Hiking near Charlottetown: 13 trails

Starting from: Charlottetown city centre

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Walking time

With my dog

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Drive times are estimates (≈) from the city centre, as the crow flies. Walking time comes from the trail page when it has one; a walking filter hides trails without a duration.

Hiking ideas near Charlottetown

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Drive ≈ 16 min

Governor's Island

Surrounded by water on Prince Edward Island, Governor's Island is relatively flat, with rocky and sandy shoreline sections and…

Dog rules: check the trail page

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Drive ≈ 26 min

Prince Edward Island National Park

A hard 116 km endurance hike across Prince Edward Island National Park, defined by sustained distance rather than elevation gain.

Dog rules: check the trail page

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Drive ≈ 50 min Walk 1 hr 15 min

Greenwich Beach

Explore the iconic parabolic dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park, where the Greenwich Dunes Trail winds through forests…

Dog rules: check the trail page

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Trails near Charlottetown

8 trails shown out of 13

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Governor's Island

Red Sands Shore

Drive ≈ 16 min
Prince Edward Island National Park

Green Gables Shore

Drive ≈ 26 min

Level: Hard
Greenwich Beach

Points East Coastal Drive

Drive ≈ 50 min Walk 1 hr 15 min

Level: Easy
Mountain Road

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 12 min Walk 3 hr 45 min

Level: Moderate
Amherst Shore Provincial Park

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 19 min Walk 45 min

Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Drysdale Falls

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 22 min

Level: Easy
Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 22 min Walk 45 min

Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Gully Lake

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 33 min Walk 30 min

Level: Moderate
Trenton Park

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 35 min

Level: Easy
Wentworth Falls

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 36 min Walk 1 hr 30 min

Level: Easy
Falling Brook

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 37 min

Level: Easy
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 37 min Walk 30 min

Level: Easy
Eigg Mountain

Northumberland Shore Nova Scotia

Drive ≈ 1 hr 56 min

No car?

Without a car, an outing takes more planning. Some destinations near Charlottetown may be served by public transit, but none of our trail pages lists it yet.

Check schedules and the last return trip with the transit agency before you go.

See the frequently asked questions

Through the seasons

Spring

Spring in Charlottetown brings mild temperatures and muddy trail conditions as snow melts from March to May.

Coastal trails offer excellent opportunities to spot migratory birds returning to Prince Edward Island, while inland paths may still have soft, wet sections. Pack waterproof boots and layers as temperatures can range from 5-15°C with frequent rain showers.

Summer

Summer is peak hiking season around Charlottetown with warm temperatures from 18-25°C and long daylight hours extending until 9 PM.

The 11 nearby trails are in excellent condition, perfect for exploring PEI's coastal paths and red sand beaches. Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and insect repellent as mosquitoes and blackflies can be active in wooded areas.

Fall

Fall hiking near Charlottetown offers stunning foliage and comfortable temperatures from September through November.

The changing leaves create beautiful scenery along coastal bluffs and forest trails, with fewer crowds than summer months. Pack warm layers as temperatures drop to 5-15°C and weather can change quickly along the Atlantic coast.

Winter

Winter hiking around Charlottetown requires preparation for cold, windy conditions with temperatures often below freezing and significant snowfall.

Many trails become suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when snow accumulates. Dress in insulating layers, wear microspikes for icy conditions, and check daylight hours as sunset occurs around 4:30 PM in December.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you hike near Charlottetown?

You can hike at 11 different trails near Charlottetown, with popular options including Prince Edward Island National Park (21.2km away) and Greenwich Beach (41km away). Many trails are located within provincial parks and natural areas throughout Prince Edward Island and nearby Nova Scotia.

What are the best hiking trails near Charlottetown?

The best hiking trails near Charlottetown include Prince Edward Island National Park at 21.2km away, Greenwich Beach at 41km, and Mountain Road at 59.9km from the city. Other popular destinations include Amherst Shore Provincial Park and Drysdale Falls, both offering scenic hiking experiences.

How many hiking trails are there near Charlottetown?

There are 13 hiking trails available near Charlottetown. These trails range from nearby options like Prince Edward Island National Park to more distant locations like Melmerby Beach Provincial Park at 80.7km away.

What parks offer hiking trails near Charlottetown?

Several parks offer hiking trails near Charlottetown, including Prince Edward Island National Park, Amherst Shore Provincial Park, Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park, and Melmerby Beach Provincial Park. Trenton Park also provides hiking opportunities at 78.8km from the city.

Can you hike for free near Charlottetown?

Yes, many hiking trails near Charlottetown offer free access, particularly those in provincial parks and natural areas. Popular free hiking destinations include Prince Edward Island National Park and various provincial parks like Amherst Shore and Caribou/Munroes Island.

What is the best season for hiking near Charlottetown?

The best season for hiking near Charlottetown is typically late spring through early fall (May to October) when weather conditions are most favorable. Prince Edward Island's coastal climate offers pleasant hiking conditions during these months, with summer being ideal for beach trail combinations.