Are you looking for a short, family-friendly hike on Prince Edward Island? Don’t even think about skipping the North Cape Hiking Trail! As an easy coastal walking route, North Cape Trail is an excellent option and offers a totally unique experience on this gentle island.
There’s something special about Prince Edward Island: the people, the food, the landscapes, the beaches, the hospitality. It’s not hard to see that PEI is one of the best places in Canada! That’s why I decided to road trip across the Confederation Bridge last May for a week of island wandering. And I have zero regrets.
If you’re heading over to PEI soon, try to take a trip up to North Cape. The North Cape Hiking Trail was one of my favourite walks on the island. It’s totally worth it!
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Table of Contents
About North Cape Hiking Trail
Location: North Cape, Prince Edward Island
Distance: 6 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 20 metre elevation gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes, and the boardwalk section is stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but pets must be on a leash.
Features: The North Cape Nature Trail (AKA Black Marsh Trail) is an easy, family-friendly hiking trail on the northernmost tip of Prince Edward Island. As you walk along, check out the bilingual interpretive signs and various lookout points as you explore next to the Gulf of St Lawrence. After walking next to massive wind turbines, head over to the North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre or check out the North Point Lighthouse.
North Cape Hiking Trail Map
Directions to the North Cape Trailhead
What’s one of the best things about PEI? It doesn’t take too long to get from point A to point B. If you’re starting from Summerside, follow the Veteran’s Memorial Highway (Hwy 2) north through Mt Pleasant, Elmsdale, and Tignish for 85 km or so. Once through Tignish, you’re going to turn left onto Route 12 and follow the coast for about 12 km to North Cape. Check out Google Maps directions before heading out. You could also park at the other end of the trail. Oh, and if you’re hungry, take a short detour to Backwoods Burger in Tyne Valley for one of the best burgers on PEI. Yum!
North Cape Trail — One of the Best PEI Hikes!
By now, you should know that North Cape is worth adding to your PEI itinerary! If you have a sunny day, exploring the North Cape Natural Trail is a great way to spend an hour or two. Depending in your fitness level and abilities, you might not find this much of a “hike,” but it’s a nice trail nonetheless. was impressed by the trail infrastructure and signage, especially since many East Coast trails are not maintained.
I started next to the North Point Lighthouse, and was surprised to find a sandstone arch near the beginning. If you’re going in for a photo, don’t get too close the edge (sandstone erodes easily!). I continued on the red-dirt road beside the coast and entered a wind-swept forest as the trail narrowed. All the while, wind turbines spin round and round. After a short jaunt, the trail transitions to boardwalk over a vast bog with lookout platforms and interpretive signs. Families with young children will enjoy this place (but be cautious near the cliff’s edge).
The North Cape Nature Trail is approximately 6 km and takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. You can choose your own adventure and turn around at any point. If you’re short on time or want an easier experience, consider starting at the other trailhead (not the interpretive centre) to walk on the boardwalk with wind turbines all ’round.
Read next: Don’t Miss Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick
Know Before You Go
Parking: Lots of free parking is available at the North Cape Interpretive Centre or the other end of the natural trail.
Season: You can access the Cape North Hiking Trail year-round, but the interpretive centre is open seasonally from June to September (operating from 10am to 6pm daily).
Toilet: Restrooms are available in the interpretive centre and gift shop.
Weather: Be prepared for strong winds.
Difficulty: This is an easy trail with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained pathways.
Safety: Visitors should use caution near the cliffside. Sandstone erodes frequently and you should not get too close to the edge.
Wildlife: You will likely see seabirds, dragonflies, butterflies, and other small creatures here.
Leave No Trace: Please, stay on the marked trail and pack out any garbage you bring with you (fruit peels, wrappers, etc.).
Read next: Bouctouche Dunes: Family-Friendly New Brunswick Hike
What To Bring
The North Cape Nature Trail isn’t a rigorous hike for most, but I suggest bringing a few hiking essentials along. I carried my day pack with a water bottle, snacks, and a warm layer (the wind can be chilly!). This is PEI after all, so bringing a rain jacket is never a bad idea. I wore my KUHL The One Hoody when I visited in May — a bit of warmth and a shield from the wind. This trail can be muddy as well, so bring hiking boots or trail runners.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Have you visited North Cape on Prince Edward Island? Did you experience the North Cape Natural Trail? Leave a note in the comments 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.
