Posted on Monday, June 18 2018
You don’t need a cottage, or the skill to pitch a tent in the woods, to enjoy the great Canadian outdoors this summer. Boasting an abundance of shorelines, stretching farther than any country in the world, combined with thousands of kilometres of lakeshores, Canada has a waterfront scene that could take lifetimes to explore.
So why not slather on the sunscreen and unravel a beach towel at any one of our picks for the best Canadian beaches, from coast to coast.
Nicknamed “Little Hawaii” for very good reason, you just might be fooled into thinking you're swimming somewhere very far south from here.
Key features: Warm saltwater swimming and easy walking access to “downtown” Hornby Island, an eclectic community with a unique assortment of shops and services.
Location: On Hornby Island, just two short ferry rides from Vancouver Island.
This 16-kilometre National wonder is a year-round surfing hotspot offering breathtaking views of crashing waves and is steeped in the history of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations.
Key features: Exploring coastal wilderness trails and experiencing some of the most consistent surf on the planet.
Location: On the West Side of Vancouver Island, about a 4-hour drive west of Victoria.
If you’re interested in surfing or whale watching, this is the beach for you. With 3-kilometres of white sand, it’s easy to find a comfy spot as you keep your eyes open for Orca, Humpback, Grey and Minke whales – but please be warned, it can get pretty windy!
Key features: Surf lessons, equipment rentals, and watching for Orca, Humpback, Grey, and Minke whales.
Location: Take Pacific Rim Highway 4 to Tofino.
Sylvan lake offers 13-kilometres of shoreline that attracts those looking to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, water sports and even scuba diving.
Key features: A full day of family activities, including beach volleyball, golf, go-karting, and summer camps.
Location: 20 kilometres west of Red Deer on Highway 11.
Packed with large Northern Pike, this is one of the most popular lakes in Alberta. Head out early by boat to catch lunch, and then spend the rest of the day enjoying the sandy shoreline.
Key features: Early morning boat fishing for a fresh catch, followed by a relaxing afternoon on the sandy shoreline.
Location: About a one-hour drive west of Edmonton along Highway 16 (exit at Township Road 532).
This bustling, sandy, oasis is the perfect place to enjoy all things water related, while a walk through the dunes just might reveal fox, deer or rabbits.
Key features: Excellent camping, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch, as well as golf, biking, hiking, tennis, and beach volleyball.
Location: 40 minutes northwest of Yorktown, Saskatchewan
Located on Lake Winnipeg (Canada’s sixth-largest lake), this 3-kilometre stretch of fine silica sand is set among rolling dunes, drawing visitors to soak up the sun or stroll self-guided nature trails.
Key features: Boardsailing, boating, beach volleyball, birdwatching and nearby golf.
Location: 1 hour north of Winnipeg on Highway 59.
Pristine white sand beaches, sand dunes and turquoise waters...along the shores of Lake Ontario? Sandbanks Provincial Park offers 3 spectacular beaches, where Outlet beach is the most family-friendly, with shallow waters and plenty of shoreline.
Best for: A family day at the beach paired with visits to local Prince Edward County wineries and restaurants.
Location: In Sandbanks Provincial Park, about a 2-hour drive east of Toronto.
A lovely alternative to the bustling downtown Toronto beaches, with soft sand and a great shoreline. It’s also just steps away from the very charming Downtown Cobourg strip, that boasts lovely boutiques, cafés and of course, ice cream.
Key features: Playground, café, food trucks, volleyball and splashpad.
Location: From Toronto, head east along the 401 for slightly over one hour, just past Port Hope.
The second largest fresh water beach in the world, Sauble Beach boasts 11-kilometres of white sand, and warm, shallow water.
Key features: Very family-friendly, with lots to do for teenagers and adults, like paddle-boarding, jet skiing, kite surfing and canoeing.
Location: Off Hwy 6, just past Owen Sound.
Also on Lake Huron, you’ll find "The Bend", packed with youthful sun worshippers strutting their stuff at the foot of Main Street, while families looking for a quieter locale gravitate south of the river mouth.
Key features: Busy bars, fast food, miniature golf, live theatre and tons of fun.
Location: Off Hwy 6, just past Owen Sound.
Sand lovers be warned! There’s no sand. This beautiful granite beach, where dramatic cliffs rise from the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay, more than makes up for the lack of sand with some incredibly clear water.
Key features: Climb the rocks for an aerial view, or strap on a scuba suit to explore the shipwrecks.
Location: About a 4-hour drive from downtown Toronto.
Set among a spectacular chain of islands set in the middle of the St. Lawrence river, this beach plays host to the World’s Biggest Sandcastle Contest.
Key features: Kitesurfing, windsurfing, relaxing, and eating some amazing locally inspired seafood dishes. Lobster, Scallops and Crab anyone?
Location: Ferry from Souris PEI, or take a cruise ship or flight out of Montreal
Home to the Giant Lobster and countless activities, Parlee Beach is considered to be one of North America’s finest beaches with incredibly warm water.
Key features: Pay the Giant Lobster a visit and enjoy countless activities and daily scheduled sports.
Location: Southeast New Brunswick, only 25 minutes east of Moncton.
Walk along the ocean floor, in the shadows of the majestic flower-pot rocks; unique formations carved by erosion over thousands of years. During periods of low tide, you'll walk a full 2-kilometres of beach and experience the magic the coves have on offer.
Key features: The highest tides in the world! In July, up to 1 million shorebirds make there only pit stop here, along their 4,000 km migration south.
Location: From Moncton, take route 114 to Hopewell Cape.
PEI boasts over 800-kilometres of beaches, but these pristine beaches, combined with the fact that the water is welcoming at a tropical 21 degrees – it’s fantastic for the little one’s.
Fun Fact: It’s called Singing Sands because the perfectly shaped quartz and silica produce a “squeaking sound” with every step.
Location: From Charlottetown head NE on Hwy 2 until it turns into Hwy 16, near Souris.
Surfing? In Halifax? Ok, well a 30-minute drive out from Halifax, and apparently its worth the jaunt as this fun spot attracts not only some very impressive swells and very strong tides, but visitors, both local and international in nature.
Key features: Take a surfing lesson or hire equipment to hone your skills!
Location: Take 111 Hwy and exit at 7E. Follow the signs toward Cole Harbour.
Just one hour from Halifax, you’ll find Nova Scotia’s longest beach, boasting a 5-kilometre crescent of white sand. With summer supervised waters, golden sands, and excellent surf conditions, it’s no wonder this place is a magnet for beachcombers, surfers, paddle boarders, swimmers and picnickers.
Key features: Change houses, outhouses, BBQ pits, picnic tables, sand dunes and a white spruce forest.
Location: From Halifax take either Hwy 107 or 207 to Musquodoboit Harbour and turn right onto East Petpeswick Road.
This unspoiled shoreline boasts white sand, turquoise waters, great hiking trails and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife. Just be safe, the shore is rocky and there is no professional supervision.
Key features: Seals basking on the rocks and a Piping Plover nesting area.
Location: St. Catherine’s River Road, Port Joli.
Tie on those plastic bibs and head on over to Cow Head for some succulent, fresh-caught lobster. It’s also a great spot for a dip where it’s entirely possible that you won’t freeze your butt off.
Key features: In the fall you’ll find hundreds of migrating shorebirds, clustered on the upper beach at high tide.
Location: If you’re coming from St. John’s you’re looking at a 7-hour drive - but a fantastic opportunity to explore Gros Morne National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Both beautiful and reclusive, this is a great spot for bird watchers and nature-lovers.
Key features: Amazing and interesting tides. At high tide, salt water flows up Grepesy Brook to Heron Pond, and then at low tide, the fresh water flows down the brook to the ocean.
Location: Route 480.