Looking for one of the best hikes on Prince Edward Island? Don’t skip the Greenwich Dunes Trail, a true gem on the island’s north shore. This easy route winds through shady forest and wetlands, across a floating boardwalk, and out to sweeping dunes. It’s a gentle hike with a big payoff. Easily one of my favourite spots in PEI National Park!
About a year ago, I drove across the Confederation Bridge and set off on a week of early-season camping and exploring across Prince Edward Island. I wandered “Up West,” made my way “Down East,” and zig-zagged across the Island’s back roads in between. PEI might be Canada’s smallest province, but it packs in a whole lot of adventure! And while it’s not exactly famous for hiking, there are several paths to explore, including Greenwich Dunes Trail.
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Greenwich Dunes Trail Map (Prince Edward Island National Park)
About the Greenwich Dunes Trail
Location: Greenwich, Prince Edward Island National Park
Distance: 4.3 km out and back (7.7 km with side trails)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Minimal
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes – great for kids, with plenty to explore.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash (but dogs aren’t allowed on the beach).
Features: Greenwich Dunes Trail is a gentle coastal walk/hike and easily one of the most unique trails on the Island. You can either stick to the main out-and-back route or add on side trails, like Havre Saint Pierre and Tlaqatik. This trail winds through shady forest, crosses a floating boardwalk over Bowley Pond, and leads to Greenwich Beach with parabolic dunes (U-shaped mounds of sand) overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Note: If you’re looking for a short jaunt, Greenwich Dunes Trail is a great option on its own. It’s 4.4 km return with minimal elevation and plenty of scenery. Skip the side loops and head straight to the boardwalk and dunes for a quick outing.
Directions to the Greenwich Dunes Trailhead
To get to the Greenwich Dunes Trailhead in PEI National Park, head to the Greenwich Interpretation Centre near St. Peter’s Bay. From Charlottetown, it’s about a 50-minute drive east on Route 2. Once you reach St. Peter’s, follow Route 313 north and turn onto Greenwich Rd. Parking is at the end of Wild Rose Rd. It’s pretty obvious where the trail begins next to the parking area.
Greenwich Dunes Trail — One of the Best Hikes in PEI
If you’re heading to PEI and only have time for one hike, make it the Greenwich Dunes Trail. It’s not often you get floating boardwalks (very cool!), parabolic sand dunes, and wide-open beach views all in one short route. That’s exactly what you’ll find here. Tucked away in the much quieter (compared to Cavendish) Greenwich section of PEI National Park, you’ll find a different vibe from the rest of the Island.
After passing the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, I found the trailhead next to the large gravel parking area at the end of Wild Rose Rd. Greenwich Dunes Trail begins on a wide gravel path through forest and old farmland before reaching a long stretch of boardwalk floating over Bowley Pond. This section alone is worth the trip! From there, a gentle incline brings you up on the edge of the towering dunes, where you can take in views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and continue down to explore the beautiful beach. Just a heads-up: dogs are welcome on the trail, but not on the beach.
All in all, it’s about 4.8 km return and takes roughly an hour — or two hours if you include the Havre Saint Pierre and Tlaqatik side trails like I did. If you don’t have time, head straight for the dunes and soak up those views. As a family-friendly hiking trail, you can expect easy terrain and a peaceful feel, especially in the off-season. I highly suggest making this one of your picks for hiking on PEI.
Read next: North Cape Hiking Trail on Prince Edward Island
What To Bring for the Greenwich Dunes Hike
Greenwich Dunes is an easy-going walk, but it’s still worth packing a few hiking essentials. I brought my day pack with a water bottle, snacks (have you tried these oat bars? They’re made in Newfoundland!), and a warm layer as the coastal breeze can be surprisingly chilly. This is PEI, after all, so a rain jacket is never a bad idea.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go
Park Pass: Don’t forget your Parks Canada pass to access PEI National Park. You can buy a day pass on-site or get the Discovery Pass online or in person.
Parking: Ample parking is available at the Greenwich Dunes Trailhead, where you’ll also find a trail map, signage, and helpful info to get started.
Season: The trail is open year-round, but facilities at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre (including flush toilets) are only available from June to September.
Toilet: Outhouse toilets are located close to the trailhead, and washrooms are available seasonally at the interpretation centre.
Difficulty: This is an easy, well-maintained trail with minimal elevation gain. It’s suitable for hikers/walkers of all levels and a great option for families.
Safety: Use caution on the dunes and avoid walking on vegetation or dune faces (they’re fragile and constantly shifting). Be aware of small children near the ocean.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for herons, frogs, swallows, and maybe even a fox. The pond and wetland areas are full of life. But remember, keep your distance and never feed wild animals. Bring all of your garbage back to the parking area bins, including organics like apple cores.
Leave No Trace: Please stick to the trail and respect boardwalk boundaries. If you pack it in, pack it out. PEI’s coastal ecosystems are sensitive — let’s keep them wild and thriving! Learn more about Leave No Trace before hitting the trails.
Read next: Bouctouche Dunes: Family-Friendly New Brunswick Hike
Don’t Miss St. Peter’s Landing
After hiking the Greenwich Dunes Trail, I rolled into St. Peter’s Landing for a latte at the Black & White Café & Bistro and ended up snapping a few photos of a goose family hanging out by the water behind the café. The Landing’s got that laid-back atmosphere and mini Cavendish Boardwalk vibe, with just the right mix of things to explore. You’ll find handmade chocolates, local art and gifts, and ice cream at DJ’s Dairy Bar (a solid post-hike reward). It’s worth the stop, for sure.
Have you visited Greenwich Dunes in PEI National Park? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
