Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park
Discover well-marked trails for hiking and biking, vibrant autumn colors, and family-friendly amenities in this accessible PEI provincial park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fall colors
Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park
Best Time
Spectacular fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover well-marked trails for hiking and biking, vibrant autumn colors, and family-friendly amenities in this accessible PEI provincial park.
"The trails are nice and very well marked. You literally cannot get lost."
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes; some trails have steep hills with wooden steps and exposed roots.
🗺️ Borrow a Trail Bag
Recreation PEI offers free hiking bags from public libraries to enhance your adventure .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Howells Hollow Loop
North parking lot off Riverdale Road
A beautiful 2.8 km loop with hills, boardwalks, and a serene bench by the water.
Autumn Foliage
Various trails
Experience a vibrant canvas of fall colors, especially stunning on dirt roads and surrounding ponds.
Family-Friendly Fun
Near park entrance
A dedicated area with swings and picnic tables, perfect for a family outing after a hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Seasonal Beauty & Amenities
+1 It features free entry and parking, a playground for kids, public restrooms, and picnic areas. Keep an eye out for local kids selling snacks near the bridge, a sweet community touch.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes; some trails have steep hills with wooden steps and exposed roots.
🗺️ Borrow a Trail Bag
Recreation PEI offers free hiking bags from public libraries to enhance your adventure.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a hike with your furry friend.
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access the trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes; some trails have steep hills with wooden steps and exposed roots.
🗺️ Borrow a Trail Bag
Recreation PEI offers free hiking bags from public libraries to enhance your adventure.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a hike with your furry friend.
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access the trails.
💧 Water Vistas
Enjoy the sounds of babbling brooks and scenic water views along many trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park for its well-marked and accessible trails, making it easy to navigate for all skill levels. The park's natural beauty, especially its vibrant autumn foliage, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and picnic areas are frequently highlighted. While some find the trails lack dramatic viewpoints, the peaceful atmosphere and free entry make it a highly recommended spot for a refreshing outdoor experience.
"The trails are nice and very well marked. Take it from someone who always gets lost on hiking trails, you literally cannot get lost. The trails we hiked lacked any interesting points of view, but provided a nice, safe workout in the woods. Free entry and parking, with a bathroom and a playground for kids at the entrance. Dogs allowed. It's all good."
Self Served
"What an amazing trail! We would have liked to walk longer but time was a factor."
Tony Fecteau
"Excellent trail. Clearly marked pathways. Very peaceful. Lots of parking. Public washroom. Dog friendly.
Nice look out points with spectacular views.
Trails are not overly challenging but they can go on for many kilometres."
Steve D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park is located in Bonshaw, Prince Edward Island. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at the park entrance. Many of the park's locations are within a 20-40 minute drive from Charlottetown.
Yes, Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park is conveniently located near Charlottetown, making it a popular day trip destination. It's about a 20-40 minute drive from the city.
There are multiple access points. For the Howells Hollow loop, park at the North parking lot off Riverdale Road > Mackinnon Lane.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park offers free entry and parking, making it an accessible natural escape for everyone.
Provincial parks in PEI are generally accessible from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official PEI Parks website for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
As there is no entrance fee and it's a natural park, advance booking is not required. Simply arrive and enjoy the trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a network of well-marked hiking and biking trails. They range from easy walks to routes with some steep hills and wooden steps, offering a choose-your-own-adventure style experience.
Yes, many trails are beginner-friendly and clearly marked, making it difficult to get lost. However, some sections can be more challenging with inclines.
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome in Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park, provided they are kept on a leash, allowing you to enjoy the trails with your canine companions.
The park offers free parking, public washrooms, a playground for children, and picnic tables. There's also a barbecue area that may be available depending on fire bans.
While some trails are more focused on a workout in the woods, there are nice lookout points and water vistas with babbling brooks that offer peaceful scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful scenery, especially during autumn when the fall colors are vibrant.
You might spot chipmunks and various birds singing along the trails. While not a primary wildlife viewing park, nature's sounds and small creatures add to the atmosphere.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography. Autumn mornings are particularly recommended for capturing the vibrant fall foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
+1 Capture the stunning fall colors along the trails and dirt roads. Look for scenic overlooks and water vistas to frame your shots. The Howells Hollow loop offers picturesque boardwalks and water views that are perfect for capturing the park's natural beauty. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance your photography.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trail Network
One of the standout trails is the Howells Hollow loop, a 2.8 km circuit that includes some inclines, charming boardwalks, and a picturesque bench situated by the water.
This loop is a great option for experiencing a variety of the park's natural features. For those looking to extend their exploration, the trails offer opportunities to go further, with many visitors opting for 6 to 7 km routes.Tip: Consider borrowing a hiking bag from a local public library, as recommended by Recreation PEI, to enhance your trail experience.
This initiative provides useful resources for exploring PEI's natural beauty.Autumn's Vibrant Display
+1 This makes it a prime destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of fall in Prince Edward Island. The combination of rolling hills, woodland paths, and the occasional water vista creates a picturesque backdrop for your autumn adventures.Instagram reels frequently showcase the park's autumnal beauty, highlighting specific locations like Strathgartney Provincial Park and Mooney's Pond, which are often visited in conjunction with Bonshaw Hills due to their proximity.
+1 The visual appeal of the changing leaves, especially along dirt roads and surrounding ponds, is a major draw for visitors during this season. It's an ideal time to visit if you're looking for a peaceful yet visually rewarding outdoor experience.Best time to visit for fall colors: Mid-September to mid-October, when the foliage is at its peak. Early morning visits can offer softer light for photography and a more tranquil experience before the day-trippers arrive.
Family and Community Connections
The park also fosters a sense of community. A delightful detail mentioned by visitors is the presence of local children selling snacks across the bridge, adding a charming, personal touch to the park experience.
Tip for families: Combine your visit with a stop at the playground and pack a picnic to make the most of your family day out. The free entry and ample parking add to the convenience for family outings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit