Prince Edward Island National Park

Prince Edward Island National Park Review

Prince Edward Island National Park has been touched with nature's boldest brushstrokes—sky and sea meet red sandstone cliffs, woodlands, wetlands, rolling dunes, and long stretches of sand. The original portion, a narrow strip of protected coast, extends for 40 km (25 mi) along the north shore of the Island from Cavendish to Dalvay. A separate adjunct sits about 24 km (15 mi) farther east on the Greenwich Peninsula.

There are several entrances to the park system off routes 6, 13, and 313. Start your visit at Cavendish Grove, which occupies the former site of a 16-hectare amusement park off Route 6. Pull in at the Welcome Centre; then take a pleasant 1-km (.6-mi) stroll to Cavendish Beach. The beach itself is supervised in summer, and the way down to it is lined with maple trees, which seems fitting here in the "Cradle of Confederation." A relaxing alternative is to picnic in the titular grove, accompanied by a soundtrack of songbirds and honking Canada geese who call the nearby pond home. A full slate of cultural and ecological interpretive programs aimed at all ages is also available. More active types can bike, hike, or (in winter) cross-country ski on the park's scenic trails. If you'd rather be out on the water, Outside Expeditions (902/963-3366 or 800/207-3899, www.getoutside.com) rents kayaks and runs area paddling tours. Deep-sea fishing is offered by a handful of operators as well; these include Richard's Deep-Sea Fishing (902/672-2376) and Salty Seas (902/672-3246).