Red Sands, White Sands & Singing Sands on Canada's Smallest Province
Quick Summary
In summer, there are 23 supervised beaches on Prince Edward Island — impressive for Canada's smallest province. Even more remarkable— the entire island has 1,100 km of shoreline to wander and explore. For beach lovers, PEI is like a candy store — your choice of sand and surf, supervised or solo, without ever driving more than a couple of hours. Whether you want to dip a toe in the water or sprawl out on the sand, here are five great PEI beaches that guarantee a good time.
Quick Facts
- Supervised Beaches: 23 in summer
- Shoreline: 1,100 km to explore
- PEI National Park: 60-km (37-mile) park with multiple beaches
- Water Temperature: Warmest waters north of Florida (exceeding 70°F)
The Singing Sands - Credit: Heather Ogg
1. The Singing Sands — Basin Head Provincial Park
Often called the best beach in Canada
A 14.5-km (nine-mile) white sand beach with some of the warmest water in the province — said to have some of the warmest waters north of Florida, occasionally exceeding 70°F. The beach's unique name comes from its fine sand, which squeaks as your feet press into it — the result of high silica and quartz concentration.
- Local tradition: Jump off a small bridge into a water channel that divides the beach
- Nearby: Basin Head Fisheries Museum — history of local fisheries
Cavendish Beach - Credit: Tourism PEI/Carrie Gregory
2. Cavendish Beach — PEI National Park
The most popular beach in the 37-mile Prince Edward Island National Park
Home to several picturesque white and red-sand beaches. Rent a chair, park it in the red sand, soak up the sun, or go for a long walk enjoying beautiful views of the red cliffs.
- Activities: Easy access to hiking, cycling, golfing, geocaching in PEI National Park
- Camping: Pitch your tent, relax by a campfire, and return for round two in the morning
Greenwich Beach
3. Greenwich Beach — PEI National Park
Biggest sand dunes in the province — rare North American ecosystem
Sits on the edge of the province's largest sand dunes — a delicate ecosystem extremely uncommon in North America. An extensive trail system and floating boardwalk allow you to explore 900 acres of dunes at your own pace. Soft white sand beaches, less crowded than Cavendish, with the same beautiful scenery and great swimming.
Brackley Beach - Credit: Tourism PEI/Stephen Harris
4. Brackley Beach
Only 15 minutes from Charlottetown
Oddly named after a provincial clerk who drowned in the bay in the 18th century, this beach has been a popular vacation destination for generations. White sand beaches with dunes at your back.
- Evening activities: Drive-in theatre, mini golf, local art at Dunes Studio Gallery and Cafe
Cedar Dunes' West Point Lighthouse Inn - Credit: Tourism PEI/Heather Ogg
5. Cedar Dunes — West Point
Tucked away in PEI's northwest corner
Found in Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, this secluded beach offers shell hunting on pristine sand, volleyball, and seal watching offshore. Camp just feet from the sand.
- West Point Lighthouse: Stay in an inn built into an active lighthouse — incomparable sunset views, standing tall above the shoreline
Follow-Up Questions
- What's the best beach in PEI?
- Why is it called Singing Sands?
- What beaches are in PEI National Park?
- Can I stay in a lighthouse on PEI?
Associated Entities
Prince Edward Island, Singing Sands, Basin Head Provincial Park, Basin Head Fisheries Museum, Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island National Park, Greenwich Beach, sand dunes, Brackley Beach, Charlottetown, Dunes Studio Gallery, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, West Point Lighthouse, Tourism PEI