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When you think of Canada, you might first imagine the towering mountains, bustling cities, or maple syrup in breakfasts. But Canada’s beaches also need a good mention. From rugged beaches in British Columbia to calm, secluded coastline in Nova Scotia, this blog will take you to 10 of the most spectacular beaches in Canada. Also, the country has the world’s longest coastline and thousands of untouched lakes, and its beaches are some of the most varied and beautiful in the world.
Top 10 Beaches In Canada
Beaches in Canada offer diverse experiences, from quiet freshwater lakes and rugged coastal regions to busy urban beaches, there is something for everyone.
1. Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Photo: Sean Oulashin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The 8.7-mile Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world, offers you a treasure trove of long, white sandy beaches and endless water sports. This is an outdoor lover’s paradise set along the pristine Georgian Bay. It’s the perfect place to go kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Split into six sections, Wasaga has teeming areas to hang out, tranquil spots to take a nap, and child-friendly zones where it’s safe to swim. Birdwatchers will love the opportunity to encounter migratory birds. Hiking trails surrounding the site offer breathtaking views of the bay.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Location: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, Ontario
2. Kitsilano Beach, British Columbia
Photo: GoToVan / Wikimedia Commons
Locally referred to as “Kits,” Kitsilano Beach is Vancouver’s most famous coastal destination. Its white sands are surrounded by breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains, English Bay, and the skyline. The beach is set around an Olympic-size saltwater pool for swimming, and there is plenty of room for volleyball, tennis, or yoga. Children will love the grassy picnic spots, and foodies can find cafes along the way offering fresh seafood and other delicacies. Kitsilano Beach is not only a place to kick back and unwind; it’s a vibrant community hub.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Location: Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC
3. Parlee Beach, New Brunswick
Photo: Jasmine MacNeil / Wikimedia Commons
Parlee Beach, a summer wonderland in Shediac, New Brunswick, has some of the warmest saltwater in Canada. People come here to enjoy the golden sands and shallow waters, perfect for families with kids and casual swimmers. The beach has excellent facilities such as picnic areas, changing rooms, and lifeguards for added protection. In the vicinity, you can find fresh seafood at local restaurants, such as the world-famous lobster rolls. Parlee Beach also has hiking paths and camping areas, which make it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Location: Shediac, New Brunswick
4. San Josef Bay, British Columbia
Photo: David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
San Josef Bay on Vancouver Island is nestled in the pristine Cape Scott Provincial Park, offering a serene wilderness experience. You can reach this beach only via a 45-minute drive through thick old-growth forests. Arriving, you will be surprised by untouched sand, rough sea stacks and the sound of waves hitting the shore. Camping is common along the beach, where there is enough room to set up your tent in the open air. Visitors may spot eagles and ospreys, or, if you are lucky, you might get to see whales off the coast.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Cape Scott Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC
5. Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
Photo: Rowan Heuvel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach offers an uncommon dual swimming experience. A natural barrier separates freshwater from the Atlantic, and travellers can choose any between the two. There are also stunning cliffs and forest paths all around the beach that make it a perfect place for hiking and enjoying natural views. The nearby Cabot Trail adds another layer of adventure, offering breathtaking vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Saltwater and freshwater fishing can be enjoyed by avid fishers. Ingonish Beach is family-friendly, with picnic tables and shallow water where kids can play.
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Location: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
6. Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg is one of Manitoba’s most popular beach destinations. Famous for its huge sand dunes and pristine freshwater, this beach is ideal for families, couples and solo travellers. The shallow waters allow children of all ages to swim, and nearby trails allow hiking and birdwatching. Grand Beach also has an annual sandcastle competition that attracts talent from across Canada. You can enjoy walking through the park, playing picnics on the grass, or lying on the soft sand.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Location: Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba
7. Wreck Beach, British Columbia
Photo: Pho Da / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Wreck Beach, near the University of British Columbia, is Canada’s largest clothing-optional beach. It is accessible via a stairway up a forest trail and is a calm haven for those who seek quiet and solitude. Its unspoiled natural appeal, with the Pacific Ocean and cliffs on its backdrop, draws adventurous tourists and a wildlife lover. The casual vibe of the beach is accompanied by sunbathing, swimming, and photography. Snacks and beverages can be purchased at stalls nearby.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC
8. Shallow Bay, Newfoundland And Labrador
Photo: W.carter / Wikimedia Commons
Shallow Bay, located in Gros Morne National Park, is a beautiful hideaway for nature lovers and hikers. The beach is renowned for its long strips of fine sand, clean water, and beautiful sunsets that paint the skies orange and pink. It’s a great place to go kayaking, and the waters are safe for both novice and pro paddlers. Arctic terns and other migrating birds breed on the surrounding Belldowns Islands, making it a prime location for birdwatchers. The nearby hiking trails provide spectacular views of the Gulf of St Lawrence, too.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
9. Dunes Beach, Ontario
Photo: Shawn M. Kent / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dunes Beach is located in Sandbanks Provincial Park and offers an unrivalled combination of natural beauty and serenity. The sand dunes, the largest bay-mouth barrier dune in the world, provide a dramatic backdrop to the clean beach. West Lake has relatively shallow water, which is ideal for small children and is a pleasant and safe place to spend time with your family. Hikers can walk up the sand dunes to see everything before sliding down to relax in the lake.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario
10. Crystal Crescent Beach, Nova Scotia
Photo: Keshav mittal / Wikimedia Commons
This stunning crystal crescent beach is just 30 minutes from Halifax, and it has three coves of white sand and clear waters. This provincial park is the balance between leisure and activity, with boardwalks winding through the forest and a pleasant hike to Pennant Point. The climb rewarded visitors with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, which attracts many photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a family-friendly beach with ample room to picnic, sunbathe and swim in the shallows.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada’s shores are an ocean of nature, adventure and beauty. From the freshwater beaches of Wasaga Beach to the undeveloped wilderness of San Josef Bay, each one offers a unique experience for any traveller. Plan a trip with TripXL and make your travel plans easy. From hotel rooms to tour options, you get personalised experiences for your memorable trip to Canada’s best beaches!
Cover Photo: Chong Wei / Unsplash Commons
