Hello - where would we be likely to find the warmest water to swim in (both fresh and salt water) on PEI? We are planning a trip there for the first two weeks of August. Thanks for your reply.

Hello Russ,

Thank you for your question to Ask an Islander.

August is a beautiful time to visit Prince Edward Island and experience the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. The first two weeks of August are considered to be the best time of the year to enjoy these warm waters. 

Prince Edward Island is truly a beach destination with more than 800 km of beaches found around the almost 1100 km coastline. The beaches along the north shore at the PEI National Park are majestic and popular including the nearby North Rustico Beach. 

The Singing Sands Beach at Basin Head Provincial Park in eastern PEI is often called the best beach in Canada. This white sand beach is an absolute gem with some of the warmest waters found around the island. 

In western PEI, the beach at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is amazing with a spectacular view of the iconic West Point Lighthouse in the background.

A visit to Prince Edward Island would not be complete without visiting the south shore to discover the red sand beaches and enjoy a warm water swim. The water tends to be warmer on the Northumberland Strait side when compared to the northern shoreline of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Some of these unique beaches are found in Chelton, Victoria-By-The-Sea, Argyle Shore and Canoe Cove.

Other noteworthy locations to visit and enjoy a swim is Kinlock Beach in Stratford, St. Peters Harbour Lighthouse Beach, Blooming Point, Lakeside and Morell River. 

For further information on beaches and parks, visit the Tourism PEI website. Also, this website is an excellent resource in planning a vacation.  

Regards,

Kevin Barbour