PEI National Park: Red Shores, Dunes and Green Gables

Prince Edward Island National Park protects 60 km of the island's north shore — a fragile ribbon of dunes, red sandstone cliffs, salt marshes, and some of Canada's warmest beaches. It's the province's headline attraction, and you can see the best of it in a day. Here's the guide.

The three sections The park runs in three strips along the Gulf of St. Lawrence: Cavendish in the west, Brackley-Dalvay in the centre, and Greenwich in the east. Each has its own character; pick one or do a slow drive between them.

Cavendish — beaches and Green Gables The busiest section. Cavendish Beach has the classic red-sand-and-dune view; the Green Gables Heritage Place sits just inland, with the farmhouse, the Haunted Woods trail, and the landscape that inspired L.M. Montgomery. Walk the Homestead Trail loop for the dunes without the crowds.

Brackley-Dalvay — dunes and quiet The central section is less developed — long beaches, boardwalk trails over the dunes, and Dalvay-by-the-Sea, a grand old lakeside hotel. The Coastal Woodlands Trail and the Bubbling Springs Trail are easy loops. Brackley Beach is the locals' pick for sand and parking.

Greenwich — the singing sands The easternmost section, Greenwich, has the island's most dramatic dune system and the 'singing sands' — a beach where dry sand whistles as you walk. The Greenwich Dunes Trail crosses a floating boardwalk over a rare parabolic dune. Come at low tide.

When to go July and August for warm water and full services; September for empty beaches and fall colour. The park is open year-round but facilities close by mid-October.

Good to know There's a park entry fee. The dunes are fragile — stay on the boardwalks. Bring sunscreen and a windbreaker: the shore can go from hot to breezy in minutes. Combine the park with a lobster roll at a nearby roadside shack for the full PEI day.