Discover Canada's Top Beaches

Canada boasts a diverse range of beaches, from surf-ready ocean shores to tranquil lakefronts and bustling beach towns. Whether you're looking to cool off in the summer or enjoy a winter beach day, Canada has a spot for you.

In central Canada, the warm summers make local beaches like those in Ontario and Manitoba popular spots to beat the heat. British Columbia offers lake beaches in the interior and year-round Pacific Coast surfing. The Atlantic Provinces are a summer haven for beachgoers from all over the country.

Find your ideal spot to relax with our guide to the best beaches in Canada.

1. Long Beach, Tofino, BC

Tofino on Vancouver Island is renowned for its stunning beaches, with Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park being the crown jewel. This 16-kilometer stretch faces the full force of the Pacific Ocean.

Despite the chilly waters, ranging from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, surfers flock here year-round. Tofino is an excellent place for beginners to learn surfing, thanks to its sandy bottoms and shallow areas.

Other popular surfing spots include Cox Bay Beach, Florencia Bay Beach, and Mackenzie Bay Beach. Visitors also enjoy strolling along Long Beach, searching for sand dollars at low tide, and warming up by a campfire or in a cozy resort.

2. Grand Beach Provincial Park, MB

Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg is famous for its large sand dunes, warm shallow waters, and lively atmosphere. Just an hour from Winnipeg, it's a perfect day trip destination, drawing large crowds on sunny weekends.

The three-kilometer beach features a boardwalk with concessions and is ideal for sandcastle building. The water is shallow and warms up quickly, making it a favorite for beach sports and swimming.

Grand Beach Provincial Park offers camping facilities, and it's advisable to book sites in advance for a summer visit.

3. Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC

Kitsilano Beach, or "Kit's Beach," is a Vancouver hotspot with a view of the North Shore Mountains. The beach features a seawall that connects to Stanley Park.

While the water is cool, the shallows warm slightly, and there's an offshore swimming platform for the adventurous. Alternatively, the Kitsilano Pool offers heated saltwater swimming. The area also includes a park for picnics, a dog park, and sports courts.

4. Wasaga Beach, ON

Wasaga Beach, on Georgian Bay, is known for being the world's longest freshwater beach. It's a bustling spot with a vibrant scene in sections 1 and 2, while sections 3 to 6 offer a quieter experience. The beach town is full of activities and allows dogs in section 3.

5. Sauble Beach, ON

Sauble Beach on Lake Huron is a historic beach town known for its 10-kilometer beach and stunning sunsets. The town comes alive in summer with shops and water activities, and you can still drive onto certain parts of the beach.

6. Brackley Beach, PEI

Brackley Beach near Charlottetown, PEI, features golden sands and gentle surf, making it family-friendly. The beach is part of Prince Edward Island National Park, which offers recreational trails and beach activities.

7. Parlee Beach, NB

Parlee Beach in New Brunswick claims the warmest saltwater in Canada. The shallow waters and tide pools make it perfect for families, and the nearby campground is a popular summer stay.

8. Okanagan Beach & Skaha Beach, Penticton, BC

Okanagan Beach in Penticton is a family favorite with warm waters and the Wibit Water Park. Nearby, Skaha Beach offers a park with amenities and free parking.

9. Woodbine Beach, Toronto

Woodbine Beach in Toronto is a bustling urban beach known for its boardwalk, beach volleyball, and proximity to the trendy Beaches neighborhood.

10. Pancake Bay, Lake Superior, ON

Pancake Bay on Lake Superior is known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly waters. The adjacent campground offers waterfront sites.