Winter visitation

Prince Edward Island National Park

Hurricane Fiona

Parks Canada reminds the public that while some sections of PEI National Park are open for Islanders and other visitors to enjoy, the 2022 operational season has concluded so facilities (e.g., beach complexes, visitor centres, day use areas) are now closed as usual for this time of year. There will be limited emergency service provided by Parks Canada. By entering the park, you agree to use the park at your own risk.

Unmarked hazards and unsafe conditions are present throughout the park including; dangerous trees, undercut and eroded shoreline, unstable or missing beach access infrastructure, washed out roads and pathways, and exposed utilities. Please abide by all closures, signage and barricades; they are there for your safety.

For more information see post-Hurricane Fiona recovery updates.

While Prince Edward Island National Park will remain open for Islanders and other visitors to continue to enjoy, facilities in the park will be closed between Thanksgiving Day and Victoria Day, other than those at Cavendish Campground's Winter Activity Hub on weekends. 

Parks Canada will continue to clear snow from the Gulf Shore Parkway between Cavendish and North Rustico and between Brackley and Dalvay to allow access, and a number of parking areas will be kept cleared for parking. However, Parks Canada will not be grooming cross-country ski trails, monitoring and removing felled trees from trails (other than the groomed Cavendish Campground trails), maintaining beach accesses or maintaining Dalvay Lake for skating. Other than those at the Winter Activity Hub at Cavendish Campground on weekends, washroom facilities and warm-up shelters will remain closed. 

Please note: There will be limited emergency service provided by Parks Canada.

Access in winter months

Parks Canada will continue to clear snow from the Gulf Shore Parkway between Cavendish and North Rustico and between Brackley and Dalvay to allow access, and the following parking areas will be kept cleared for parking:

  • Dalvay Parking Lot (beside beach)
  • Greenwich (Visitor Information Centre)
  • Bubbling Springs / Farmlands Trail
  • Ross Lane
  • Shaws Beach
  • North Rustico Beach
  • Macneills Brook

Coming to the trails? Be prepared to be a “trail blazer”!

The PEI National Park trail system is available for exploration, but trails will not be groomed or maintained throughout the winter, other than the Cavendish Campground trails on weekends.  Visitors are welcome to explore the park by foot, snowshoe or skis, view wildlife, and participate in other preferred winter activities, but should be reminded that they are responsible for their own safety. 

For PEI National Park trail distances and descriptions: Hiking

Winter safety

Those planning a visit should pay careful attention to weather forecasts and prepare properly for the outdoors, with appropriate clothing and supplies. All off-season guests should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from harsh weather and potential natural hazards found in the park, as emergency services are limited.

For safety tips: Winter safety and Adventure Smart. 

We hope that you will continue to experience our country’s great natural and cultural heritage through visits to Prince Edward Island National Park as well as to other national parks and national historic sites that Parks Canada is proud to protect and present for all time. 

For more information, please call 902-672-6350 or email pnipe-peinp@pc.gc.ca. 

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