Cavendish Dunelands Coastal Trail

The Cavendish Dunelands trail follows 32 kilometers of PEI’s wild north shore, winding through active sand dunes and along red sandstone cliffs that most tourists never see. Starting from the provincial campground, the route tracks old fishing access roads and ATV trails that parallel the coast, offering constant views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trail’s highlight is the crossing at Orby Head, where drivers navigate between towering dunes and crash through loose sand that’s claimed more than a few rental cars attempting this route.

Easy to moderate difficulty makes this accessible to most high-clearance vehicles, though the sand sections require momentum and proper tire pressure. Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions when the access roads aren’t gated for bird nesting. No permits required, but respect private property markers and seasonal closures. This is one of Atlantic Canada’s most scenic coastal drives, offering solitude and some of the best sunset camping spots in the Maritimes.