While many Canadians dream of the Caribbean when they hear the word beach, there are countless picturesque beaches right here in Canada.
You don’t need to go far to find white sands and clear blue water. Many of these Canadian beaches are characterized by impressive geological features, historical significance, and cultural traditions.
What are you waiting for? Pull out your beach chair and enjoy a day on the shore.
See also: Dinosaurs Once Roamed Free in this Canadian Park >>>
Greenwich Beach, PEI
Greenwich Beach is 900 acres of giant sand dunes, meandering coastal boardwalks, and trails that wrap around marshes and seagrass. It’s the locals’ best-kept secret. The main attraction is the Greenwich Dunes Trail, a 2.5 kilometer long walk featuring a 700-meter floating boardwalk over the marsh. The white sand beaches and rolling waves are also an excellent place to stop and relax or go for a swim.
Kellys Beach, NB
Kelly’s Beach is one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada. Golden sand dunes grace the supervised beach, the perfect spot to swim, lounge, or make a sandcastle. The beach is an excellent spot for bird watching or spotting the colony of seals. If you care to walk around, the long boardwalk is a scenic way to explore the coast.
Ingonish Beach, Cape Breton Island, NS
As you make your way through the picturesque Cabot Trail, don’t forget to stop at a unique beach in Canada, Ingonish Beach. One of the only places where you can enjoy both salt and fresh water swimming in one place, it is located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The area features trails, tennis courts, and a playground to use after a refreshing dip in the lake. The ocean is a powerful force here, with the intense waves shifting the sand cobblestone formations on the shore.
Îles de la Madeleine, QC
Îles de la Madeleine, or Magdalen Islands, is a group of dozens of islands north of PEI. The 300 kilometers of white sand, striking red cliffs, and secluded caves make the islands a gorgeous spot to spend the day. In the summer, the Îles host one of the world’s top sandcastle contests, Concours de Châteaux de Sable. The site is also an incredible foodie paradise, with world-renowned chefs creating local concoctions.
If you have money to spare, you can see baby seals on ice floes during a three-week interval in March. You’ll have to helicopter onto ice floes, but the close-up wildlife experience will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Wasaga Beach, ON
Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater beach, features 14 kilometers of pristine white sandy shore. Dip in the clear blue Gregorian bay as you gaze at mountains across the bay. The beach is long enough that you can often find a spot away from the crowds. Arrive at sunrise for a view you’ll never forget and the immaculate beach all to yourself.
Indian Head Cove, ON
Indian Head Cove beach is a beautiful Gregorian Bay experience. Although it is smaller than Wasaga, the incredible limestone rocks, white boulders, smooth pebbles, and turquoise waters make it a gorgeous beach escape. However, the beach is rocky, and you’ll need water shoes to protect your feet if you want to swim. There is plenty to do other than swim, though. Don’t forget to check out the Grotto right beside; the cave features a natural pool of clear blue water.
Manitou Beach, SK
Manitou Beach is intriguing. If you’ve heard the name before, it’s because it’s one of three bodies of water in the world where you can’t sink! Like the Dead Sea in Israel, Manitou Lake has a 10% higher mineral content than ordinary water. You can float effortlessly in the water, and some claim the high-mineral content has therapeutic benefits. When you need a break, the sandy shores are a great place to relax, and you can use the complimentary showers to wash off. While it’s not the most scenic beach — the water can be full of algae — the experience will more than make up for it.
Patricia Lake, AB
While you will find warmer beaches on this list, Patricia Lake is one of the most perfectly situated beaches on this list. The towering Rockies frame the sandy shoreline. The glacial lake water is refreshing, and a dock on site is the perfect launching point for a relaxing canoe trip on the water. Located just a few minutes from the town of Jasper, Patricia Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
The most remarkable fact about this beach, though, lies deep below the surface. A secret aircraft carrier — a prototype for pykrete one — rests at the bottom, harkening to the days of World War II.
Long Beach, BC
Sixteen kilometers of immaculate shoreline, Long Beach is the most popular destination in Pacific Rim National Park. Near to the hip town of Tofino, it’s difficult to picture a more majestic spot to appreciate the rollicking pacific waves. There are many ways to enjoy the beach as well. Lounge, swim, paddle, or surf to find out why this beach is so famous.
Bennett Beach, YK
Bennett Beach has been a favourite spot for locals to take a dip for years. The lake isn’t too deep and is the perfect level for kids to enjoy. The beach is cool and sandy, perfect for a hot day, and towering mountain views are a bonus. You can see the Bennett Lake volcanic complex from your beach chair! Plus, in the summer you can enjoy 20 hours of sunlight. What are you waiting for?
