by Turo
posted on May 17, 2025
Prince Edward Island is best known for red cliffs, quiet roads, and a slower pace – but it’s also full of trails that show off the island’s wilder side. Wander through dune fields, follow forested paths to the sea, or trace a boardwalk past coastal cliffs.
The best PEI hikes reveal landscapes that feel untouched, peaceful, and worth taking your time with. Let’s look at five of the top things to do in Prince Edward Island for outdoor lovers of all ages!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Greenwich Dunes Trail
- Confederation Trail – Morell to St. Peters Bay
- Robinsons Island Trail System
- Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park Trails
- North Cape Coastal Trail
- Best hikes in PEI: FAQs
- Get out and explore the best PEI hiking trails
What to do in PEI: must-see trails for hikers
These must-see trails for hikers lead through coastal dunes, hardwood forests, and quiet back roads – each one offering a different way to connect with the island. If you’re wondering what to do in PEI beyond the usual stops, start with these five standout hikes!
Greenwich Dunes Trail
This popular trail in Prince Edward Island National Park leads through fields and forest before opening onto a boardwalk that floats above Bowley Pond. Your peaceful hike will end at a windswept stretch of dunes and a quiet beach that’s great for photos.
Why it’s great
Greenwich is a hotspot of biodiversity. You’ll spot migratory birds, rare plants, and dramatic landscapes, all ending at a beach with white sand and crystal-clear water.
Practical tips
Wear sturdy footwear for shifting terrain and bring sunscreen since the dunes are fully exposed. Early mornings offer fewer crowds and the best lighting for photos.
How to get there
The trailhead is 48 km northeast of Charlottetown, about a 45-minute drive. A spacious SUV is a smart choice for your Charlottetown rental car, perfect for packing beach gear and tackling sandy roads near the coast. Book something from Subaru, Toyota, or Chevrolet, and enjoy a smooth drive through rural PEI.
Confederation Trail – Morell to St. Peters Bay
This part of the Confederation Trail follows a quiet, tree-lined path along the north shore, linking the towns of Morell and St. Peters Bay. With wide open views, a long bridge over the Morell River, and plenty of benches for breaks, it’s one of the most scenic stretches you can do in a single day.
- Distance: 22 km round-trip
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s great
This section is built on an old rail bed, so the terrain is flat and smooth. You’ll follow the water and pass wildflowers and interpretive signs that tell the story of the landscape.
Practical tips
Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes – this is a full-day hike. Start in the morning if you want to make it back before sunset. Biking is also popular here, so keep to the right and be aware of other trail users.
How to get there
Morell is about 40 minutes east of Charlottetown along Route 2. With electric vehicle charging stations in both Morell and St. Peters, this is a great chance to book a quiet, low-emission car rental. A Tesla or other electric vehicle rental will keep the ride smooth, quiet, and eco-friendly.
Robinsons Island trail system
This loop trail in PEI National Park winds through coastal forest, with views of the ocean, open clearings, and the occasional red fox crossing your path. It’s especially beautiful in fall, with a mix of golden trees and crisp shoreline air.
- Distance: 5 km
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 30–45 m
Why it’s great
The trail is well-marked, lightly trafficked, and full of variety. You’ll find lookout points, gentle hills, and enough detours to make the route feel fresh even if you’ve hiked it before.
Practical tips
Weather changes fast near the coast, so bring layers. Weekends can be busier during peak season, but weekdays offer plenty of space to roam. There are a few shared bike sections, so stay alert on corners.
How to get there
Robinsons Island is about a 30-minute drive from Charlottetown. It’s a beautiful drive, so why not make it extra special? A classic car or convertible is perfect on a summer day, and a sports car or luxury car will give you a little more grip and a lot more fun on the open stretches.
Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park trails
Just west of Charlottetown, this trail system winds through rolling hills, river valleys, and dense Acadian forest. With colour-coded routes ranging from family-friendly loops to steeper climbs, it’s a choose-your-pace kind of hike that keeps things interesting.
- Distance: 6.4 km round trip
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Elevation: 200–300 ft
Why it’s great
Bonshaw Hills is one of the most dynamic hiking experiences on the island. You’ll move between shady woods, open lookouts, and rugged switchbacks, all without straying far from the city.
Practical tips
Trails can get muddy after rain – wear sturdy boots and consider a walking stick or poles for balance. There are no facilities on the trails themselves, so bring water, snacks, and anything else you might need.
How to get there
Bonshaw Hills is just 20 km west of Charlottetown along Route 1. Flying in? Book a Charlottetown airport car rental and have it delivered right to the terminal! A sporty, compact model from Toyota or Nissan would be perfect for the short drive and winding roads, especially if you’re packing light.
North Cape Coastal Trail
At the northern tip of the island, this gentle boardwalk trail hugs the dramatic red cliffs PEI is so famous for. It’s a peaceful walk with the sound of waves, the call of seabirds, and the chance to spot seals just offshore. The historic lighthouse and low-tide beach access make it extra special, so get ready to snap some pictures!
- Distance: 5.6 km
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s great
The setting is open and expansive, with uninterrupted views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s perfect for a low-key outing that still delivers postcard-worthy views of the Canadian Maritimes.
Practical tips
Check tide times if you want to explore the shoreline – some sections disappear at high tide. The area is exposed, so sunscreen and a hat are smart. Bring a windbreaker for breezy days.
How to get there
North Cape is a scenic two-hour drive from Charlottetown. It’s a great family outing, and choosing a minivan as your rental car in Charlottetown makes it easy to load up the whole gang and everything you’ll need. Models from Honda, Chrysler, or Chevrolet have plenty of space for kids, snacks, and beach gear.
Best hikes in PEI: FAQs
Where is Prince Edward Island?
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province, located on the east coast between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The island is only about 200 km (125 miles) long and connected to the mainland by the 13-km Confederation Bridge.
Most visitors either drive in from the mainland or fly into Charlottetown Airport, which offers direct flights from major cities in Canada. With a Charlottetown airport rental car from Turo, you can get off the plane and into the driver’s seat with delivery options that make pickup easy and stress-free.
Is Prince Edward Island good for hiking?
It is, especially if you’re looking for calm, scenic trails with coastal views. Most hikes are easy to moderate, and many are great for kids, birders, and casual walkers.
What is the most beautiful hike in PEI?
The Greenwich Dunes Trail is a standout. With floating boardwalks, sweeping dunes, and a white sand beach, it captures the island’s natural beauty in just a few kilometres.
Are PEI trails open all year?
Most parks and trails are open year-round, but not all are maintained in winter. Visiting between late spring and fall will give you the best trail conditions and scenery.
Are dogs allowed on PEI hiking trails?
Many PEI hiking trails are dog-friendly, but it’s a good idea to check the rules online before you go. In PEI National Park, for example, pets must be on a leash no longer than 3 metres, and they’re not allowed on beaches between April 1 and October 15.
Get out and explore the best PEI hiking trails
There’s no better way to see this beautiful island than on foot. The best PEI hikes bring you to red cliffs, quiet forests, and coastal boardwalks that turn a short trip into something unforgettable.
With Turo, you can choose a car that fits your route, your crew, and your gear, with delivery options that meet you right where you are. Go explore your way – Prince Edward Island is waiting!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
