St. Peter Island, PEI: How to Get There and What to Do

Tidal Island Adventure: St. Peter Island on PEI's South Shore

Just off the South Shore of Prince Edward Island, hidden in plain sight across the water from Nine Mile Creek, lies St. Peter Island—a tidal island full of untold stories and untouched beauty. This wild patch of land may seem remote today, but decades ago, it was a fully functioning community with families, a church, a school, and a bustling lobster cannery.

Now abandoned, St. Peter Island is a time capsule of PEI’s maritime past—and you can walk to it. Literally.

From walking across a sandbar at low tide to exploring a historic lighthouse and untouched beaches, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about reaching and discovering the secrets of St. Peter Island.

How to Reach St. Peter Island

1. Head to Nine Mile Creek or St. Peters Bay

St. Peter Island lies just offshore from the South Shore community of Nine Mile Creek, a peaceful coastal area about 30 minutes from Charlottetown. This region is known for its quiet beauty and shallow tidal flats.

There are two main ways to reach the island, depending on your preference:

2. Walk Across the Sandbar at Low Tide

Yes—you can walk across the ocean to get to St. Peter Island. A natural sandbar appears at low tide, forming a walkable route from the mainland to the island. The full trek takes about 50 minutes one way, and it's only accessible for a few hours around low tide.

“On low tide, you can walk all the way over... but you only have a few hours every day. Make sure you don’t get stuck over there—or you’ll be waiting for the next tide.”

Pro Tips for the Sandbar Walk:

• Wear water shoes—the sandbar is scattered with rocks, mussels, and seaweed.
• Bring bug spray—the island’s mosquitoes are infamous.
• Carry plenty of water and a snack—there are no services on the island.
• Check tide charts before your trip and plan your return time carefully. One visitor noted their return journey had them “wading pretty deep” just two hours after low tide.

Paddle Over by Kayak or Boat

Step 1: Make Your Way to St. Peters Bay

To begin your journey, you'll first need to head to the charming community of St. Peters Bay on the eastern side of Prince Edward Island. This town is easily accessible by car from Charlottetown (about a 45-minute drive), and it's a scenic drive filled with rolling farmland, red-clay roads, and classic PEI charm.

Step 2: Arrange a Boat or Kayak

St. Peter Island is located just off the coast, about 2 kilometers south of the town, in the waters of St. Peters Bay. There are no bridges or regular ferries, so reaching the island requires a bit of planning:

• Kayaking: Many adventurous travelers opt to kayak across the calm, protected waters. You can rent kayaks from local outfitters in the area. The paddle is relatively short (about 30-40 minutes one-way), but always check wind and tide conditions before heading out.
• Private Boat Tours: During summer, some local operators offer private or small-group boat tours to St. Peter Island. These often include guided nature walks and insight into the island’s unique ecology.
• DIY with a Local Fisherman: Don’t be afraid to ask around in St. Peters Bay—some friendly locals may be open to taking you across for a small fee, especially during lobster season when boats are active.

What to Do on St. Peter Island

Once you arrive, the island is yours to explore—but be prepared. This is raw, untamed terrain, and there are no facilities, signage, or trails. That’s what makes it magical.

1. Hike & Explore the Interior

There are no official paths, but you can roam the island through natural openings and overgrown clearings. Expect mixed woodland, thick brush, and open meadows where wildlife often roams. Good hiking boots are a must. “The walk is rough, with lots of mussels and rocks... but it’s absolutely worth it.”

2. Discover the Lighthouse

Head to the southern tip of the island to visit the still-functioning lighthouse. Though it’s not open to the public, the structure itself and the surrounding views are incredible for photography and picnicking.

3. Birdwatching & Wildlife

As a largely undisturbed island, St. Peter is a haven for seabirds and local wildlife. You might spot:

• Bald eagles
• Ospreys
• Herons
• Migratory shorebirds
• Seals offshore

4. Beachcombing & Sea Glass Hunting

The South Shore is PEI’s lesser-known gem. When the tide is out, miles of sandbars emerge, offering shells, sea glass, and skipping rocks for days.

“When the tide's out, you've got miles and miles of sandbars… It’s a kid's playground. Couldn’t think of a better place to grow up.”

5. Photography & Peace

With no distractions, crowds, or modern noise, St. Peter Island offers a chance to slow down and connect with nature. Bring your camera, your journal, or just your thoughts—and enjoy a solitude that’s increasingly rare.

Visiting Tips

• Respect the land: The island is Crown land with ecological and historical importance. Leave no trace, don’t disturb foundations or wildlife, and pack out what you pack in.
• Go with a buddy: Cell service is spotty, and the island is remote.
• Time your trip: The tides wait for no one. Give yourself enough time to return or prepare to wait for the next low tide.
• No camping: Day trips only. There are no permitted campgrounds or overnight facilities on the island.

Why You Should Visit St. Peter Island

There are countless beautiful islands across PEI, but St. Peter Island is one of the few that feels truly undiscovered. It’s a place where history sleeps under moss and forest, where you walk across the sea to get there, and where the only sounds are birds overhead and waves on the shore.

Whether you’re visiting for the thrill of the tidal walk, the quiet mystery of the abandoned community, or just the wild beauty of PEI’s South Shore—St. Peter Island is a magical, off-grid escape that stays with you long after you leave.‍