Hillsborough Bay is a broad, open bay on the southern coast of Prince Edward Island, forming the outer approach to Charlottetown Harbour. Its entrance is marked by the historic Point Prim lighthouse, a brick structure built in 1846. The bay's waters are noted for fine sailing and are a significant boating area, with the Hillsborough Boating Club active in the region. For paddlers, the bay presents a dynamic coastal environment. Tidal currents are a primary consideration; one account describes the sensation of an ebbing tide sucking a kayak towards the Northumberland Strait, indicating strong outflow on a falling tide. The bay can be crossed by kayak, with Point Prim mentioned as a departure point, though paddlers should be aware of its shallow, extended reef. Access points for launching are informal but include beaches like Bellevue Cove, noted as a popular kayak launch for a specific paddle route, and the red sand beach at the end of Keppoch Road, which offers calm water good for paddling. The Nine Mile Creek Wharf Harbor on the bay is a small craft harbor that could serve as an access point. A notable paddling route is the St. Peters Island Paddle trail, estimated at 7.8 miles, which begins in the Rice Point area. The bay's shoreline features long sweeps of red sand, such as at the family-friendly provincial park beach in Stratford. Wildlife includes seals, which can be seen and heard at play in the area. Given the bay's exposure and connection to the Northumberland Strait, wind conditions and fetch can significantly affect sea state, and paddlers should be prepared for potential boat traffic, including commercial Zodiac tours operating seal-watching adventures to nearby Governors Island.