Must-See Beaches on Prince Edward Island

There’s something about the beaches on Prince Edward Island that feels like a secret. During the off-season it feels like you can walk for hours without seeing another person and even during peak summer season, the beaches still remain peaceful with their own vibe and personality. Slow down and enjoy the wind carved dunes, red, white and singing sands. 

Here are the ones I kept coming back to and still dream about:

1. Thunder Cove: For epic views and cool rock formations

2. North Cape at Low Tide: For tide pool adventures

Go when the tide is out. Trust me. North Cape turns into a wide-open, rocky, seaweed-y world of tide pools and small shells. The water recedes so far that you can walk out and explore the tide pools and search for treasure. Feels like one of those places that makes you slow down and look a bit closer. It’s windy, you’ll get to see the 16 North Cape Wind Farm turbines when you look back to shore. 

Even if you arrive when the tide isn’t low, the area is still worth visiting. We saw a fox dart into its den and found some sea caves a little bit past the lighthouse. Pack a picnic or plan to visit the The North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre while you’re there. There is a formal parking lot, picnic tables, a gift shop and washrooms. 

3. Cavendish Beach: A classic beach day

In the Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish is popular and special for a reason. Red cliffs, big dunes, soft waves, boardwalk to view points. It’s the perfect spot for a long walk, sitting with a book, and losing track of time soaking up the island vibe. One of the more popular beaches, Cavendish was the busiest when we visited but never felt crowded.

Cavendish is in the National Park and you will need to pay a fee to enter during from late June to Labour Day, typically between 10 am and 6 pm. In 2025, Parks Canada is offering free admission and discounted overnight stays at participating locations, from June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive. While you’re in the National Park, be sure to drive and check out MacKenzies Brook Sea Arch. Visit during low tide so you can walk along the water. 

4. Lakeside Beach: For a reset

On days when you want quiet, Lakeside Beach is exactly what you are looking for. Walk the long stretch of shore to or from St. Peters Lighthouse, exhale deeply and watch the sea birds. On the sunny days, the small parking area at Lakeside Beach gets full with families and small groups but you’ll never feel crowded. 

There are no beach facilities at Lakeside Beach. 

5. Tea Hill: Clam Digging

Clam digging at Tea Hill during low tide was one of the weirdly joyful highlights of my time on the island. We waited for the tide to be low, wandered out with a shovel and bucket, dug around and found dinner. Trying razor clams was a first for me! It’s not glamorous but it’s a very satisfying adventure. During low tide, the water seems to go out forever and we encountered a few groups we laughed with while looking for clams. 

If you don’t dig, wade the tide pools during low tide, watch cricket players on the weekends, and enjoy the playground. Most beaches we visited didn’t have a playground nearby, this could be a perfect spot for everyone in the family. 

If you don’t want to clam dig, it’s still a must visit to wade the tide pools during low tide, watch cricket players on the weekends, and for kids, enjoy the playground. Most beaches we visited didn’t have a playground nearby, this could be a perfect spot for everyone in the family. 

I wore rain boots to wade around, but have been told that the water here warms up in the summer and will need to return to check it out myself! 

6. Singing Sands 

Yes, the sand really sings, well.. Squeaks! Basin Head Provincial Park’s “Singing Sands” really do make a noise when you kick your toes in or drag along the sand. I was told this is caused by the unique shape of the sand and high silica content. Go for a walk, the sound and texture never stops being fun. There’s a bridge that says ‘no jumping’ that has a lifeguard over the summer months when the water warms and people jump into the run/water that separates the 2 beach areas. Not feeling that brave? No problem, just bury your toes into the sand and listen to the beach make music. 

We walked for an hour on the left beach and found the shipwreck of the “Debbie and Bryan”, which is very visible during low tide. Read more about here from Points East Coastal Drive.

There is an official parking lot, shops, ice cream and washroom facilities here. The shops, ice cream and lifeguard are only there during summer months. Washrooms are open year round.

7. Greenwich National Park: For a little beach adventure 

This one was an adventure before we reached the beach. To get to the shore at Greenwich National Park, you’ll walk a peaceful trail through forest, past a Mi’kmaq wigwam, and a floating boardwalk over a marsh that looks like something out of a dream. It gently wobbles while you walk and the marsh and dune views are so peaceful. Reeds swaying, geese calling and water reflecting the sun. 

Past the dunes was one of the expansive, untouched beaches I’ve seen. You can walk forever, barefoot in the sand. No crowds, no noise, just you and the beach. It’s part peaceful nature walk, part magical beach day—and if you love the feeling of being small in a big beautiful world, this is your place.

There is an official parking lot and a composting toilet at the trailhead. The Greenwich Interpretation Centre on the way has information and flushing toilets.  

Bonus Spot: The North Rustico Boardwalk + Dinner at Blue Mussel Café

Okay, this isn’t a beach exactly, but if you’re in the area, you absolutely have to do the boardwalk in North Rustico. It’s the perfect walk along the water, about 1.5km each way, with ocean on one side, past charming houses and fishing boats. Perfect for a slow coastal vibe kind of afternoon. 

Start at the far end near the lighthouse if you want the ocean views first, or begin in town and stroll your way toward the sea. 

And then.. Dinner. Finish the evening at Blue Mussel Café, one of the best meals I had on the island. It’s cozy, friendly, and the seafood is ridiculously fresh. I had the mussels (obviously), but honestly? You can’t go wrong. 

Tip: It’s only open seasonally, May to October and gets busy in peak season, so try to go early or get on the waitlist powered by Yelp. Check the menu and get on the waitlist on their website: https://bluemusselcafe.com/

https://bluemusselcafe.com

Final Thoughts

PEI isn’t flashy, but that’s kind of the magic. It has the feeling of a quiet forgotten island that will make you feel like you’ve discovered your own hidden gem. These beaches are about tide charts, sunsets, salty air, and slowing down. Whether you want to dig for clams or just lie in the sand and let the wind tangle your hair, I’m sure you’ll find your perfect spot.

Got a favorite PEI beach I missed? Please share! I’m already planning a return visit.