Stanhope

Stanhope offers several distinctive coastal attractions: the fine sand at Stanhope Beach, dunes in Prince Edward Island National Park, and Covehead Harbour Lighthouse. There are also trails for a range of activities and traces of the region’s history. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, you can start by choosing what matters most for your trip: the beach, outdoor activities, or maritime history.

Beach, Dunes, and Lighthouse

Stanhope Beach is known for its fine sand, boardwalks, and large parking lot. Its proximity to Charlottetown is another notable feature. In summer, the beach is a popular destination for many islanders. It is considered the most accessible beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. Visitor facilities can change, so check current conditions before your trip.

Set among the sand dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park, Covehead Harbour Lighthouse stands on the beach east of the entrance to Covehead Bay. The square, tapered wooden tower is 8.2 metres tall and topped with a square wooden lantern. It was built in 1975 to replace the original tower. As an iconic visual landmark, it is significant for its connection to the area’s maritime and navigational history. Its shape makes the structure distinctive, while its history also anchors it in Stanhope’s maritime character.

Coastal Trail and Local History

Stanhope Campground is located on Gulf Shore Way, a 10-kilometre coastal trail suitable for cycling, inline skating, and walking. The beach and trail appeal to different interests: one centres on spending time by the water, while the other offers a chance to move along the coast. Stanhope Campground has more than 100 campsites. Its facilities include sites with accessibility features, washrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as kitchen shelters, a laundromat, and a playground. Facilities and availability can change; check current information before your trip.

Stanhope’s heritage is also rooted in a specific place: Pioneer Cemetery is located on Farmlands Trail. It is the resting place of many of the area’s early settlers and victims of the Yankee Gale Disaster. Together with the lighthouse, the cemetery offers a different perspective on the area’s history: the lives of early settlers and the coast’s importance to navigation and seafaring.

More Perspectives in Queens County

Historic buildings in Queens County also tell the story of different chapters in the island’s history. Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada is recognized for its role from 1720 to 1770 as a seat of government and port of entry for settlers arriving on Prince Edward Island. St. Elizabeth’s Anglican Church was built of wood harvested on the property in 1848. This Gothic country church stands on a rise overlooking farmland. John Ings Senior House in Pownal dates to around 1830 and is among the community’s earliest buildings. It offers wide views of farmland and across Pownal Bay.

Queens County also offers other themes for active vacation days. Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale is located in central Queens County. Winter activities include Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing, and snowshoeing. In spring, summer, and fall, mountain biking and hiking trails are available from the Nordic Centre. The offerings include 25 kilometres of well-maintained trails with varied terrain, a training park, and a roller loop. Trail conditions can change; check them if you’re planning these activities.

When looking for a vacation rental in Stanhope, it helps to decide what you’re looking for first: local attractions focus on the beach, coastal trail, and maritime history, while examples from Queens County broaden the picture to include other historical and seasonal outdoor themes.

Explore more destinations: Victoria, Bonshaw, Miltonvale Park, Cymbria, York, Rice Point, Belle River, Cumberland.

For the broader travel overview: Queens County.