Visitor guidelines
Prince Edward Island National Park
Learn more about Prince Edward Island National Park guidelines and regulations currently in place, including beach closures for Piping Plover, sand dune regulations, and more.
For PEI National Park safety guidelines and prohibitions, please visit: Visitor safety.
On this page:
Pool floaties
Pool floaties are banned in the water of PEI National Park beaches. These devices are meant to be used in pools and not in open water. They can cause swimmers to drift far off shore, and pose a disproportionate risk to both swimmers and the surfguards completing rescue attempts.
The term “pool floaties” refers to loungers, inner tubes, blow-up furniture, and other recreational floatation items.
Please note: Swimming aids for small children, such as water wings, life jackets/personal floatation devices, and “puddle jumpers”, are permitted, as long as an adult accompanies the wearer and remains within an arm’s length of the child at all times.
While this is a new ban, the focus is on visitor safety and education. The minimum fine for violating the ban is $150. Beaches will be monitored by surf guards, Parks Canada compliance staff and park wardens.
Learn more about safety on water
Beach Closures for Piping Plover
When Piping Plover are present and breeding, signs are posted and the areas are closed to all public use and travel pursuant to section 7(1) of the National Park General Regulations. Anyone found in violation of this prohibition may be prosecuted under Section 7(4)(c) of the General Regulations. The minimum fine for a violation of this prohibition is $150.
Beach Closures for Bank Swallows
The following areas are nesting habitat for a threatened species, the Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia). When bank swallows are present and breeding, signs are posted and the areas are closed to ALL PUBLIC USE AND TRAVEL by order of the superintendent, Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada pursuant to section 7(1), General Regulations of the National Parks Act. The minimum fine for a violation of this prohibition is $150.
Sand Dune Regulations
Walk on designated paths and boardwalks only. Do not walk on the dunes.
Marram grass is killed with only 10 footsteps. When the grass is gone, the sand is free to move around, which causes blowouts and makes the dunes more susceptible to erosion from storms. Sand dunes play an important role in providing a barrier from strong wind and storm surges along the Island coastline.
Do your part to keep the dunes as beautiful tomorrow as they are today: stay off the sand dunes and remind your friends and family of the damage they could cause if they walk on the marram grass or climb the dunes.
Sand dunes are closed to all public use and travel pursuant to section 7(1) of the National Park General Regulations. Anyone found in violation of this prohibition may be prosecuted under Section 7(4)(c) of the General Regulations. The minimum fine for a violation of this prohibition is $150.
Area closure coordinates:
- PEI National Park West: All coastal dune systems from the tip of Cavendish Sandspit Beach at the western coordinate, 46.510671 -63.478949, to the National Park boundary of North Rustico Beach at the eastern coordinate, 46.457989 -63.291419.
- PEI National Park Central: All coastal dune systems from the tip of Robinson’s Island Beach peninsula at the western coordinate, 46.440537 -63.270186, to the National Park boundary of Blooming Point Beach at the eastern coordinate, 46.461657 -62.655173.
- PEI National Park East: All coastal dune systems from the tip of Greenwich Beach peninsula at the western coordinate, 46.44329, -62.731635, to the eastern National Park boundary coordinate, 46.461657 -62.655173.
Unauthorized trail closures
As of June, 2025, Parks Canada will be implementing a Field Unit Superintendent’s closure of the two unauthorized trails. These closures will include barricades and will be in effect year round. Park Wardens will be monitoring any use of unauthorized trails in this area of the park. The fine for entering and travelling in a restricted area under the National Parks General Regulations Section 7(4)(c) is $150.
Use of Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) / Drone
In Canada’s national parks, the landing and take-off of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) – also known as a drone – is prohibited pursuant to Section 2(1) of the National Parks Aircraft Access Regulations. The minimum fine for a violation of this prohibition is $550. Learn more about drone regulations in PEI National Park.
Pets on Beaches
Domestic animals are prohibited on all National Park beaches, pursuant to section 4(5) of the National Parks Domestic Animals Regulations. This prohibition will be in effect from April 01 - October 15 annually until further notice. Anyone found in violation of this prohibition may be prosecuted under section 3(2)(b) of the Domestic Animals Regulations. The minimum fine for a violation of this prohibition is $100.
Pets in Buildings
Domestic animals are prohibited from entering all kitchen shelters, and washroom / shower facilities in Prince Edward Island National Park, pursuant to section 4 (5) of the National Parks Domestic Animal Regulations. This prohibition will be in effect from June 7, 2002 until further notice. Anyone found in violation of this prohibition may be prosecuted under Section 3 (2)(b) of the Domestic Animal Regulations. The minimum fine for a violation of this prohibition is $100.
Feeding Wildlife
It is illegal to feed, entice, or disturb any animal in Prince Edward Island National Park. Although perceived by many as an act of kindness, humans feeding wildlife can lead to increased rates of wildlife mortality. Animals fed along the road side become dependent on humans for food and lose their natural instinct to hunt. All too often, wildlife fed along roadsides become injured or killed by vehicles. The National Park Wildlife Regulations prohibit feeding of wildlife. Anyone found contravening the regulation may be prosecuted under Section 4(1)(f) of the Wildlife Regulations. The minimum fine is $250.
Parking Regulations
Roadside parking is not permitted within the park in order to protect the dunes and to provide a safe opportunity for visitors to bike or walk near this special place. Roadside parking within the park can be in violation of regulations under the National Park Highway Traffic Regulations or the PEI Highway Traffic Act. Please park in designated parking lots located at all supervised beaches, picnic areas, and trails in Prince Edward Island National Park. Vehicles parked in non - designated areas may be fined and/or towed at owner’s expense.
Protecting Natural Resources
Prince Edward Island National Park protects all the natural elements that make up its ecosystem. To enable all visitors to fully enjoy the park, its scenery and natural beauty, it is important to leave nature untouched and to refrain from picking flowers or taking unusually shaped rocks or patterned shells. In this way, visitors will be able to admire, identify or photograph them in their natural environment. The National Park General Regulations prohibit the removal of natural objects. Anyone found contravening the regulation may be prosecuted under Section 10 of the General Regulations. The minimum fine is $150.- Date modified :