Escape to Cedar Dunes: PEI’s Serene Beach with a Historic Lighthouse Stay

Travel as far west as possible on Prince Edward Island to discover one of the province’s most incredible beaches. And while Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is certainly a beautiful place for a beach day, there are many other ways to enjoy the park and the North Cape coast around the park.

Pack a picnic or camping gear before a trip to Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and explore the expanse of soft sand, the Lighthouse Inn, the short trails, and experience true relaxation.

A Quiet, Calm, & Scenic Getaway

With the city of Summerside over 70km east of Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, and all the beach parks near the city, the beaches of Cedar Dunes might be forgotten. For some visitors, the quieter and calmer environment of the park, and this west side of the province, is exactly what makes it so attractive.

While Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is far enough from urban centres like Summerside and Charlottetown to keep it feeling rural, 70km or so still makes it an ideal day-trip destination. But anyone who wants to stay overnight before heading up the coast, or for multiple nights, will find beautiful places to set up in the park’s campground. There are also a few services and amenities near Cedar Dunes to make it feel like a true escape from the busier parts of life. Relax around the park with daytime sunbathing and swimming, evening campfires, or nighttime stargazing under the dark skies of rural PEI.

 

Cedar Dunes Camping & More Accommodations

Any camper will be able to take enjoyment or comfort in the several amenities offered by Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. The campground has a wide variety of sites that offer different service levels and different types of scenery. Grab a site with no services, with power and water, or a full-service site with power, water, and sewer hook-up.

• There is a row of campsites which provides direct views onto the water as well as easy beach access, while the other sites are either under partial tree cover or within open areas.
• Take comfort in park amenities like a laundromat, restrooms with showers, a kitchen shelter, and drinking water.
• Not everyone enjoys or has the equipment for camping, and for those, or anyone visiting Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, there are alternatives to camping. The neighbouring West Point Lighthouse Inn & Museum is located right beside the beach, with rooms located in the lighthouse tower and the lower levels.

 

The Cedar Dunes Beach

A beach visit is a must at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, whether you’re here while it’s warm enough to swim, or during the spring and fall. The expansive stretch of soft sand that wraps around the south side of the park is especially inviting when the weather is warm. Plus, no matter where you look, there is usually a chance for a great photo.

• There are more open areas near the campground for catching the sun, as well as more shaded areas around the corner towards the Lighthouse Inn.
• As with many of PEI’s bigger beaches, the Cedar Dunes beach has summer lifeguard service during the day.

 

Upcoming Events at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park

All summer-long, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park staff host daily programming centred on kids and activities for the little campers. These include crafts, sports and games, water activities, and more. There are also a few signature and annual events hosted at Cedar Dunes, perfect for catching on a day or camping trip.

• Why not celebrate Halloween while the coastal weather is a bit warmer? This August 2nd, Cedar Dunes and a few other PEI Parks will host Halloween in the Park with a full day of activities and evening trick-or-treating.
• Join the park on August 23rd afor a Nickelodeon-themed day of family-friendly fun.

• Day-use visitors and campers are all invited to head to the park for a free evening of music with the Cedar Dunes Night In the Park Concert Series on August 30th.

 

Explore the Western North Cape

Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is on the far south end of PEI’s North Cape Coastal Drive. Simply head north from the park to uncover incredible coastal scenery and a bit of local history. The entire west-coast drive from south at Cedar Dunes, to the north around Skinners Pond and the Stompin’ Tom Centre is about 50km.

• The North Cape’s Stompin’ Tom Centre pays tribute to local icon and musician, Stompin’ Tom Connors, through exhibits and interactive displays, the live music of the Nashville Songwriter Festival, and the on-site restaurant.
• Also, about 50km from Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is a beach on the other side of the cape at the Jacques Cartier Provincial Park.
• While not right on the coast, the nearby town of O’Leary is home to the Canadian Potato Museum and will take a short detour from the coastal drive. The museum offers guided tours and the Potato Country Kitchen restaurant.
• Enjoy a delicious meal at the closest restaurant to Cedar Dunes, Lighthouse Willy’s, where the patio looks out over the harbour.

Planning Your Trip – Cedar Dunes Provincial Park

What: Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and its sandy beach wrap around the far western edge of Prince Edward Island. The park’s beach is home to a day-use area with summer lifeguard service and swimming areas, as well as picnic facilities.

The park’s campground, open from June to September, offers a mix of services at each campsite and different scenery for each campground loop.

The campground offers quick trail access to the beach, where there is a second park attraction: The Lighthouse Museum & Inn. As part of the North Cape Coastal Drive, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is near many other must-see and visit PEI attractions.

 

Location and how to get there: 364 Cedar Dunes Park Road, West Point

Two Hours from Charlottetown, and an hour and a half from the Confederation Bridge

Best time to go:  June – September

How much: camping $37-$48 per night; day use free

 

For more information:

Cedar Dunes Provincial Park