Best Outdoor Activities in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is a small island with a lot of natural beauty. From red sandstone cliffs and soft beaches to quiet forests and scenic coastlines, it’s the perfect place to get outside and explore. The island is full of trails, rivers, and rolling hills just waiting to be discovered. PEI has something for everyone whether you love hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply strolling along the shore.

With so many parks, beaches, and open spaces, it’s easy to enjoy fresh air and ocean views at every turn. If you’re looking for fun and relaxing outdoor activities Prince Edward Island is the perfect destination.

Prince Edward Island National Park

Prince Edward Island National Park runs along the north shore and is made up of three main areas: Cavendish, Brackley-Dalvay, and Greenwich. Each region has its own charm and is perfect for outdoor fun.

In Prince Edward Island National Park, you can walk peaceful beaches, go hiking on scenic trails, or cycle along paved paths. It’s also a great place to spot birds, foxes, and other local wildlife.

The Greenwich Dunes Trail

The Greenwich Dunes Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the park. It takes you over a floating boardwalk through fields, forests, and towering sand dunes before reaching a quiet beach. Another great spot is the Robinsons Island Trail, which is ideal for both hiking and biking. It includes a fun loop and even some beginner-friendly biking challenges.

Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park

Bonshaw Hills is a favorite for hikers and mountain bikers. It offers over 18 kilometers of trails through rolling hills and forested land. There are short loops for beginners and longer trails for more active explorers. The views are beautiful, and the air is fresh and clean.

Visit Green Gables Heritage Place

Fans of Anne of Green Gables can visit Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, where the scenic surroundings match the charm of the beloved book. The area also celebrates Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author whose stories brought PEI to the world stage.

Panmure Island Provincial Park

This provincial park is known for its golden sandy beach and stunning sunsets. It's a great place to swim, take a walk, or enjoy a beach picnic. The nearby lighthouse adds to the charm, making it a lovely spot for photos.

Cabot Beach Provincial Park

Cabot Beach is one of the largest parks on the Island’s north shore. It has calm, shallow waters that are perfect for families with young kids. There’s also a playground, open green spaces, and walking trails along the coast.

Brudenell River Provincial Park

Brudenell River offers a peaceful escape into nature. You’ll find riverside trails, kayaking spots, and even horseback riding. It’s also home to a well-known golf course and nearby campground, making it ideal for a weekend stay.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Paddling is a peaceful way to explore the Island’s beauty. Victoria-by-the-Sea is a charming village where you can kayak past fishing boats and red cliffs. In North Rustico, guided tours take you through oyster beds and quiet harbours.

At Brudenell River, you’ll paddle along tree-lined shores and spot birds along the way. Paddleboarding is also a fun option at many of these same spots. Paddleboarding is also a fun option at many of these same spots, with stand up paddleboard rentals available in places like Victoria and North Rustico.

Parasailing in Stanley Bridge

For a bird’s-eye view, head to Stanley Bridge for parasailing. This is one of the most exciting outdoor activities Prince Edward Island has to offer. You’ll float high above the ocean, taking in views of rolling farmland, Cavendish Cliffs, and sparkling blue water.

Deep-Sea and Sport Fishing

If you love fishing, PEI is the place to be. In North Rustico and Souris, you can join deep-sea fishing trips to catch mackerel, cod, or even giant tuna. You can also try sport fishing in rivers and streams across the Island.

Cycle on Confederation Trail

The Confederation Trail stretches across the Island from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east. It’s a 273 km main trail, with branch trails bringing the total to 449 km. Built on a former railway line, the trail never has a steep incline and is ideal for walking and cycling. It passes through forests, farmland, and charming towns.

More Trails to Explore

The Gulf Shore Parkway Trail runs along the coast inside Prince Edward Island National Park. It offers ocean views, sandy dunes, and plenty of rest stops.

Forest Hill Trail is a quiet wooded trail perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.

The Indian River Trail, near Kensington, winds past a wildlife area where you might spot bald eagles and ospreys.

Beachcombing on Iconic Shores

PEI has some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada—and many are free to visit. Head to Cavendish Beach to explore red cliffs and soft sands. Brackley Beach is known for its long stretches of shoreline, perfect for a quiet walk. Basin Head offers white sand and the chance to hear the famous "singing sands" under your feet.

Greenwich Dunes Boardwalks

Take a peaceful walk on the Greenwich Dunes Boardwalk in Prince Edward Island National Park. This floating boardwalk crosses ponds, fields, and dunes on the way to a secluded beach. In Souris, enjoy the beachside boardwalk and look for sea glass as you walk.

Spot Wildlife in Natural Spaces

For animal lovers, Buffaloland Park near Montague is a must-visit. A walking trail leads to a viewpoint where you can see American bison in their natural habitat. At the Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy quiet trails and spot birds like Canada geese and blue jays.

Explore Scenic Heritage Roads

PEI is known for its 16 scenic heritage roads. These red dirt roads wind through forests, farmlands, and small towns. They're perfect for a relaxing drive or bike ride. In fall, the colors of the trees are especially stunning.

Visit Historic Lighthouses

PEI has over 60 lighthouses, and many of them can be visited for free. Check out Cape Egmont Lighthouse, East Point Lighthouse, or Point Prim Lighthouse. These iconic structures sit on cliffs or beaches and offer amazing views of the coast.

Watch the Sky Light Up

End your day with sunset watching at West Point or North Cape. These western locations offer sweeping ocean views as the sun dips below the horizon. On clear nights, they are also great spots for stargazing under open skies. You can also join a scenic boat tour around the island’s harbours or coastal cliffs for a relaxing sunset in ocean experience.

Rise & Climb Adventure Park

Located in Cornwall, Rise & Climb Adventure Park is a high ropes course set among the trees. You can test your balance on rope bridges, climb ladders, and zip through the air on tandem zip lines. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and enjoy the outdoors from above.

Dig Clams or Make a Dirt Shirt

Get your hands dirty with a true Island tradition—clam digging. Head out at low tide, find clams, and cook them up fresh. For a creative twist, try a dirt shirt tour. You’ll dip a white shirt in PEI’s famous red mud and wash it in the sea to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Goat Yoga and Paddleboarding

At Beach Goats, you can try something totally different—goat yoga on the beach or paddleboarding with goats. These friendly animals walk beside you, cuddle up during yoga, or ride along as you paddle. It’s both relaxing and hilarious.

Theme Parks and Water Fun

Sandspit Amusement Park is packed with rides, bumper boats, and go-karts. It’s perfect for a full day of thrills and laughter. Just down the road, Shining Waters Family Fun Park has water slides, splash zones, and pools—great for cooling off on a warm summer day. Many provincial parks also have small water features and natural swimming spots.

On rainy days, families can also enjoy indoor options like game entertainment centres in Charlottetown and Summerside, offering arcades and family-friendly activities.

Explore the Bottle Houses

Kids and adults alike will love exploring the magical world of the Bottle Houses. Made with over 25,000 glass bottles, these colourful buildings are like something out of a fairy tale. Hannah’s Bottle Village is another fun stop, and it’s free to visit (with donations supporting children’s hospitals). Many of PEI’s historic sites, like the Point Prim Lighthouse or the Bottle Houses, offer unique outdoor backdrops and a glimpse into Island heritage.

Sip Local on a Patio

PEI has a growing number of wineries and breweries, and many offer outdoor seating with stunning views. Rossignol Estate Winery looks over rolling hills and the ocean. Matos Winery is perfect for a quiet afternoon among the vines. Bogside Brewing in Montague has a lively patio and often features live music.

Visit Outdoor Farmers’ Markets

For fresh produce and local treats, head to one of the Island’s outdoor farmers’ markets. The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest and offers everything from fresh bread to handmade soap. In Murray Harbour, the smaller market gives a taste of the local community with fresh veggies, seafood, and baked goods.

Try Coastal Seafood and Chowder Trails

PEI’s coast is full of casual seafood shacks serving lobster rolls, oysters, and fish and chips. Many are right on the water, with picnic tables and ocean views. You can also follow the Chowder Trail—a fun way to taste different Island chowders, each with its own twist.

Conclusion

The Province of Prince Edward may be small, but its outdoor adventures leave a big impact on everyone who visits. From the sweeping sand dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park to the peaceful rivers and wooded trails of every provincial park, the Island offers outdoor experiences for every pace and every person.

As you explore these landscapes, you’ll also walk through layers of Prince Edward Island history, from Indigenous roots to farming traditions and seaside settlements. Many parks and beaches are maintained by the Prince Edward Island Government, ensuring they remain clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

On PEI, the best moments happen when you slow down. Let the breeze guide you, the waves calm you, and the red cliffs remind you what simple beauty really means. Whether you're here for a weekend or a season, the outdoor activities in Prince Edward Island will leave you refreshed, inspired, and already planning your next visit.