Prince Edward Island (PEI) is known for its long stretches of beaches. The beaches of the Cavendish area and Brackley Beach are favorite places for tourists. I prefer the off-the-beaten-path Greenwich Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park.
In 1998, Greenwich Beach became part of the national park due to its large parabolic sand dunes, endangered piping plover, and many rare plants.
I think the Greenwich Beach section of Prince Edward Island National Park is a gem. It's definitely one of the best places to visit in the province due to its floating boardwalk, sand dunes – and of course, the stunning beach. Also, in this part of the national park, there are not nearly as many people as you will find in other sections of the national park.
As of 2022, you can now bike to the trailhead to Greenwich Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park via a 10-kilometre paved trail starting in the village of St. Peter's Bay. It connects seamlessly with the Confederation Trail.
Note: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on Greenwich Beach Road. It is best to leave them at home or where you live.
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Greenwich Beach Interpretation Center in Prince Edward Island National Park
I suggest you head to the Greenwich Interpretation Center before visiting Greenwich Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. You can purchase your national park pass here ($9.00 per adult in 2024), use the restrooms, and check out the great deals. I enjoyed simply trying to guess the type of bird from the various stuffed species and felt like a child walking over the giant 3D map.
To get to the Interpretation Center, simply drive Highway 313 out of St. Peters Bay Village, less than an hour's drive from Charlottetown. You'll be there in 10 minutes.
You can also rent bikes at St. Peter's Bay on Union Road bike rental. It is 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 Center.
Map of trails in the Greenwich section of the park
How to Get to Greenwich Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park
Continue on Highway 313 past the Greenwich Beach Interpretation Center. You will end after one kilometer in the parking lot. Find the path through some bulletin boards.
Walking distance: The return distance from the parking lot to Greenwich Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park is 4.6 km. Allow 1-1.5 hours to do this, and less on the bike.
You can bike or walk 950 meters to the intersection of the Talaqatik Trails – Greenwich Dunes. Look for bike racks on the Tlaqatik – Greenwich Dunes shared trail.
From there, you can choose to hike to Greenwich Dunes via the floating boardwalk – which I think is one of the not-to-be-missed experiences in Prince Edward Island.
The first time I visited, I made the 4.6 km return trip to visit the Greenwich Dunes and beach on foot. In 2024, I happily cycled (from St. Peter's Bay via bike path) to the Greenwich Trail and then enjoyed a long walk back and forth to Greenwich Beach.
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It's a direct flight to Greenwich Beach
It's an easy walk to the Greenwich Dunes and the beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. From the intersection of the Talaatak and Greenwich Beach trails, simply follow the boardwalk through the forest to reach the start of the floating boardwalk.
It is a 1 km walk from the start of the woodland boardwalk to the end of the floating boardwalk on the far side of Bowley Pond.
Take your time on the floating walkway. It is a particularly beautiful section with parabolic dunes forming a backdrop. Stop and enjoy the red chair moment at Parks Canada.
At the end of the boardwalk, climb some sand steps and descend to the beach. There are about six kilometers of beautiful clean beach that you can walk along with very few people. It's a great place to enjoy a picnic. Just make sure you pack everything you pack.
More hiking trails in the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park
Two other trails offer hiking possibilities. Havre Saint Pierre is a short 1.25 km away, which explains the history of Saint Peters Bay and the farmed mussel industry.
The other trip on the Talaqatik road is 4.5 km from the parking lot. Enjoy magnificent views of picturesque St. Peters Bay and follow the interpretive signs for a cultural overview of the area. Bring binoculars and try to catch a view of the endangered piping plover, too.
On my second visit to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, my friends and I biked the Talaqatik Trail (except the boardwalk where that is not allowed) which I believe is the correct route. Along the way you can also get distant views of the lighthouse and crashing waves.
Where to Stay near Greenwich Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park
My absolute favorite place to stay on Prince Edward Island is Inn of Bay Fortune Near Souris. Even though it's not on the beach, it's close and the food is great.
I highly recommend a stay at St Peter's Bay VillagePoints East Coastal Inn. They're located right across the street from the Confederation Trail (so they cater to cyclists) and their breakfasts and dinners are great.
Some other places to stay include a short drive awayjohnson shore innIn Harmony Junction andNed lands at Spry Point.
Further reading about things to do in the Maritimes
For more information about Prince Edward Island National Park visit the site.
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