The best beach camping in Prince Edward Island

Dubbed “PEI” by locals, Prince Edward Island packs nature and culture into one small package. Red seaside cliffs and sandy beaches give way to rolling hills further inland, all home to local farms, fresh seafood, and small craft shops. Island activity peaks in summer, when national park campgrounds open and gulf currents bring warm water to PEI’s beaches. Outside high season, campers can find solitude on the island’s waterfront campgrounds and hiking trails—plus splashes of fall foliage and plenty of seasonal festivals. In winter, nature trails pave the way for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

A landscape of beaches and red sandstone cliffs, this coastal stretch encompasses much of Prince Edward Island National Park along with Green Gables Heritage Site—home of the red-haired heroine from the classic Anne of Green Gables kids’ novel set on PEI. The town of Cavendish is the region’s home base, known for Cavendish Beach and its thrumming boardwalk, amusement park, and campground.

Red cliffs, red-sand beaches, and red-clay roads give this area its name. Trails and campgrounds are set along the shores, interspersed with small towns featuring museums, shops, and galleries. Take a road trip to taste chocolate in storybook fishing village Victoria-by-the-Sea, explore colonial history in Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site, and kayak along the West River in St. Catherines. To the east, Charlottetown is known for its theater scene and remnants of Canada’s colonial history.

Lighthouses and wind turbines dot PEI’s rugged north shore, where sea breezes sweep through fishing villages and Mi’kmaq cultural sites. Start in the city of Summerside, then head along the waterfront to explore nature escapes such as Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, Kildare Capes, and Lennox Island.

PEI’s laid-back eastern region features secluded beaches, historic harbors, and rolling farmland. Hiking and biking trails span the countryside, and Greenwich National Park encompasses rolling dunes, white-sand beaches, and extensive boardwalk trails. Go for a  tent camping experience at one of the region’s provincial parks, or settle into small-town life at a fishing village.