Visiting Cavendish Beach on Prince Edward Island
Walking Trails and Sand Dunes in the Land of Anne
Sep 24, 2008
A visit to Prince Edward Island is never complete without a visit to the Cavendish area. This is the landscape that so captivated Lucy Maud Montgomery and that she lovingly described in the Anne of Green Gables books.
Cavendish Beach is located on the North Shore of Prince Edward Island. The beach fronts the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is in Prince Edward Island National Park. Cavendish Beach extends 8 km from New London Bay in the west to the red sandstone cliffs in Cavendish East.
Cavendish Beach: A Favorite with Locals and Visitors
Cavendish Beach is known the world over for its soft, cream-colored sand, cradled by gentle sand dunes on one side, set against a backdrop of sparkling azure water on the other. Best of all, beach-goers can swim in water warmed by the Gulf Stream. The waters are considered the warmest in the area, reaching 15-20 degrees in the summer months.
You make your way to the beach by strolling along walking trails and boardwalks that transform into floating bridges stretching out over ponds. You'll notice asters and daisies along the way. Read the signboards for detailed information and quotes from L. M. Montgomery relaying her feelings about this special corner of Canada.
Cavendish Beach Trails
- The Cavendish Duneland Trail starts at Cavendish Beach East and is 2.3 km. A floating boardwalk takes you over a lake on your way to the dunes.
- The Cavendish Beach Trail starts at Cavendish Grove and is 1.1 km.
Cavendish Beach Sand Dunes
Cavendish Beach has sand dunes--and plenty of them! The Cavendish Beach sand dunes were formed from a combination of loose sand and the action of wind and water. The dunes are covered with sand-loving Marram grass that offers a comprehensive net-like root system, helping to stabilize the dunes. The dunes are an important part of the eco-system--a protective barrier against erosion of the soft sandstone shoreline of PEI.
Cavendish Beach Designated Areas
Visitors are reminded to stay in designated areas to protect the sand dunes, wild flowers, and bird colonies for future generations to enjoy. Parking areas and boardwalks are designed to reduce human impact on habitats and are in place to maintain ecological integrity.
Cavendish Beach on Prince Edward Island affords abundant opportunity for visitors to sample all the varied and natural wonders this corner of the world offers.
Those who visit its shores will agree that Cavendish Beach is one of the finest beaches in Eastern Canada.
Further Reading:
Cavendish Beach and the Dune Shores
Getting There:
Confederation Bridge to Cavendish: 55 km
PEI Attractions:
Lucy Maude Montgomery Birthplace
Eastern Canada Attractions:
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