East Coast Escape from New Brunswick to PEI

It’s time to head to the island! Hit the road for one of your longer stretches: it’s a bit of a trek, just under 4.5 hours. But we recommend you make the journey even longer and drive slow, soaking up the scenery on the winding road of the Fundy Trail. Trust us, it’s a highlight in itself.

As you approach PEI, you’ll cross the iconic Confederation Bridge, a true East Coast landmark. Once you’re on the island, you’ll head from Charlottetown to Panmure Island Provincial Park. A quick stroll will lead you to the island’s charming beach, and it you time it right, you can catch your first sunset over the lighthouse. 

Panmure Island Provincial Park offers the perfect blend of relaxation and East Coast charm, making it an ideal spot to unwind after your drive and kick off your PEI adventure.

It’s time to start your first full day on the island and head off towards Souris and the Rollo Bay Flats. This first leg of the drive is fairly short at approximately 1 hour, and will take you into the small town of Souris. Here, we recommend taking a break to explore this historic town, and grab some famous Lobster Rolls at The Lobster Shack on the waterfront. After a quick bite, you might spot some seals hanging around the Rollo Bay flats.

After your time in Souris, you’ll continue along your path for 15 minutes until you reach Basin Head Provincial Park. Located on route 16 along the East Coastal Drive, this beach is one of the most stunning and popular on the island. The white sand is highly unique as it “squeaks” when you walk along it, giving it its nickname as the “Singing Sands Beach”. Make sure to check out the East Point Lighthouse nearby for some rich history and stunning views, but don’t forget to grab your ribbon to certify that you’ve been there (we’ll explain why on our later stops!).

Once it’s time to head to camp for the night, you’ll have several options in the area. We recommend staying at the All Points East Campground, just a short 15 minute drive from the Basin Head beach.

Next up is a quick 45-minute drive to Greenwich, PEI. Start by stepping onto the floating boardwalk, which meanders through lush greenery and leads you to some of North America’s largest sand dunes—a rarity in Canada. Once you exit the boardwalk, you’ll walk up one of the sand dunes and be greeted with a stunning endless beach. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or just lounging on the sand. The beach area is well-equipped with washrooms, change rooms, showers, and a picnic shelter, making it a comfortable stop. Keep in mind that it can be quite breezy, so maybe bring a light jacket.

There are several campground options nearby between Greenwich and Cavendish, such as the Whispering Pines RV Estate, Bayside RV Campground, New Glasgow Highlands Campground and Marco Polo Land.

If you’re the laid-back type who loves a scenic drive, this next leg is tailor-made for you. Get ready to hit the North Cape Coastal Drive, a relaxing route from Cavendish to the North Point Lightstation. You’ll spend about 1 hour and 45 minutes cruising along the coast, soaking up ocean views and the easy-going vibe of PEI.

Once you reach North Point, stretch your legs and take in the sights. Check out the historic lighthouse and and if you’re feeling peckish pop into the Wind & Reef Restaurant for some award-winning seafood with a side of ocean views.

For the nature enthusiasts, the 5.5km Black Marsh Nature Trail offers a pleasant walk across a bog boardwalk, where you’ll spot some unique local flora and fauna. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for a unique souvenir. If you’ve collected your ribbon from the East Point Lighthouse, you can swap it here for a certificate that marks your East to West island adventure.

After spending some time on the North Cape, you’ll continue your coastal drive south towards the Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and campground. Here, you’ll spend the night in a large full-service site right on the beach. Step out of your RV and onto a miles-long beach, with views of the beautiful West Point Lighthouse along the shoreline.

Wake up on the beach at Cedar Dunes, and brace yourself—yes, we’re recommending another beach. But this isn’t just any beach; it’s Thunder Cove Beach, where the red rock cliffs will have you saying, “Wow, how did nature pull that off?” Before you set out, give Captain Jack’s Yak Shak a call to arrange for kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rentals. They’ll deliver right to the beach, so you can paddle out to explore sandstone cliffs and the ever-changing cave formations. 

After soaking up the sun and sea, make your way to Twin Shores Camping Area, just a 5-minute drive from Thunder Cove. This campground is like the Disneyland of camping spots with tennis and pickleball courts, an arcade, a driving range, café, and even a Mining Co. where kids can dig for treasures. The full-service sites are just steps from a beach that seamlessly connects to Thunder Cove.

For the grand finale of your East Coast adventure, it’s time to bid farewell to PEI and head back to New Brunswick. After a 2.5-hour drive, stop to check out Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Hopewell Rocks is famous for its jaw-dropping rock formations and sea stacks that look like nature’s own sculptures. Take a scenic forest trail down to the shoreline and explore the rocks at low tide. The view from the platforms above during high tide is equally impressive.

When you’re ready to wind down, head to Ponderosa Pines Campground, just a short drive away. This campground is all about convenience with its easy pull-through sites, perfect for RVs of all sizes. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way, adding a stellar finish to your East Coast journey.