Canada's Best Beaches
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.
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. No matter where you are in Canada, you are within easy reach of a fabulous beach destination.
Camping & RV Friendly
For 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 travellers.
Maritime Provinces
Parlee Beach, NB
Located near Shediac, Parlee Beach is famous for having some of the warmest saltwater in Canada, with water temperatures reaching upwards of 29 °C. 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 Prince Edward Island National Park. Camping: Cavendish Campground offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Brackley Beach, PEI
Another gem within Prince Edward Island National Park and just a 30-minute drive from Charlottetown, known for its white sandy shores and clear waters. Camping: Vacationland RV Park & Family Campground offers full hookups.
Bouctouche Dune Beach, NB
Renowned for its warm saltwater, and 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, NS
Located on the Northumberland Shore with water temperatures 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, plus hiking, beachcombing, and the nearby Cabot Trail. Camping: Broad Cove Campground offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Rissers Beach, 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, PEI
Often cited as Canada’s best beach, with summer water temperatures reaching 21 °C. The high level of silica in the sand causes it to “sing” when walked on.
Carters Beach, NS
Known for blue water like you would find on a Caribbean island, and white sand the texture of icing sugar.
Quebec
Magdalen Islands, QC
You could almost classify this archipelago in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence as one giant beach, but the Dune du Sud beach stands out thanks to its turquoise waters, white sand and magnificent dunes.
British Columbia
Long Beach, Vancouver Island, BC
Located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it offers over 16 kilometres of sandy shoreline with stunning views of the Pacific. Camping: Green Point Campground offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Tribune Bay, Hornby Island, BC
Lovingly nicknamed “little Hawaii” — a bit off the beaten trail, but well worth the visit for its white sandy beaches and shallow water which heats up to tropical levels in the summer.
Sombrio Beach, Vancouver Island, BC
Great waves for surfers, but a bit chilly for swimming without a wetsuit. There’s a waterfall nearby and excellent back country hiking.
Freshwater Beach Destinations
Wasaga Beach, ON
Stretching over 14 kilometres along the southern end of Georgian Bay, the world’s longest freshwater beach. Camping: Wasaga Pines Family Campground offers full hookups.
Sauble Beach, ON
A mere three-hour drive from Toronto, this family-friendly getaway stretches over 11 kilometres along Lake Huron. Camping: Sauble Beach Resort Camp offers full hookups.
Grand Bend, ON
Another Lake Huron beach famous for its bright turquoise water and vibrant beach culture. Camping: Pinery Provincial Park offers RV sites with electrical hookups.
Port Dover, ON
On the shores of Lake Erie — the ultimate beach resort town, complete with palm trees, warm water, a scenic pier, quaint boutiques and restaurants.
Prairie Provinces and the North
Grand Beach, MB
On the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, 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 one of Canada’s top 10 beaches, located just 30 minutes northwest of Yorkton, with excellent fishing too.
Sylvan Lake, AB
A favourite Albertan beach destination offering a variety of activities year round.
Osoyoos Lake, Okanagan Valley, BC
This popular freshwater destination basks in a desert climate, which allows the water to rise up to 24 °C, and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains.
Bennett Lake, YT
Yes, even the Yukon has a beach getaway — a local favourite rated one of Canada’s top beaches.
Beach Daze above the 49th Parallel
We hope we have dispelled a few myths about Canada. Its many salt and freshwater beaches are not just reserved for sun-tanning polar bears — you owe it to yourself to explore them.