Charlottetown 
Brudenell River Provincial Park in eastern PEI is the perfect spot for every type of traveller.
Credit: Rodd Hotels & Resorts
Different parts of Prince Edward Island provide different vacation and activity opportunities. Some locations may be better for coastal beaches and swimming, others for nature and wildlife viewing, for arts, culture, and history, or for outdoor adventures. And in certain spots in PEI, there are chances to enjoy it all from one park.
The Brudenell River Provincial Park, one of the largest in eastern PEI, truly has something to offer all sorts of interests, vacation styles, and definitions of “fun!”
A Destination with Definitive PEI Experiences
The quintessential experiences to try when visiting PEI may differ depending on who you ask. Those who prefer the great outdoors and recreational fun might suggest hitting the Confederation Trail, paddling a local river, or planning a camping trip. For some, the province’s rich and deep history, and all the ways to explore PEI history, are a top activity when travelling. And for others, a must-experience activity on the Island might be having a quieter time with walks along the sand, a cottage in the forest, or a round of golf.
So for groups, families, or solo travellers who are looking for all or one of those quintessential PEI experiences, they will find it all at Brudenell River Provincial Park!
The Brudenell River Beach or a Pool Day
The Brudenell River Provincial Park Beach is one excellent swimming option, especially on the hottest summer days. However, the natural beach is not supervised. The park’s heated outdoor pool is a second option for a swim or a cool-off from a hot day, and this area is supervised by a lifeguard.
- Brudenell River Provincial Park also provides day-use services like picnic areas, a playground, and washrooms.
- The pool is central to the park’s day-use area, where there are many other amenities to help make the day (at the beach or the pool) more enjoyable.
- Don’t miss the colourfully painted barn! The building is Scooper’s Dairy Bar, and they provide a deliciously sweet treat option for a day trip or after any camping meal. The food stand also provides an outdoor seating area.
The Confederation Trail
A long section of the province-wide Confederation Trail system runs linear from east to west across the northern half of the Island. And in a handful of locations, that longest main trail forks to create trails that lead south and toward the southern coastline. This includes a branch which runs south toward Cardigan. This trail forks again, with one route leading to the Provincial Park and the other to Montague. This helps to make exploring the Brudenell area on foot or bike a bit more convenient or could turn the Provincial Park into a final destination on a backpacking trip.
- The branch from the main Confederation Trail, Mt. Stewart Junction to Georgetown, is a whopping 39km but travels along relatively easy terrain.
- Where that section leads to Montague is a 10km hike in one direction.
More to See & Do around Brudenell
This part of Prince Edward Island, like many other destinations, offers chances for sightseeing around natural areas and landscapes, historical sites, and picturesque seaside towns or communities. No matter what direction you travel from Brudenell River Provincial Park, there will be several of these various sightseeing opportunities! Get the best views from some of the Brudenell area’s best recreational opportunities, too.
- Outside Expeditions operates from the day-use area of the park; find these outfitters beside the Interpretive Centre to book an array of equipment rentals! This includes canoes, kayaks, or SUPs, as well as bikes and kites.
- Brudenell Riding Stables offers 45-50 minute long Brudenell Beach trail rides.
- There is a major reason which draws people to the Brudenell River area from all around the world: the area’s TWO championship golf courses. These are among some of the most scenic golf courses in Canada and include Brudenell River Golf Course and the Dundarave Golf Course.
- Spend a day exploring the rich history and heritage of eastern PEI with neighbouring towns and historic sites. A simple summer or fall walk around Georgetown will offer views of beautiful and well-preserved buildings and stops at two local museums.
- Find the Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site across the water. The indoor and outdoor museum offers immersive experiences and attractions which help visitors dive into the local French heritage and history with stories and artefacts from as far back as the 18th century.
- And to the north of the park is the Cardigan Heritage Centre (open June-September) with a great look into eastern PEI’s marine history, and local culture.
The Shady Brudenell River Campground
The scenic and peaceful Brudenell River Provincial Park campground offers a variety of site types. And no matter which type of campsite you choose, all will have their own picnic table and fire pit. All campers also have access to washrooms with showers and a laundromat.
- The different types of sites include full-service sites with water, sewer, and electricity, 2-way sites with water and electricity, or those sites without any services.
- Camping is open from late spring to fall, offering a different scenery for each season.
- For those who aren’t a fan of camping, or who have a more comfortable trip planned, there is also the option to stay with the Rodd Brudenell River Resort, which has amenities like an indoor and an outdoor pool, a gym, tennis courts, kids’ play area, watersport rentals, and bike rentals.
Planning Your Trip – Brudenell River Provincial Park
What: As the largest provincial park in eastern Prince Edward Island, Brudenell River Provincial Park has a spacious campground to offer travellers, several types of activities, and additional on-site accommodations or amenities. The park sits on the edges of Norton’s Creek, part of the Brudenell River estuary, where it is surrounded by two championship 18-hole golf courses and a resort.
With the park’s large campground, the resort, and other accommodations nearby, the area offers many ways to plan a getaway. Brudenell River Provincial Park is open for day use and overnight stays, with activities like a pool, a river beach, picnic areas, trails, a playground, and a boathouse with rentals.
Location and how to get there: 283 Brudenell Island Blvd., Route 3
Best time to go: June-October
How much: camping $38-$50 per night
For more information:
Brudenell River Provincial Park
Brudenell River Provincial Park Camping
