There’s just something about PEI’s beaches. Each one has its own charm — whether it’s a lively national park favourite or a hidden local gem where you might have the shoreline all to yourself. After spending weeks exploring the island from coast to coast, here are some of the best Prince Edward Island beaches to check out.
I spent a week car camping across PEI last May, using my sleeping pad and sleeping bag setup in the back of my Subaru Outback — a cozy and convenient base for beach mornings! From sunrise strolls on white sand to peaceful evening paddles and shoreline hikes, I had the chance to see PEI from all sides. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or just looking for a quiet coastal escape, here are some PEI beaches you won’t want to miss. I’d say they’re well worth the detour.
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Table of Contents
PEI Beaches Map
Cavendish Beach — Most Popular National Park Beach in PEI
Cavendish Beach is one of the most popular beaches in PEI — and for good reason. You’ll find wide stretches of soft sand backed by striking red sandstone cliffs, with multiple access points throughout the national park. I also explored the nearby Dunes Trail, a great place to break out your light hiking shoes and small daypack. The floating boardwalk section is a standout, leading you across the marsh. It’s a busy spot in summer, but well worth a visit.
📍 46.49817, -63.39162
Stanhope Beach — One of the Best PEI Beaches for Sunset Views
If you’re looking for a spectacular east coast sunset, Stanhope Beach knows how to deliver. Located within PEI National Park, this beach has soft sand, gentle waves, and one of the best golden hours on the island. I visited in May and basically had the beach to myself — ate Mr. Noodles for supper (thanks to my Jetboil) before watching the sun dip behind the horizon. It’s a perfect spot for sunset photos, long beach walks, or a post-dinner stroll.
📍 46.42095, -63.10122
Read next: Bouctouche Dunes: Family-Friendly New Brunswick Hike
Blooming Point Beach — Hidden Gem Beach in Prince Edward Island
This one’s more off the radar, which makes it all the better (thanks to an Islander friend for the recco!). Blooming Point Beach is a quiet alternative to the bigger national park sites — less infrastructure, but more space to breathe. I visited in the shoulder season and didn’t see another soul on my 6 km out and back walk. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and find your own slice of shoreline, Blooming Point is a great pick.
📍 46.40964, -62.95017
Basin Head Beach — Best PEI Beach for Long Walks on Singing Sand
Basin Head Beach is famous for its “singing sands,” and it absolutely lives up to the name. I parked at the main lot and walked about 4 km out and back in just under an hour (you could easily spend a whole day here). The sand is soft and bright, and once you get beyond the main entrance you’ll love the crystal-clear waters. PEI’s beaches are breezy, but don’t skip the reef-safe sunscreen in the summer months. A classic (and popular) PEI beach that’s totally worth lingering on — I can’t wait to go again.
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Greenwich Beach — One of the Best PEI Beaches for Hiking
Greenwich Beach is hands-down one of my favourite places in PEI National Park. The beach is beautiful on its own, but the Greenwich Dunes Trail that leads adds something unique. Floating boardwalks, windswept grasses, and massive parabolic dunes — dare I say, it might feel more like Namibia than the Maritimes. And if you’re spending the day on the sand, don’t forget to bring a packable beach towel — quick-drying and takes up no space.
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Read next: Greenwich Dunes Trail: One of the Best PEI Hikes
Thunder Cove Beach — Best PEI Beach for Sea Stacks
Thunder Cove Beach is stunning, but it comes with a heads-up — getting down to the beach can be a little tricky. These red rock formations and sea stacks are some of the most photogenic in PEI, but take care around the cliffside paths and slippery rocks. Thunder Cove is a popular spot with photographers and locals alike, and best visited during low tide for full access to the shoreline.
📍 46.56192, -63.63731
Brackley Beach — One of the Scenic PEI Beaches on The Island Walk
I had a lot of fun at Brackley Beach, especially joining Leigh from HikeBikeTravel and her friend Jo for a section of the “Island Walk.” It’s another PEI National Park beach with all the conveniences — washrooms, parking, trails — but still offers that island charm. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or lounging in the sand, Brackley has a bit of something for everyone.
📍 46.42946, -63.20146
Little Harbour Beach — Quiet PEI Beach Near Souris
Just outside of Souris, Little Harbour Beach is a quiet gem. It’s not flashy — no boardwalks or amenities — but that’s what makes it so good. I visited one windy morning and had the place to myself. If you’re looking for a simple, secluded beach to clear your head or read a book, this is a solid choice.
📍 46.36286, -62.16949
North Rustico Beach — PEI Beach for Kayaking Adventures
North Rustico is a beautiful place to explore by kayak — I went for a paddle one afternoon with Outside Expeditions (thanks, Kenneth!) and loved the mix of coastal scenery and small-town vibe. If you’re into paddling or want to pair your beach day with seafood from the wharf, this is definitely your spot, but plan ahead during the summer. Don’t forget your sunnies and a long-sleeve for the breeze.
📍 46.45847, -63.29406
Tignish Shore — Top North Cape PEI Beach for Solitude
Tignish Shore, on the island’s northwest tip, is less visited but a beautiful stop if you’re road-tripping through western PEI. The beach here has a wide shoreline with reddish sands — perfect for a short walk or an evening picnic. Be prepared for a windy shore, you may want a windbreaker jacket here. It’s also close to the North Cape Lighthouse and wind farm, so you can make a day of it.
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Read next: North Cape Hiking Trail on Prince Edward Island
Panmure Island Beach — Quiet Family-Friendly Beach on PEI’s Eastern Shore
Over on the island’s eastern side, Panmure Island Beach is a great place to explore. There’s a long causeway to get there and a historic lighthouse nearby. The beach itself is peaceful and family-friendly, with mostly soft sand and shallow water that makes for easy wading. It’s one of the better beach spots in Kings County, I hear. It’s great!
📍 46.12527, -62.46693
What Are You Waiting For? Discover the Best PEI Beaches
Whether you’re walking the boardwalks of Cavendish, watching the sunset in Stanhope, or kayaking off North Rustico, Prince Edward Island’s beaches have a way of slowing things down. This list is a great place to start, but there are dozens of beautiful beaches to explore across the island. So pack your towel, hit the road, and get sand between your toes!
Are you planning a Prince Edward Island adventure? Have you visited any of these beaches? Leave 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.
