Prince Edward Island National Park in Canada is preparing for the 2025 summer season with a range of new infrastructure upgrades and programming, along with enhanced safety protocols, including a ban on pool inflatables at all park beaches.
The changes are part of Parks Canada’s continued effort to protect the park’s sensitive coastal environment and improve the visitor experience.
At Stanhope Cape, a CA$180,000 project has added 50 new parking spaces and a set of wooden stairs to improve beach access while safeguarding nearby dunes.
“It gives a dedicated path to the beach… to make sure we’re maintaining our good ecological integrity,” Joel McKinnon, visitor services coordinator for the park, said, as reported by CBC Canada on May 30.
The park’s sand dunes also remain closed to foot traffic, with fines beginning at CA$150 for noncompliance. “The park is in a very dynamic coastal ecosystem, and we rely on sand dunes for protection of inland lands and also, you know, habitat for some of the local wildlife here,” said Kim Gamble, resource conservation manager.
Following post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022, dune preservation has remained a priority. Parks Canada staff have observed signs of recovery.
A significant safety initiative this year is the complete ban on pool floaties, following years of related rescue incidents. “Ever since 2019, we’ve seen 50% of the rescues that our surf guards do are attributed to pool floaties that are meant to be in pools and not in open ocean environments,” Gamble said.
To assist with compliance, the park has developed an educational tool distinguishing acceptable and prohibited items.
The ban does not include personal flotation devices such as water wings or puddle jumpers, which are still allowed if children are within arm’s reach of a parent.
In Cavendish, Green Gables Heritage Place is introducing a new art program inspired by author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Additional summer programming at Green Gables includes costumed interpreters, gardening demonstrations, and musical performances.