Jacques-Cartier Beach

Taking its name from the famous explorer, Jacques Cartier Beach is in a sheltered bay at the northeastern tip of Prince Edward Island. It is about 5 km east of Alberton and is signposted from the PE-12W. The green grass runs right down to the sandstone rocks lining the shore.

Popular for swimming in summer, this stunning beach has a seasonal lifeguard on duty. There’s a campground with good amenities including washrooms, picnic area and a convenience store. Play beach volleyball and horseshoes or make use of the play area.

Now a popular Provincial Park, Jacques Cartier Beach was the historic landing site of the French explorer when he reached Canada in 1534. His mission was to discover the “northern lands” and find a sea passage to Asia. He wrote that PEI was “the fairest land tis possible to see,” so it’s a wonder that he ever managed to tear himself away!

Each year his arrival is celebrated at the beach as part of “Rediscovery Day”. He was the first European to map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the coastline of the St Lawrence River and the park has a statue to commemorate his legacy.