Stanhope Beach

Located on PEI’s north shore Stanhope Beach is one of the quieter beaches on the island despite its abundant charms. Just under 25 kilometres from the main settlement of Charlottetown, the beach here comprises a generous strip of near-white sand (with a hint of pink) backed by low grassy dunes.

Stanhope Beach is actually the name of the park which contains three beaches within its several kilometres of beachfront. The adjoining beaches are Ross Lane, Covehead Beach, and Stanhope Main, which all share the same dune-backed soft sand gently sloping into the sea.

One of the most notable features on this stretch of coast is the Covehead Harbour Lighthouse. Only dating back to 1975 the 8 metre tall lighthouse is already a Prince Edward Island icon. Standing guard over the entrance to the little harbour it also lights the way to some great seafood places on the wharfside.

Being part of the Prince Edward Island National Park there are advantages and disadvantages. One drawback is you won’t be allowed to bring your dog as part of an effort to protect the endangered Piping Plovers that nest here. Another is that you have to pay a fee to enter the park, but this goes towards maintaining the facilities and protecting the local environment.

On the plus side the facilities are good, particularly for disabled visitors with beach wheelchairs and wheelchair mobility mats available.