Canada has over 200,000 km of coastline with breathtaking beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Here are some of the best beaches in Canada that you should visit:
- Chesterman Beach, British Columbia: This natural wonder boasts long stretches of soft sand, surfable waves, and stunning sunsets.
- Sauble Beach, Ontario: This family-friendly beach is known for its shallow and warm waters, which make it safe for swimming and ideal for building sandcastles.
- Wasaga Beach, Ontario: This is the longest freshwater beach in the world, stretching over 14 kilometers, with plenty of amenities, including watersports and beach volleyball courts.
- Grand Beach, Manitoba: This beach, located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, features white-sand dunes that can reach up to 12 meters high and offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island: This idyllic beach is found within Prince Edward Island National Park and boasts a long stretch of white sand, towering dunes, and red sandstone cliffs.
Pro tip: It’s best to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water during beach visits!
Ontario
Ontario is home to many beautiful beaches and lakes, offering beachgoers a variety of amazing destinations for a summer escape. From the iconic crystal-clear waters of the Great Lakes to the small and serene beaches in the northern regions, there is something for everyone in Ontario.
Let’s take a look at some of the best beaches this province has to offer:
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach is often regarded as one of the best beaches in Canada, thanks to its pristine sandy shore, crystal clear water, and numerous recreational activities.
Located on the southern end of Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach extends over 14 kilometers and offers plenty of swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, biking, and hiking opportunities.
The beach has several sections with unique features and amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy exploring the nearby hiking trails and wildlife preserves, fishing, boating, and camping.
Whether looking for a fun family outing or a romantic getaway, Wasaga Beach has something for everyone.
Planning a visit? Check out the town’s website for seasonal events, weather updates, and more.
Grand Bend Beach
Grand Bend Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ontario, Canada, offering a stunning view of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron and white sand beaches stretching over 50 km. The beach is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a relaxing and fun-filled day in the sun.
Here are some reasons why Grand Bend Beach stands out among the best beaches in Canada:
- The beach offers many activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and jet skiing.
- The beach town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, providing visitors with ample entertainment options.
- The sunsets at Grand Bend Beach are breathtaking.
- The beach has highly-rated parking facilities and many restrooms and changing facilities.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the beach alone, with family, or with friends, Grand Bend Beach should be on your bucket list when visiting Canada.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the best beaches in Canada, located in Ontario’s Prince Edward County. It is a breathtakingly beautiful park with three beaches: Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach, and Dunes Beach.
Outlet Beach is perfect for families and has shallow waters with a gradual drop-off. Sandbanks Beach has clear, turquoise waters and powdery sandy beaches to explore, while Dunes Beach offers spectacular dunes and Lake Ontario views.
Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, including swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and camping. The park also has several hiking trails, bike paths, and dunes to explore.
Whether you want to relax, have fun, or enjoy the stunning scenery, Sandbanks Provincial Park is the perfect place to visit in Canada.
British Columbia
British Columbia is full of stunning coastlines and endless sandy beaches. Many amazing beaches exist from Vancouver Island’s sun-drenched shores to the rugged coast of Haida Gwaii.
This article will examine the best beaches that British Columbia offers.
Long Beach, Tofino
Long Beach and Tofino in British Columbia are known for being two of the best beaches in Canada, famous for their stunning scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Long Beach is located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and stretches over 16 km, offering white sands, clear waters, and great waves for surfing. Similarly, Tofino offers various activities, including whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Besides, both beaches feature incredible wildlife, such as orca whales, sea lions, eagles, and bears, adding to the natural beauty of these destinations.
Therefore, if you are looking for a breathtaking location for outdoor activities or a peaceful retreat, Long Beach and Tofino should be on your destination list when visiting Canada!
Chesterman Beach, Tofino
Chesterman Beach, located near Tofino in British Columbia, is one of the best beaches in Canada, owing to its breathtaking views, ample opportunities for outdoor activities, and calming atmosphere.
With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Chesterman Beach is ideal for surfing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can also take strolls along the beach, explore the tide pools at low tide, or relax and soak up the sun.
The beach offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, making it perfect for families and large groups. In addition, its proximity to Tofino provides easy access to local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or someone who values peaceful moments, Chesterman Beach offers something for everyone.
Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is considered one of Canada’s best beaches for its stunning views and variety of activities.
This beach boasts a beautiful shoreline with clear blue water and mountain views, making it a favorite spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Kitsilano Beach also features a large outdoor saltwater swimming pool, basketball, and beach volleyball courts.
Visitors can also enjoy a stroll on the seawall or have a picnic on the beach.
With its abundant amenities and beautiful views, Kitsilano Beach is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists in Vancouver.
Quebec
Quebec is home to some of the best beaches in Canada. With its stunning coastal views, you can relax and take in the sights of the beautiful blue-green waters of the St Lawrence River and the Atlantic coast. Quebec has it all if you’re looking for a quiet beach or an exciting spot to have a beach day.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best beaches in this Canadian province:
Plage de la Dune-du-Nord, Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Plage de la Dune-du-Nord, located in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, is one of the best beaches in Canada, known for its stunning natural beauty, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters.
This beach offers many activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and sailing, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers.
In addition, Plage de la Dune-du-Nord boasts impressive dunes that provide a picturesque backdrop for beachgoers and nature lovers.
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or explore the great outdoors, Plage de la Dune-du-Nord is a must-visit destination that offers something for everyone.
Oka Beach, Oka
Oka Beach in Oka, Quebec, is one of the best beaches to visit in Canada, featuring a wide range of amenities and attractions that make it perfect for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and picnicking in the beautiful natural surroundings of Oka Beach. The crystal-clear water and sandy shoreline are perfect for a day of relaxation and water activities. In addition to the beach, visitors can explore the nearby Oka National Park, which boasts over 23 kilometers of hiking trails and scenic views of the lake and mountains.
The beach also offers convenient amenities like showers, changing rooms, and picnic areas to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. So whether you want to spend a peaceful day in nature or an exciting day of exploration, Oka Beach is an excellent destination in Canada.
Parc National de Plaisance, Papineauville
Parc National de Plaisance, Papineauville, in Quebec, Canada, is a breathtakingly beautiful destination with some of the best beaches in the region. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, this park is a natural oasis for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are some of the top beaches at Parc National de Plaisance:
- Grandes Baies Beach: This long, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The shallow water and gentle waves make it safe for children and non-swimmers.
- Petit Lac Simon Beach: This beach is located on the shores of Petit Lac Simon and is ideal for water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
- Plage Beaudoin: This secluded beach is perfect for a quiet picnic or a romantic stroll along the shoreline.
- Plage des Outaouais: This beach offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the sun, sand, and water at Parc National de Plaisance’s beautiful beaches.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is home to some of the best beaches in Canada. From crystal-clear waters in Peggy’s Cove to the long sandy shores of Crescent Beach, Nova Scotia offers its travelers a wide variety of beaches. So whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a vibrant beach scene, Nova Scotia has something for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at what Nova Scotia has to offer:
Inverness Beach
Inverness Beach is a beautiful and picturesque beach located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and is considered one of the best beaches in the country.
The beach has a long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, surfing, and other water activities. It is also surrounded by a lush forest and rolling hills, providing a stunning backdrop for sunbathing and relaxation.
Inverness Beach has excellent amenities, including changing rooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground, making it an ideal destination for families and tourists.
In addition to its natural beauty and amenities, Inverness Beach hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including music concerts, cultural exhibitions, and sports tournaments, making it a vibrant and exciting place to visit.
Lawrencetown Beach
Lawrencetown Beach in Nova Scotia is one of the best beaches in Canada for surfing, swimming, and relaxing. It is popular among locals and tourists due to its stunning shoreline, impressive waves, and natural beauty.
The beach stretches over 1.5 km and is backed by dunes and rocky cliffs. The waves at Lawrencetown Beach are ideal for surfing, with consistent breakers that attract both novice and experienced surfers. In addition, the beach’s long and wide stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach volleyball.
Lawrencetown Beach is also home to a surf school, where beginners can take lessons and rent equipment. Moreover, the beach’s proximity to Halifax makes it easily accessible, offering a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, make Lawrencetown Beach one of your must-visit destinations.
Martinique Beach Provincial Park
Martinique Beach Provincial Park is one of the best beaches in Canada, located on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
Stretching for 5 km, this beach is perfect for long walks or runs, and its warm waters are great for swimming, surfing, or boogie boarding.
The beach also features a picnic area, washrooms, changing rooms, showers, and a boardwalk.
Plan a full-day trip to Martinique Beach Provincial Park- bring a picnic lunch, a good book, and sunscreen, and spend the day exploring the beach and nearby trails.
Also, be mindful of the changing tides and currents when swimming- always follow the beach safety guidelines.
Overall, Martinique Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nova Scotia and looking for a beautiful and relaxing beach day.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is home to some of the best beaches in Canada. You’ll find it on PEI whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or a bustling beach destination. White sand beaches, red sandstone cliffs, and stunning coastal views surround the island’s shoreline.
We’ll explore some of the best beaches PEI has to offer!
Cavendish Beach
Cavendish Beach is one of the best beaches in Canada, located on Prince Edward Island. This beach offers soft white sand, clear blue waters, and breathtaking views, making it the perfect spot for families and beach enthusiasts.
Here are some of the features that make Cavendish Beach a must-visit destination:
- The sand is pristine and feels soft underfoot
- The water is refreshing and great for swimming, surfing, and kayaking
- There are plenty of other activities, such as hiking, golfing, and cycling, nearby
- The beach is surrounded by stunning red sandstone cliffs and dunes that offer amazing photo opportunities
- Plus, ample food and beverage options, including seafood restaurants and ice cream shops, are available nearby.
Pro tip: Visit the beach early in the morning to catch the sunrise and experience the calming atmosphere before everyone else arrives.
Basin Head Provincial Park
Located on the eastern tip of Prince Edward Island, Basin Head Provincial Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada.
The park has pristine white sand beaches with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Besides, Basin Head Provincial Park offers plenty of recreational activities that cater to different interests:
- There are plenty of cabanas and beach chairs to rent for those who want to relax under the sun.
- For fishing enthusiasts, Basin Head Provincial Park is known for its unique “singing sands,” which is a phenomenon that happens when the sand is disturbed, creating a unique sound.
- For adventure seekers, the park also offers kayaking, nature trails, and a nearby lighthouse worth visiting.
So whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure-packed day, Basin Head Provincial Park has everything you need.
Brackley Beach
Brackley Beach, located on Prince Edward Island, is one of the best beaches in Canada. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and wide range of outdoor activities.
The beach is surrounded by dunes, pristine waters, and breathtaking views that attract tourists worldwide. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and strolling the shore. The beach also offers hiking and biking trails, bird watching, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Brackley Beach has excellent visitor amenities, including washrooms, showers, changing rooms, and camping grounds. The beach is accessible by car and public transportation, and ample parking is available.
If you are planning a visit to Prince Edward Island, Brackley Beach is a must-visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is an East Coast Canadian province that boasts some of the best beaches in the country. From idyllic tiny coves to sprawling dunes and cliffs, New Brunswick offers a wide range of beaches for all kinds of beachgoers. Whether looking for a secluded spot away from the crowds or something more lively, New Brunswick has something for everyone. So let’s take a closer look at some of the best beaches in New Brunswick.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park, Shediac
Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Shediac, New Brunswick, is one of the best beaches in Canada, known for its warm waters, soft sand, and lively atmosphere.
This beach stretches over 2 km long and offers various amenities like changing rooms, showers, restrooms, and cafes.
The beach is monitored by lifeguards, making it a safe and family-friendly destination.
Visitors can indulge in beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. There are also several playgrounds designed to keep children entertained.
The area around the beach is bustling with life, with various restaurants and souvenir shops offering visitors a complete beach experience.
Pro tip: The best time to visit Parlee Beach is during the low tide when the beach offers more space and opportunities for beachcombing.
Fundy National Park, Alma
Fundy National Park in Alma, New Brunswick, boasts some of the best beaches in Canada. With a distinctive coastline featuring unique rock formations and rising tides, these beaches offer visitors stunning views and a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty.
One of the top beaches in the park is Main Beach, located in the heart of the park and offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, beach volleyball, and more. Alma Beach is another popular destination, boasting a unique landscape with towering cliffs and rock formations. Finally, the secluded and peaceful Bennett Lake Beach offers a relaxing environment perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply lounging in the sun.
Whether interested in outdoor adventure or simply taking in the breathtaking views, these beaches are not missed when visiting Fundy National Park in Alma.
Kellys Beach, Kouchibouguac National Park
Situated in the Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick, Kellys Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in Canada. The beach boasts crystal-clear waters, white sand, and calming waves, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, cycling paths, and nature walks.
Pro Tip: Book your stay at one of the park’s campsites or cabins to fully experience the beauty of the beach and its surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches in Canada?
Canada has many beautiful beaches, but some of the best include Wasaga Beach, Long Beach, Tofino Beach, Sauble Beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and Gros Morne National Park.
Are there any beaches in Canada with warm water?
Yes, some beaches in Canada have warm water, particularly in the Gulf Islands and on the south coast of British Columbia. Some of the warmest beaches include Parksville Beach and Chesterman Beach.
Is it safe to swim on Canadian beaches?
Most beaches in Canada are safe for swimming, but it’s always a good idea to check for warning signs and to follow safety precautions. Some beaches may have strong currents, rip tides, or other hazards, so always swim within designated areas and supervise children at all times.
What activities can you do at Canadian beaches?
You can do many activities at Canadian beaches, such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing. Some beaches also offer hiking trails, campsites, and other outdoor activities.
When is the best time to visit Canadian beaches?
The best time to visit Canadian beaches depends on your location and preferences. Generally, the summer months are the most popular, but some beaches may be crowded during this time. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds have thinned out.
What amenities are available at Canadian beaches?
Most Canadian beaches offer basic amenities such as washrooms, change rooms, picnic areas, and parking. Some beaches may offer food vendors, lifeguards, beach rental equipment, and other services.