Prince Edward Island (PEI) is justifiably famous for its long stretches of beaches. The Cavendish area beaches and Brackley Beach are tourist favourites. I prefer the off-the-beaten-path Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park.
In 1998 Greenwich Beach became part of the national park because of its large parabolic sand dunes, the endangered piping plover, and many rare plants.
I think the Greenwich Beach section of PEI National Park is a gem. It is certainly one of the top places to visit in the province because of its floating boardwalk, sand dunes – and of course the stunning beach. Also, in this part of the national park, there aren’t nearly as many people as you’ll find in the other sections of the national park.
As of 2022, you can now cycle to the trailhead for Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park via a paved 10 km trail starting from the village of St. Peter’s Bay. It hooks up seamlessly with the Confederation Trail.
Note: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Greenwich Beach trail. They are best left at home or in your accommodation.
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The Interpretation Centre for Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park
I’d suggest you head to the Greenwich Interpretation Centre before you visit Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park. You can purchase your national park pass here ($9.00 per adult in 2024), use the bathrooms, and check the fascinating displays. I took simple pleasure in trying to guess the bird type from the assorted stuffed ones and felt like a kid walking over the giant 3D map.
To get to the interpretation centre simply drive Highway 313 out of the village of St. Peters Bay, less than an hour’s drive from Charlottetown. You’ll be there in 10 minutes.
You can also rent bikes in St. Peter’s Bay at Confederation Trail Bike Rentals. They are located a short distance from the paved multi-use trail that runs parallel to Highway 313. The trail takes you right past the Greenwich Interpretation Centre.
Map of the trails in the Greenwich section of the park
How to get to Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park
Continue on Highway 313 past the Greenwich Beach Interpretation Centre an. It will end a kilometre later at a parking lot. Look for the trailhead over by some bulletin boards.
Hiking distance: The return distance from the parking lot to Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park is 4.6 km. Allow 1- 1.5 hours to do it, less on a bike.
You can cycle or walk the 950 m to the junction of the Tlaqatik – Greenwich Dunes trails. Look for bike racks at the shared Tlaqatik – Greenwich Dunes trailhead.
From there you can choose to hike to the Greenwich Dunes via the floating boardwalk – which I think is one of the not-to-be-missed experiences in PEI.
The first time I visited, I did the 4.6 km return trip to visit the Greenwich Dunes and beach on foot. In 2024, I happily biked (from St. Peter’s Bay via a bike trail) to the Greenwich trailhead and then enjoyed an out and back hike to Greenwich Beach.
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It’s a straightforward hike to Greenwich Beach
It’s an easy walk to get to the Greenwich dunes and beach in PEI National Park. From the intersection of the Tlaqatik and Greenwich Beach trails section simply follow the boardwalk through the forest to reach the start of the floating boardwalk.
It’s an easy kilometre walk from the start of the boardwalk in the forest to the end of the floating boardwalk on the far side of Bowley Pond.
Take your time on the floating boardwalk. It’s a particularly beautiful section with parabolic dunes forming a backdrop. Stop and enjoy a Parks Canada red chair moment.
At the end of the boardwalk climb some sandy stairs and descend to the beach. There are about six kilometres of lovely clean beach you can walk with very few people about. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic. Just be sure to pack out everything you packed in.
More hiking trails in the Greenwich Section of PEI National Park
Two other trails offer hiking possibilities. Havre Saint Pierre is a short 1.25 km walk that explains the history of St. Peters Bay and the cultured mussel industry.
The other hike on the Tlaqatik Trail is an easy 4.5 kilometres from the parking lot. Enjoy great vistas of scenic St. Peters Bay and follow the interpretive signs to get a cultural overview of the area. Bring a pair of binoculars and try to catch a view of the endangered piping plover too.
On my second visit to the Greenwich Section of PEI National Park my friends and I biked the Tlaqatik Trail (save for the boardwalk where it’s not permitted) which I think is the way to go. Along the way you also get distant views of a lighthouse and crashing waves.
Where to stay near Greenwich Beach in PEI National Park
My favourite place of all time to stay in PEI is the Inn of Bay Fortune near Souris. While it’s not on a beach, it’s close and the food is divine.
In the village of St. Peter’s Bay I highly recommend a stay atPoints East Coastal Inn. They are just across the street from the Confederation Trail (so they cater to cyclists) and their breakfasts and dinners are divine.
Some other places to stay that are a short drive away includeJohnson Shore Innin Harmony Junction andNed’s Landing at Spry Point.
Further reading on things to do in the Maritimes
For more information on Prince Edward Island National Park visit the website.
- Brier Island, Nova Scotia Guide
- 12 Stops on a Road Trip in Acadian New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Mahone Bay-Lunenburg-Bridgewater
- One of Nova Scotia’s Great Day Hikes: The Hike to Cape Split
- The Top 10 Outdoor Adventures in Newfoundland
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