Charlottetown 
The Points East Coastal Drive creates an incredible road trip opportunity through around 50 PEI beaches. It is a drive like no other in Canada, with dozens of places to see, experience, and stay. Each of the drive’s destinations has something unique to offer, from tours and sightseeing shipwrecks, lighthouses, museums, and beaches. Among the top destinations on this drive are Greenwich Beach and St. Peters Bay.
Greenwich Beach is part of Prince Edward Island National Park and offers visitors many amenities and services for a day at the beach, an afternoon on the Dune Trail, or a picnic. This long stretch of soft and white sand is along a shallower part of the water with plenty of space for swimming in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Around the Bay and Beach are several more sights to see, places to dine or grab picnic food, and cozy accommodations.
Exploring Greenwich PEI National Park
This slice of the PEI shoreline, which is located 58 km from Charlottetown contains the largest sand dunes in the province, specifically parabolic dunes, which, according to Parks Canada, are very rare in North America. They are made accessible via the famous floating boardwalk and a well-maintained trail from which hikers get even more coastal views.
- If you are headed to the beach, the Interpretation Centre will be your first stop. The centre doubles as a museum with 20 different exhibits to explore.
- The west side of the park is where hikers can get incredible views of the Greenwich Dunes. The Greenwich Dunes trail starts at a small parking lot and leads west. There is a fork with one northbound trail taking you to the beach through floating boardwalk on the Bowley
Pond, and the westbound trail (Tlaqatik) leading you around the dunes and looping back. The full loop is 4.7km. - Along the Dunes Trail there are several scenic picnic areas nestled under the shade of the trees. And once on the trail, the views include the Sand Dunes, St. Peter’s Bay, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Fun on Greenwich Beach
The sandy shores of northern PEI continue along to the St. Peter’s Harbour and Greenwich Beach National Park. Here, the shores come to a halt at the peninsula created by Greenwich Beach, St. Peter’s Bay, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The west side of this break in the water is marked by the St. Peters Harbour Lighthouse. The National Park operates the main Greenwich Beach on the east side of the harbour from where you can enjoy views of all of the above features in the area!
- The Greenwich Beach section of PEI National Park is part of the province’s largest sand dune system. With this, beachgoers have soft sand to relax on during a day at the beach.
- Access the more rugged part of Greenwich Beach (no washrooms or showers) via the Greenwich Trailhead. From here, take the fork that leads north, and the trail will end at the beach. The trail is 2.2km one-way. There are washrooms at the trailhead and parking lot, but not at the beach.
- Further east, Wild Rose Road takes beachgoers to the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, washrooms, and showers/changerooms. From the parking lot, it is a short walk through the trees to access the beach.
More Outdoor Adventures
All around the Greenwich shores are more beaches, more trails, and additional ways to get on the water aside from swimming. For those other water adventures, choose between guided and self-guided options to explore the ocean, the Bay, or the small rivers.
- There are local bike rentals and tour options with the St. Peters Bay Confederation Trail. Among those tour options are a Shoreline Ride, The Greenwich Trail Adventure, or the Ride to Shipwreck Point (e-bikes). Plus, each package can have picnics added on to the adventure.
- There are many great waterfront viewpoints along these north shores like Red Head and St. Peters Harbour/Lighthouse, or the Shipwreck Point Lighthouse.
- Rent with Bayside Recreation in St. Peters Bay to create your own boat adventure. They offer kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, and SUPs, as well as route advice.
Picnic Foods & More Dining around St. Peters Bay
PEI is well-known for its abundance of fresh seafood, and St. Peters Bay is a perfect place to learn about why it is so good! And among these local spots are plenty more options for types of foods.
- The Golden Dory is the last stop for food before you hit the park gates. They offer a small patio as well as a menu perfect for a picnic in the park.
- Within St. Peters Bay are several great options for takeout and dine-in like Rick’s Fish & Chips Seafood House, Julio’s Oyster Express, Fryers Hut, or Black & White Café and Bistro.
Where to Stay around Greenwich Beach & St. Peters Bay
While the park does not offer accommodations, there are dozens of options within a short drive of Greenwich Beach. Start your search with St. Peters Bay, the last stop before the beach.
- Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort is an 18-acre retreat offering spa and relaxation services, such as thermal baths, cold water plunges, essential oil steam rooms, a Finnish sauna, massages, and meditation sessions. Guests can also indulge in fine dining at the restaurant and stay in one of 17 water view accommodations.
- There are a few niche resorts around Greenwich Beach that cover a few different interests: 45 Steps Culinary Beachside Inn, Nature Space Resort, or the Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort.
- Within St. Peters Bay are a variety of adorable inns and rentals with places like Points East Coastal Inn, Gateway to Greenwich Suites, or Cable Head Bed & Breakfast.
- Take in the beach cottage life with nearby rentals from Warren’s Beachfront Cottages, Dune Spirit Cottages, or Heinzelmann Chalets (per week rates).
