is $11 per adult to explore the grounds, tour the house, go for a hike, and sample some Raspberry Cordial in the cafe.
2024 is also the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery’s birth, so there is an exhibit all about her life in Cavendish and beyond. Green Gables is an absolute must see.
If you’re a lover of the Anne books, don’t forget to bring a copy! There are stamps at the exit where you can stamp L.M. Montgomery’s signature into your book as though it was autographed by hand.
3. North Rustico Beach (and neighbouring Harbour)
This is another amazing gem of the area that we just happened to stumble upon! We went lighthouse hunting, which led us to North Rustico Harbour. You can easily spend a full day here.
There is a beautiful beach run by the National Park, but beyond that, Rustico Harbour has so much to offer. We walked the gorgeous boardwalk overlooking the inlet, which is accessible and leads you right to the end of the pier, where you’ll find coffee shops, seafood restaurants, gift shops, and the Rustico Harbour Lighthouse.
We had some fresh oysters at On the Dock which overlooks the Harbour and water. It is a beautiful spot for lunch or to have a relaxing midday drink.
5. The Dunes of Greenwich Beach
The Greenwich section of PEI National Park is where you’ll find the biggest dunes on the island! Dunes are a protected element of PEIs natural space and you must stay off of them and obey all the signage for where it is safe to walk (and that includes keeping your pup off them also!). It doesn’t take much to destroy the dunes (only about 14 footsteps!) and they are an important ecological system of the Island. You can learn more about PEI’s dunes and why they need to be protected here.
There are so many amazing spots to see on Prince Edward Island, and don’t neglect exploring the National Park! There is so much more than just campgrounds and trails to explore, so be sure to put these fun spots on your list for your next visit.
