Carol Horne is a long-time Island beach goer. Most likely to be found blissed out on a beach somewhere in eastern PEI.

Prince Edward Island is blessed with miles of sandy shoreline, fringing the garden province with colourful stretches of white, champagne, pink and red beaches. Island beaches are among the best in the country with the warmest ocean waters north of Virginia. We have beaches where you can spend the day communing with the shorebirds and listening to the waves; we have beaches where the whole family can play in the surf with their friends. We have beaches where you can follow an interpreter and learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the Island shore. To help you plan your Island beach vacation, here is a little primer on "Island beach identification."

What kind of beach goer are you?

Blissed Out at the Beach

This beach goer may be seen most often on Prince Edward Island's white sand beaches, of which there are miles. Often in a prone, semi-conscious state, the blissed-out beach goer hears only the surf and the cries of the seagulls. Usually accompanied by sunscreen and paperback novel. Favourite habitats: Panmure Island Provincial Park, PEI National Park, Blackbush (Grand Tracadie), Lakeside Beach and Red Point.

Gregarious Beach Goer

This gregarious species enjoys social contact with other members of his flock and will gravitate to locations where friends and families may be found. Other possible landmarks for this group: ice cream stands, volleyball net and kites. Preferred beach locations: Northumberland, Panmure Island and Basin Head provincial parks.

The Beach Lover

We have reason to believe that many of those people who have successfully found companions using dating apps take their "long walks on the beach" in Prince Edward Island. For this category, weather is not a factor and pairs of beach lovers may be spotted hand-in-hand in all kinds of weather conditions. Preferred shorelines often located near cottages and inns equipped with cozy fireplaces: PEI National Park, Cabot Beach, Campbell's Cove and Cedar Dunes. 

Speaking of summer romance, have your read, This Summer Will Be Different? Check out our TSWBD itinerary.

The Multi-generational Beach Goer

This clan loves the red and pink sands of the Island's south shore where all shapes and sizes are found wading in the quiet, shallow water that is warm as bath water. Many members of this group are treasure seekers, finding snails, starfish, minnows and shells of all kinds. Best family beaches: Tea Hill, Chelton Beach, Northumberland, Linkletter, Argyle Shore and Canoe Cove.

The Clam Digger

Equipped with a bucket and shovel, the clam digger is looking for a delicious snack of steamed soft-shell bar clams or quahaugs. This group chases squirting holes all over the low-tide shore, capturing the delicious Island shellfish. The clam digger is also conscious of conservation. Beach beaches: Argyle Shore and Keppoch Beach.

The Beach Hugger

This beach goer is hungry for knowledge and wants to absorb all the fascinating facts of PEI's beach ecology, geology and archaeology. May be identified by notebook, camera and guidebooks. Take part in the beach interpretive programs offered in PEI National Park locations or visit Basin Head Provincial Park and the on-site Fisheries Museum.

The Beach Bird Watcher

They may be hard to spot, as members of this group are very still, attempting to blend into the landscape. Equipped with scope, binoculars, field guide and camera. Birding beaches: Panmure Island, Cabot Beach, PEI National Park and Red Point Provincial Park, at the nearby Black Pond Migrating Bird Sanctuary.

Adventurer at Sea

This shoreline species is more often spotted in or on the water, maybe carrying a paddle, sailing on a board or lounging on the deck of an excursion boat. Sometimes equipped with a mask and snorkel. May be attired in colourful or rubberized clothing. Best launching beaches: Souris Gateway Beach, Brudenell River and Victoria-by-the-Sea.

The Beach Walker

The only requirement of this beach type is miles of sand and thus they may be found on any PEI shoreline, especially at low tide. Beach walkers are comfortable in any type of clothing, but usually prefer bare feet. Many have fallen into a meditative state so may be observed staring off toward the horizon or into the hypnotic patterns of the waves. Beaches made for walking: Cabot Beach, PEI National Park, Sally's Beach and Greenwich.

The Beach Camper

A species that likes to fall asleep lulled by the sound of the surf and wake to the cry of seabirds. The beach camper does not mind sand in hot dogs, lumpy sleeping bags or even the odd mosquito at dusk. The beach camper may be identified by a massive collection of gear; coolers, lawn chairs, beach umbrellas and sand toys are the usual accoutrements of a happy beach camper. Beaches with campgrounds: Red Point, Panmure Island, Cabot Beach, Jacques Cartier and Cedar Dunes provincial parks and the PEI National Park - Cavendish and Stanhope.

Help Us Protect our Dunes and Seaside Wildlife

Sand dunes are sensitive ecosystems and havens for wildlife. You help us to conserve dunes, beaches and wildlife by:

• Keeping vehicles on roads and feet on designated pathways
• Carrying out garbage
• Respecting signs and zones for protection of wildlife such as the endangered Piping Plover
• Avoiding visits to bird colonies, nests and roosts
• Staying off the dunes, especially in PEI National Park. Your footsteps damage the marram grass, which is holding the dune together
• Respecting signs prohibiting dogs on the beaches in PEI National Park between April 1 and October 15 each year.

Thank you for protecting our natural heritage.