Prince Edward Island’s sandy secrets

The Beach: Basin Head Beach
The Lowdown: When you walk across the fine white sand of this beach on the Northumberland Strait, it makes a high-pitched sound like singing. Scientists are still scratching their heads as to exactly why.
What to Do: Learn about shipwrecks, lighthouses and the lives of the area’s first fishermen at Basin Head Fisheries Museum or go look in the tidal lagoon for Chondrus crispus, a giant Irish moss found nowhere else in the world but here.
Where to Stay: Every room at Johnson Shore Inn looks out to the ocean. It takes just 15 minutes to cycle from here to Basin Head Beach.

The Beach: Tea Hill Beach
The Lowdown: This family beach on the south shore is a little damp for stretching out a towel to catch rays, but it’s the place for beachcombing and clam digging at low tide.
What to Do: Put on your rubber boots, grab a bucket and spade and get digging. Later, a gentle hike will lead you along the red sandy shore to a pretty white lighthouse.
Where to Stay: The Boathouse B&B in nearby Stratford provides easy access to Tea Hill Beach and sits on its own watery stretch looking out to Charlottetown Harbour.

The Beach: Malpeque Bay
The Lowdown: With 25 km (15 mi) of red sandy dunes, a coastal lagoon system and a “Wetlands of International Importance” designation, this protected beach is a real draw for nature lovers.
What to Do: Sample the Malpeque Bay oysters prepared by Canadian shucking champion John Bil at nearby Ship to Shore restaurant or stay on the beach and look out (from a respectful distance) for the rare Piping Plovers that nest in these parts.
Where to Stay: The rustic Malpeque Cove Cottages offer simple, peaceful accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and private barbecues for cookouts.

The Beach: Crowbush Cove
The Lowdown: A five-star resort beach that serves as the gorgeous backdrop to action-packed family vacations and relaxing golf matches.
What to Do: At the resort’s Spa Boutique spa, indulge in a Caribbean Therapy Pedicure as prep for barefoot strolls along the shores. Golfers will delight in teeing off on the four-and-a-half-star links.
Where to Stay: Choose between cottages, deluxe guest rooms and king suites painted in a beach and ocean palette at Rodd Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort.

IF YOU GO

Johnson Shore Inn, 9984 Rte. 16, Hermanville, 1-877-510-9669, johnsonshoreinn.com

The Boathouse B&B, 33 1/2 Glencove Dr., Stratford, Charlottetown, 902-566-2496, bbexpo.com/boathouse

Malpeque Cove Cottages, 304 King St., Malpeque, 1-888-283-1927, malpeque.ca

Rodd Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort, 632 Rte. 350, Morell, 902-961-5600, roddhotelsandresorts.com

Tourism PEI, 1-800-463-4PEI (4734), www.tourismpei.com

Article and image courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission.