Charlottetown 
Explore the Island through its boardwalks!
Credit: Tourism PEI / John Sylvester
Why not begin at one tip of the Island and check out PEI’s excellent boardwalks one weekend at a time! So many Island towns and villages have capitalized on their beautiful scenery and shorelines with easily accessible walking paths. A leisurely stroll is the perfect way to get to know a community and its residents. Plus, the boardwalks on our list are manageable for wheelchairs, baby strollers, and people using walkers, and for the most part are only a couple of kilometres long. So, hop in the car, queue up the map and head out to get to know the Island a little better this summer!
Black Marsh
Let’s start from the “left” of the map with a trip to the far northwestern tip of the Island. The Black Marsh Nature Trail in North Cape may leave you feeling slightly shorter as you approach the massive 50-metre-tall wind turbines nearby. The boardwalk portion is just a few hundred metres, but connects to the flat North Cape Nature Trail which follows the dramatic coastline. Walk slowly and look closely as you cross the bog boardwalk as there are tiny and uncommon plants in this area, including beautiful orchids and carnivorous plants.
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Northport
Continuing in the province’s northwest region, be sure to make a visit to Northport Pier, where you’ll capture a true sense of an active fishing port, with the added bonus or being able to shop, dine and even stay overnight! Check out the Sea Rescue Station, one of Canada’s official Historic Places. Bike trails and beach walks are also options from this one-stop destination.
Baywalk Summerside
The Baywalk Boardwalk and Cycling Trail mixes urban and natural experiences over its 6.5 km length. Start in the downtown (across from Staples) and continue on to the rich Acadian forest and duck pond conservation area. Baywalk trail amenities include parking, picnic areas, an outdoor gym circuit, benches, and washrooms. The trail is wheelchair accessible.
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Shop and Walk
Admittedly a stroll on The Cavendish Boardwalk is more about the shopping than the walking, with a lively array of shops, snack bars and restaurants right in the heart of Cavendish. T-shirts and treats, souvenirs and snacks – an easy way to please the family after a visit to the beach, Green Gables or a nearby amusement park.
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Back to Nature
PEI National Park excels at providing access and interpreting the Island’s natural shoreline ecosystems. The Cavendish Dunelands Trail starts at the Oceanview Lookoff or Cavendish Beach and is 2.3 km one way. Much of the surface is wooden boardwalk, and all of it is easy access for all types of mobility. If you’re looking for those classic PEI shoreline shots of red cliffs, sandy beaches, and ocean surf – here’s your spot!
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From port to port
The North Rustico Harbour Trail boardwalk is just 1.1 km one way and is much loved by locals and visitors. North Rustico is the quintessential maritime fishing port, and the boardwalk connects two active wharves.
North Rustico is probably one of the most photographed towns in PEI, with good reason – but you will be pleased to know they’re much more than a pretty face, featuring some of the Island’s best dining, especially when it comes to seafood.
The Blue Mussel Café and the Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers are both legendary for their excellent shellfish meals. Pick up some new art at Oh Hey PEI and take a kayaking tour!
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City Strolling – Two Ways
Prince Edward Island’s capital, Charlottetown, is situated on a lovely harbour, and city planners have taken full advantage. We recommend taking in both parts of the city’s boardwalk system.
Beginning in Victoria Park, the boardwalk travels 1.3 km along the harbour, but note that the Park offers many amenities from a pool, accessible playground, ball parks and tennis courts, plus plenty of peaceful walking trails through the treed portion of the park.
Begin at the Historic Charlottetown Seaport where massive cruise ships dock in season, and follow the waterfront wooden boardwalk to Peake’s Quay and its floating restaurants and intriguing shops.
Fancy a lobster roll followed by ice cream? French fries and beaver tails? There are more than 20 shops and eateries to wander in and out of along this route. Walk off the fries with a stroll around to the Charlottetown Yacht Club where an evening drink on the deck is a relaxing way to end the day.
Another “two for one” – Greenwich Dunes Trail & St. Peters Landing
Probably the Island’s most renowned boardwalk is part of the Greenwich Dunes Trail in PEI National Park’s eastern extension.
Just a few kilometres beyond St. Peters, the landscape of this spectacular 4.5-km trail ranges from open abandoned farmland to woodland and ends with a floating boardwalk over Bowley Pond to the rare parabolic sand dune system. This walk should finish with a swim at the Park’s beautiful beach! Two other National Park hiking trails explain the unique ecosystem and rich history of the area.
On the way to Greenwich, or on the way home, be sure to take a stroll along St. Peters Landing where you can shop for fresh fish, fine crafts and gifts, or grab a coffee, a pastry and a bench and kill some time sitting by the Bay. A walk over a wooden bridge takes you to the St. Peters Destination Centre, where knowledgeable visitor counsellors will help you plan the rest of your trip.
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Souris Beach Gateway Park
As you approach the town of Souris near the province’s far eastern tip, you can’t help but notice lots of action along the causeway. The shallow-water beach along this stretch has always been popular, but the addition of a kilometre of boardwalk, plus shops, seaside dining, and bike, paddleboard and kayak rentals have made Souris Beach Gateway Park a real destination. The Park also includes shower and change facilities, a playground, and ample parking. Can you resist a freshly made lobster roll on the seaside deck, followed by ice cream, and capped off with a stroll on the boardwalk or in the shallow pools of low tide?
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The Singing Sands of Basin Head
This popular beach at Basin Head is often listed as one of the best beaches in all of Canada! Just a few kilometres east of Souris, Basin Head is famous for its singing sands and deep-water “run.” The boardwalk leads from the on-site provincial Basin Head Fisheries Museum down to shops and snack bar, washroom and shower facilities and the famous squeaky sands beach.
The park also features a mobi-mat accessible pathway from the wharf to the water plus a floating wheelchair.
Directions
If your summer mission includes getting some fresh air, some moderate exercise, and a bit of shopping and snacking – our boardwalks supply all that and more!
