When most people think of Canada, images of pristine forests and majestic mountains usually come to mind, but not necessarily beaches, much less beach town resorts, boardwalks, getaways, powdery sand and, most important of all, warm water.
Great White North & Great White Sandy Beaches Too!
But how wrong you would be! In fact, Canada is home to an abundance of world-class beaches, seaside parks, charming beach towns and resorts, festivals, getaways and yes, warm water the colour of turquoise and sapphire. You might think you took a wrong turn and ended up in the Caribbean and did we mention palm trees too!
From Sea to Shining Sea
What makes Canada even more remarkable is that you can choose between fresh and saltwater beach destinations. Remember, the Great Lakes are in fact freshwater inland seas and, with the exception of Lake Michigan, they all share a border with Canada.
This means that no matter where you are in Canada, you are within easy reach of a fabulous beach destination – from the Maritimes provinces to British Columbia and just about everywhere in between, including even such unlikely places as Manitoba and the Yukon.
Blue, Blue Ontario
Perhaps even more impressive is the number and quality of spectacular beach destinations that can be found in another land-locked province, Ontario. It is home to many of the best beaches and seaside resorts in Canada, and it is here where you can find some of the bluest water this side of Montego Bay!
So before you make the lengthy trek to crowded US beach destinations, like Wildwood and Virginia Beach, you should check out what’s available right here at home.
Camping & RV Friendly
And for you camping and RV enthusiasts, many of these beach destinations are within provincial parks with camping accommodations or are close by. These campgrounds provide convenient access to the beach and offer various amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for RV travelers.
Maritime Provinces
Parlee Beach, NB
Located near Shediac, Parlee Beach is famous for having some of the warmest saltwater in Canada with water temps reaching upwards of 29 C! Your toes will also love the soft white sand.
Camping: Parlee Beach Provincial Park offers RV sites with electrical and water hookups.
Cavendish Beach, PEI
Famous for its red sandstone cliffs, huge sand dunes, and scenic beauty within the Prince Edward Island National Park. Located not far from the Green Gables heritage site.
Camping: Cavendish Campground within Prince Edward Island National Park offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Brackley Beach, PEI
Another gem within the Prince Edward Island National Park and just a 30 minute drive from Charlottetown, it’s known for its white sandy shores and clear waters.
Camping: Vacationland RV Park & Family Campground offers RV sites with full hookups.
Bouctouche Dune Beach, St-Édouard-de-Kent, NB
Also renowned for its warm saltwater. Plus, it is home to one of the longest sand dunes in North America. Enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along its unique winding boardwalk.
Blue Sea Beach, Magalash Point, NS
Located on the Northumberland Shore with water temps reaching up to 22 C, plus long sand flats at low tide and excellent bird watching.
Ingonish Beach, NS
Nestled within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, it offers both saltwater and freshwater swimming experiences, plus hiking, beachcombing, and exploring the nearby Cabot Trail.
Camping: Broad Cove Campground within Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Gagnon Beach, Grand-Barachois, NB
Another fabulous warm saltwater beach destination, which claims some of the warmest water north of Virginia Beach.
Rissers Beach, Petite Rivière, NS
Known for its long sandy shores and scenic boardwalk through a salt marsh.
Camping: Rissers Beach Provincial Park offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Singing Sands, Basin Head Provincial Park, Kingboro, PEI
Often cited as Canada’s best beach with summer water temps attaining 21 C. This delightful family-friendly beach got its unique name due to the high level of silica in the sand which causes it to “sing” when walked on.
Carters Beach, Port Mouton, NS
Known for blue water, like you would find on a Caribbean island and white sand the texture of icing sugar.
Quebec
Magdelen Islands, QC
You could almost classify this archipelago located in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence as one giant beach, but if you had to select one particular spot, the Dune du sud beach (Cormorandière) is a stand out thanks to its turquoise waters, white sand and magnificent dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
British Columbia
Long Beach, Vancouver Island, BC
Located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it offers over 16 kilometers of sandy shoreline with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Camping: Green Point Campground in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Tribune Bay, Hornby Island, BC
Lovingly nicknamed “little Hawaii”, it’s a bit off the beaten trail, but well worth the visit due to its white sandy beaches and shallow water which heats up to tropical levels in the summer.
Sombrio Beach, Vancouver Island, BC
The water has great waves for you surfers, but a bit chilly for swimming without a wetsuit. It also has a waterfall nearby and excellent back country hiking.
Freshwater Beach Destinations
As we said, you don’t need to be on the east or west coast to enjoy a day on the beach. The Great Lakes beaches in Ontario are among Canada’s finest:
Wasaga Beach, ON
Stretching over 14 kilometers along the southern end of Georgian Bay, this magnificent freshwater beach enjoys the distinction of being the world’s longest and is famous for its sandy shores and clear waters.
Camping: Wasaga Pines Family Campground offers RV sites with full hookups.
Sauble Beach, ON
Only a mere 3-hour drive from Toronto, this family-friendly beach getaway is another long, Great Lake beach that stretches over 11 kilometers along Lake Huron and is considered to be Canada’s #1 freshwater beach destination.
Camping: Sauble Beach Resort Camp offers RV sites with full hookups.
Grand Bend, ON
Another Lake Huron beach famous for its bright turquoise water, it’s also rated as one of Canada’s top beach towns with a vibrant beach culture, a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts.
Camping: Pinery Provincial Park offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Port Dover, ON
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, visitors will feel that they have arrived at the ultimate beach resort town complete with palm trees, warm water, scenic pier, quaint boutiques and restaurants.
Freshwater Beach Destinations – Prairie Provinces
We weren’t kidding when we said that you can find spectacular beaches in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and inland British Columbia:
Grand Beach, MB
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, this beach is famous for its fine white sand and sand dunes.
Camping: Grand Beach Provincial Park offers RV sites with electrical and water hookups.
Good Spirit Lake Beach, SK
Rated as one of Canada’s top 10 beaches by no less than the iconic Canadian news publication, Maclean’s Magazine, this prairie beach getaway is located just 30 minutes northwest of Yorkton and also offers excellent fishing and other beach-related activities.
Sylvan Lake Provincial Park, AB
Nestled in the White River National Forest and adorned with stunning mountain views, you might be surprised to learn that the lake itself is man-made. This favourite Albertain beach destination offers a variety of activities year round.
Osoyoos Lake, Okanagan Valley, BC
Cutting across the border with the US, this popular freshwater beach destination basks in the warmth of a desert climate, which allows the water to rise up to 24 C, and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains.
Bennett Lake, YK
Yes, even the Yukon has a beach getaway! In fact, this local favourite was rated as one of Canada’s top beaches by no less than the venerable Huffington Post in 2015.
Beach Daze above the 49th Parallel
We hope we have dispelled a few myths about Canada. Yes, it is a superb winter vacation destination, but its many salt and freshwater beaches are not just reserved for sun tanning polar bears. They are there to fulfill all your sundrenched, beachcombing, lazy summer days’ fantasies. You owe it to yourself to explore them.
