Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island National Park protects 21.5 square kilometers of the island's north shore, featuring spectacular red sandstone cliffs, extensive sandy beaches, and fragile dune systems. Established in 1937, it was among Canada's earliest national parks, created to preserve the unique coastal landscapes and provide public access to the island's renowned beaches. The park stretches along the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast, encompassing distinct sections including Cavendish Beach, Greenwich, and Dalvay areas. Cultural significance is enhanced by Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. The park attracts approximately 450,000 visitors annually who come to experience the distinctive red sand beaches, coastal ecosystems, and literary heritage that define this maritime landscape.

The park's diverse habitats support an impressive variety of wildlife despite the island's limited land area. The endangered piping plover nests on sandy beaches, with the park implementing seasonal closures to protect critical breeding habitat. Red foxes, commonly seen throughout the park, play important ecological roles while occasionally causing management challenges around developed areas. White-tailed deer browse in forested sections, while smaller mammals including red squirrels, meadow voles, and eastern chipmunks inhabit various park zones. Wetland areas provide crucial habitat for great blue herons, various duck species, and other waterfowl. The coastal waters attract harbor seals and occasionally larger marine mammals. Migratory bird species utilize the park as stopover habitat, with over 300 bird species recorded. The park's beaches and dunes represent globally significant shorebird habitat requiring careful protection from disturbance.

The park protects rare and fragile coastal dune systems featuring specialized plant communities adapted to harsh conditions of salt spray, wind, and shifting sands. Marram grass serves as the primary dune stabilizer, its extensive root systems holding sand in place. Beach pea, seaside goldenrod, and other native species colonize dunes and create succession patterns leading to more stable communities. Wetland areas support cattails, sedges, and various wetland plants providing important ecosystem functions. Forested sections feature a mix of white spruce, balsam fir, and deciduous species including white birch and red maple. The distinctive red sandstone substrate influences soil chemistry and plant communities. Invasive species management focuses on controlling plants that threaten native communities. The park's vegetation represents the best remaining examples of coastal dune ecosystems on Prince Edward Island.

The park's iconic red sandstone cliffs result from iron oxide in Permian-age sedimentary rocks deposited approximately 250-300 million years ago. These distinctive formations create the dramatic coastal scenery for which Prince Edward Island is famous, with erosion constantly reshaping the cliffs and contributing red sand to beaches. The underlying bedrock consists of sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate layers that tell stories of ancient river systems and terrestrial environments. Glacial activity during the Pleistocene shaped the landscape, with ice sheets depositing till and creating the island's gently rolling topography. Post-glacial sea level changes established the current coastline, though erosion continues at rates averaging 0.3-1 meters annually in some locations. The dynamic coastal processes create and maintain the park's sandy beaches and dune systems through ongoing sediment transport.

The park experiences a modified maritime climate with the Gulf of St. Lawrence exerting strong moderating influence on temperatures. Summers are pleasantly warm with average July temperatures around 19°C, ideal for beach activities, though ocean water remains cool ranging from 16-20°C. Winters are relatively mild compared to mainland Canada, with January averages near -7°C, though ice can form in sheltered bays. The region receives moderate precipitation averaging 1,100mm annually, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Coastal fog is common during summer when warm air moves over cooler ocean waters. The park experiences significant wind, particularly during fall and winter storms that can reshape beaches and dunes dramatically. Visitors should prepare for variable conditions as weather can change rapidly in the maritime environment.

The Mi'kmaq people have inhabited Prince Edward Island for thousands of years, calling it Epekwitk, and utilizing coastal resources including shellfish evident in archaeological sites. European contact began with Jacques Cartier in 1534, followed by French settlement and establishment of Acadia. The region changed hands between France and Britain before British control was established in 1758. Acadian deportation profoundly impacted the population, with later resettlement by British, Scottish, and Irish immigrants. The 19th century saw agricultural development dominate the island's economy, with fishing remaining important along the coasts. Lucy Maud Montgomery's early 20th century novels brought literary fame to the Cavendish area, establishing tourism as an economic factor that ultimately contributed to national park creation.

Prince Edward Island National Park was established on July 29, 1937, under the National Parks Act, protecting the island's distinctive coastal landscapes for conservation and public enjoyment. Initial park boundaries focused on the Cavendish area, including Green Gables Heritage Place acquired specifically for its literary significance. The park expanded over subsequent decades with additions including the Greenwich Peninsula added in 1998 to protect outstanding dune systems and wetlands. Park development has balanced conservation with tourism, as the beaches attract substantial summer visitation. The piping plover recovery program, initiated in the 1980s, represents a major conservation success requiring ongoing beach management including seasonal closures. Modern management emphasizes ecosystem protection while maintaining the park's role as a premier beach destination and cultural heritage site.

Cavendish Beach stands as the park's most popular destination, with its expansive red sand beach and iconic sandstone cliffs attracting swimmers and sunbathers. Green Gables Heritage Place preserves the farm that inspired L.M. Montgomery's novels, with interpretive programs celebrating the literary heritage. The Greenwich section features a 4.5-kilometer floating boardwalk trail through wetlands leading to pristine beaches and dramatic parabolic dunes, offering a more remote experience. Dalvay Beach provides another access point with the historic Dalvay by the Sea hotel adding heritage character. The Homestead Trail loops through mixed forest showcasing inland park ecosystems. Robinson's Island Trail offers coastal walking with opportunities for beach exploration. Numerous shorter trails provide access to various beaches, viewpoints, and ecosystem types throughout the park's three main sections.

The park is easily accessible from Charlottetown, located approximately 20 miles from the capital city via well-maintained provincial highways. Three main entrances serve the Cavendish, Greenwich, and Dalvay sections, each with parking, washroom facilities, and information services. Two visitor centers provide interpretive exhibits on natural and cultural history, with Parks Canada staff offering programming and guidance. The park operates seasonal campgrounds including Cavendish Campground with over 200 sites offering various service levels from unserviced to full hookups. oTENTik accommodations provide alternative camping options. Beach facilities include supervised swimming during peak season, washrooms, and change houses. The nearby communities of Cavendish and Brackley Beach offer extensive tourism services including accommodations, restaurants, and recreation facilities. An entrance fee of $5.90 provides daily access, with season passes available.

The park faces significant conservation challenges balancing ecosystem protection with heavy recreational use and climate change impacts. Piping plover recovery remains a priority, with symbolic fencing, signage, and seasonal beach closures protecting nesting areas, resulting in improved breeding success. Dune restoration programs work to repair damage from storms and human trampling, with boardwalks and fencing directing visitor traffic away from fragile areas. Climate change threatens the park through accelerated coastal erosion, sea level rise, and increased storm intensity that can dramatically reshape beaches and dunes. Invasive species including European green crabs in coastal waters require monitoring and management. The park participates in regional conservation initiatives protecting water quality and wildlife corridors. Education programs emphasize leave-no-trace principles and the importance of respecting wildlife closures and staying on designated trails to minimize human impacts on sensitive ecosystems.