3 Best Sights in Prince Edward Island National Park, Central Coastal Drive

Close to—but far enough from—the tourist hot spots of Cavendish, and protected within the Prince Edward Island National Park, this wonderful beach has a long stretch of clean, soft sand backed by dunes, low cliffs, a boardwalk, and a bike trail. Various access points (with boardwalks and stairs in place mid-May through September 30) add to its popularity, but it's big enough to provide plenty of space for all, and beach wheelchairs are available for those with mobility issues. Organized activities happen weekdays with the Parks Canada interpreters and there are trails through the dunes with interpretive panels along the way. Don't head for home when the sun starts to set—the glow of its final rays on the rich red cliffs is an unforgettable sight. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking.

Numerous beaches can be enjoyed between Cavendish and Greenwich, but boardwalks and stairs to reach them are only in place from mid-May to the end of September. Brackley, Cavendish, and Stanhope beaches are accessible to those with mobility issues, and beach wheelchairs are available. A relaxing alternative to the beaches is to picnic in the titular grove, accompanied by a soundtrack of songbirds and honking Canada geese that call the nearby pond home. More active types can bike or hike on the park's scenic trails. If you'd rather be out on the water, kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound. Winter visitors will find snow cleared from parking lots and can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but should be aware that Parks Canada does not provide emergency services in winter.

Less crowded than Cavendish, Brackley Beach, within Prince Edward Island National Park, stretches for miles along the north shore, so it's easy to find a secluded spot to enjoy the fine sands and clear water. It's a great place for beach walks, and there's also a cycle track a little way back from the shore. It can get very windy here, which is good news for windsurfers. A boardwalk leads from the parking lot to the beach, and there's access to the Gulf Shore Way East trail. To access the beach you have to pay the entrance fee to the national park. Pets are not allowed on the beach from April through mid-October. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.