Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
Brackley Beach is a small rural farming community located in central Prince
Edward Island on the province's north shore, approximately 10 km north of the
community of Brackley.
Located just 15 minutes from Charlottetown, Brackley Beach was named
after a clerk of the P.E.I. Legislative Council who served the province
from 1772 to 1776 before drowning in what is now Brackley Bay. A popular
destination for many visitors, Brackley Beach offers miles of pristine
sandy beaches and majestic dunes with various nearby attractions to
enthrall all guests to the region.
Brackley Beach is protected by the Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada
and is home to sand dunes, barrier islands and sandspits, beaches, sandstone
cliffs, wetlands and forests. These diverse habitats provide a home for a
variety of plants and animals, including the threatened Gulf of Saint Lawrence
Aster and the endangered Piping Plover.
The Brackley Beach area became a popular vacation spot in the late 19th century,
and its shoreline was designated as part of the national park in 1937.
Activities include deep sea fishing, bike, canoe and kayak rentals, horseback
riding, campgrounds, several restaurants and dairy bars as well as Prince
Edwards Island's only drive-in theatre.
Part of the P.E.I. National Park,
Brackley Beach, which extends into Rustico Harbour and forms Rustico
Island, also offers camping and numerous accommodations for guests. As
well, the eclectically designed Dunes Gallery comes complete with a
gallery of Island art, craft shop and cafe which offers a delicious menu
of avant-garde cuisine.