Must-Visit Beaches in Canada: Sandy Shores & Clear Waters

Canada might not be your first thought when planning a beach holiday, but that’s about to change. This vast country boasts some of North America’s most spectacular coastlines and lake shores. Beaches in Canada range from wild Pacific surf spots to calm freshwater swimming areas and warm Atlantic coves.

This guide covers the 15 most remarkable beaches in Canada that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary, with all the practical information you need to plan your visit.

1. Long Beach, British Columbia

Located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach stretches an impressive 16 kilometers along Vancouver Island’s west coast. This expansive beach in Canada is famous for its dramatic landscapes where dense rainforest meets rugged coastline.

• Address: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, BC
• Timings: Open year-round. Entry requires a National Park Pass (Adult: Rs 800/day, Family: Rs 1600/day)
• How to Reach: Drive along Highway 4 from Parksville to Tofino (approximately 3 hours). The nearest airport is Tofino-Long Beach Airport, with connections from Vancouver.
• Things to Do: Surfing, hiking (Schooner Cove Trail, Rainforest Trail), wildlife spotting (sea otters, bald eagles), beachcombing.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for warmest temperatures (16-20°C) and ideal swimming conditions. Winter (November-February) offers dramatic storm watching opportunities.
• Accommodation: Long Beach Lodge Resort, Hotel Zed Tofino, Ocean Village Resort Tofino, Black Bear Guesthouse
• Top Restaurants: Surfside Grill, The Pointe Restaurant, Tacofino

2. Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Wasaga holds the title of world’s longest freshwater beach, stretching a remarkable 14 kilometers along Georgian Bay. This public beach in Canada attracts families and adventure seekers with its shallow, warm waters and extensive recreational facilities.

• Address: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, Ontario
• Timings: Beach accessible 24/7; park facilities open 8am-10pm daily.
• How to Reach: Drive from Toronto via Highway 400 and 26 (approximately 2 hours).
• Things to Do: Sunbathing, swimming in shallow waters, volleyball, boardwalk strolls.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer weekends (June to August) for the liveliest atmosphere, weekdays for fewer crowds.
• Accommodation: Oasis By The Bay Vacation Suites, Saga Resort, Santa Fé Motel, Wu Wu’s Cabins
• Top Restaurants: Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, Catch 22 Fresh Market Grill, Georgian Circle, Georgian Bay Family Restaurant

3. Singing Sands Beach, Ontario

This unique beach in Canada earned its name from the curious “singing” sound the sand makes when you walk across it. Located in Bruce Peninsula National Park, Singing Sands features shallow waters and rare fen wetland ecosystems.

• Address: Dorcas Bay Road, Tobermory, ON
• Timings: Open daily 7am-10pm; parking lot fills by mid-morning in peak season
• How to Reach: Drive 10 km south of Tobermory on Highway 6
• Things to Do: Swimming, hiking trails through rare fen ecosystems
• Best Time to Visit: Late June to early September for swimming; May for wildflowers
• Accommodation: Northern Dreams Bed And Breakfast, Neptunes Hideaway, Orange Bicycle Guesthouse and Gardens, Lands End Park
• Top Restaurants: TruFood Cafe, Rachel’s Restaurant, The Booth Takeout

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4. Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

Ingonish offers a rare two-in-one beach experience on Cape Breton Island. A narrow strip of land separates the saltwater ocean beach from a freshwater lake, allowing visitors to choose between swimming in the Atlantic or the warmer freshwater.

• Address: Beach Rd, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0, Canada
• Timings: Open year-round; supervised swimming July-August
• How to Reach: Accessible via the Cabot Trail scenic drive; nearest airport is Sydney (1.5 hours away)
• Things to Do: Swimming (freshwater and saltwater), hiking nearby trails, exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
• Best Time to Visit: July-August for swimming; October for fall foliage
• Accommodation: Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, Knotty Pine Cottages, The Island Inn, Williams Beach House
• Top Restaurants: The Slope Bar and Grill, Andrew’s Pizzeria, Castle Rock Country Inn

5. Grand Beach, Manitoba

This inland beach in Canada offers surprisingly tropical-looking white sand that might remind Indian visitors of some domestic beaches. The water in Lake Winnipeg warms up considerably in summer, making it more comfortable for swimming than many ocean beaches in Canada.

• Address: Highway 59 North near Grand Marais, MB
• Timings: Park open 8am-10pm daily; beach accessible 24/7
• How to Reach: Drive from Winnipeg via Highway 59 (approximately 1 hour)
• Things to Do: Hiking trails with berry picking (June-August), swimming, beach volleyball
• Best Time to Visit: Late June to August when water temperatures are warmest
• Accommodation: Spirit Rock Inn, Grand Palms RV Resort, Lester Beach Bed & Breakfast
• Top Restaurants: Gondola Pizza, Chicken Chef Pine Falls, Stead ranch steak house

6. Tribune Bay Beach, British Columbia

Nicknamed “Little Hawaii,” Tribune Bay features striking aquamarine waters and white sand that could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise. Tribune Bay is one of the most romantic beaches in Canada with its crescent shape and stunning sunset views.

• Address: Hornby Island Provincial Park, BC
• Timings: Open daily; no formal closing times
• How to Reach: Take a ferry from Vancouver Island to Denman Island, drive across Denman, then take another ferry to Hornby Island
• Things to Do: Snorkeling, exploring local shops and wineries nearby
• Best Time to Visit: July and August for warmest water temperatures
• Accommodation: Outer Island Guest Farm, Tribune Bay Campsite, Mt. Geoffrey Bed and Breakfast
• Top Restaurants: Middle Mountain Mead, Corlan Farm Vineyard And Winery, The Starboard Grill

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7. Katherine Cove & Bathtub Island, Ontario

Located in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Katherine Cove offers a serene sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. The adjacent Bathtub Island features a unique natural rock depression that fills with warm water – creating a natural “bathtub” experience.

• Address: Lake Superior Provincial Park, Algoma Country, ON
• Timings: Open year-round; best visited during daylight hours
• How to Reach: Drive approximately 2 hours north from Sault Ste. Marie along Highway 17
• Things to Do: Swimming at Katherine Cove, hiking to Bathtub Island, exploring Lizard Islands, photography of natural landscapes
• Best Time to Visit: July and August when Lake Superior waters are warmest
• Accommodation: Outer Island Guest Farm, Ford’s Cove Store, Hornby Island Resort, Sea Breeze Lodge
• Top Restaurants: Middle Mountain Mead, Tams Takeout

8. Brady’s Beach, British Columbia

Brady’s Beach near the remote village of Bamfield offers solitude and dramatic coastal scenery. This lesser-known gem features sea stacks, tide pools, and pristine sand. This beach in Canada requires effort to reach but rewards visitors with spectacular scenery and fewer crowds.

• Address: Brady’s Beach Trail, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada
• Timings: Accessible year-round
• How to Reach: Ferry or water taxi from Port Alberni, or drive the challenging logging roads (4WD recommended)
• Things to Do: Scuba diving, relaxing on secluded shores, wildlife spotting
• Best Time to Visit: May to September for most pleasant weather
• Accommodation: Hacas Inn, Flora’s Stays at the Bamfield Inn, Upnit Lodge & Marina, Woods End Landing
• Top Restaurants: The Bamfield Wreckage, McKay Bay Lodge

9. Crescent Beach, British Columbia

Located just 45 minutes from Vancouver, Crescent Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters and mountain views. This is one of the most accessible beaches in Canada for international visitors staying in Vancouver.

• Address: Unnamed Road, Surrey, BC V4A 3H1, Canada
• Timings: Open daily; lifeguards on duty in summer (June-August)
• How to Reach: Drive from Vancouver via Highway 99 (approximately 45 minutes)
• Things to Do: Swimming, kayaking, birdwatching at Blackie Spit Park
• Best Time to Visit: July and August for warmest weather; weekdays to avoid crowds
• Accommodation: Sunny Island by White Rock B&B, Coast Tsawwassen Inn, Westward Inn & Suites
• Top Restaurants: Crescent Sushi, The Sunflower Cafe, Palms Beach House, Hooked Fish Bar

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10. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario

This is one of the most popular beaches in Canada among families. Sandbanks Provincial Park boasts the world’s largest freshwater sand bar and dune system. Its three sandy beaches offer excellent swimming in the clean waters of Lake Ontario.

• Address: West Lake, ON, Canada
• Timings: Park open 8am-10pm; beach access dawn to dusk
• How to Reach: Drive from Toronto (approximately 2.5 hours) via Highway 401
• Things to Do: Swimming, hiking trails through sand dunes, camping
• Best Time to Visit: July and August for swimming; June and September for fewer crowds
• Accommodation: The Royal Hotel, Isaiah Tubbs Resort, The Eddie Hotel & Farm, Runaway Bay Guest House
• Top Restaurants: Harry’s Charbroiled Picton, Barrel House Pizza, The Barley Room Pub

11. Parlee Beach, New Brunswick

Parlee Beach has received Blue Flag certification for its water quality and environmental management, ensuring a clean swimming environment. This bustling beach in Canada offers excellent facilities and a lively atmosphere.

• Address: 221 Parlee Beach Rd, Pointe-du-Chêne, NB E4P 4P1, Canada
• Timings: Park open 8am-9pm; supervised swimming 10am-6pm (June-August)
• How to Reach: Drive 30 minutes from Moncton or 2.5 hours from Saint John
• Things to Do: Swimming, beach volleyball tournaments, kite flying
• Best Time to Visit: July and August for warmest water temperatures
• Accommodation: Shores Inn & Hotel, Seely’s Motel, Parlee Beach Motel, Hôtel Shediac
• Top Restaurants: Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, Morse et Marteaux BBQ, Lenny’s Take Out, A&W Canada

12. Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island

Cavendish Beach features stunning red sandstone cliffs and dunes alongside a gorgeous stretch of sand. This famous beach in Canada offers both natural beauty and literary significance as part of “Anne of Green Gables” country.

• Address: 80 Gulf Shr Pkwy W, Cavendish, PE C0A 1M0, Canada
• Timings: Park open daily 8am-8pm; beach accessible sunrise to sunset
• How to Reach: Drive 40 minutes from Charlottetown, PEI’s capital city
• Things to Do: Swimming, hiking trails along cliffs, exploring Anne of Green Gables sites nearby
• Best Time to Visit: July and August for swimming; September for fewer crowds
• Accommodation: Graham Inn, Tranquility Camping & Cottages, Rustico Acres Cottages, Hidden Acres Cottages
• Top Restaurants: BeaverTails (Green Gables), Island Honey Wine Company, Subway

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13. Chesterman Beach, British Columbia

Chesterman Beach is less crowded than nearby Long Beach but offers similar scenic beauty. Chesterman Beach offers 2.7 kilometers of sandy shoreline divided into North and South sections. It’s one of the most romantic beaches in Canada with stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Address: Tofino-Ucluelet Highway near Tofino, BC
• Timings: Open year-round; best visited during daylight hours
• How to Reach: Drive from Tofino (5 minutes) or fly into Tofino Airport followed by a short drive
• Things to Do: Surfing, kayaking, whale watching, birdwatching, exploring tidal pools, beachcombing, stargazing, and romantic walks
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for mild temperatures; winter for storm watching and serious surfing
• Accommodation: Wickaninnish Inn, Hotel Zed Tofino, Mackenzie Beach Resort, Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites
• Top Restaurants: Tacofino, The Pointe Restaurant, Surfside Grill, Shelter Restaurant

14. Havre-Aubert Beach, Quebec

Located in Quebec’s Magdalen Islands, Havre-Aubert Beach features golden sand dunes and shallow waters. This is one of the most culturally distinctive beaches in Canada with strong Acadian French influence.

• Address: Magdalen Islands, QC, Canada
• Timings: Open daily; no formal closing times
• How to Reach: Fly to Îles de la Madeleine Airport from Montreal or Quebec City, or take the ferry from Prince Edward Island
• Things to Do: Swimming, hiking, kayaking, visiting galleries and craft shops
• Best Time to Visit: July and August for warmest weather and water temperatures
• Accommodation: Les chalets de la baie, Chez Denis à François, Jumelles sur Mer, Mari-Jo Luxury Chalets
• Top Restaurants: Restaurant Le Marie-Luc, Vent Du Large resto Iles-de-la-Madeleine,

15. San Josef Bay, British Columbia

San Josef Bay is one of the few private beaches in Canada in terms of seclusion, though it remains public land. This remote wilderness beach in Cape Scott Provincial Park offers dramatic sea stacks and pristine sands. It represents one of the most untouched beaches in Canada and requires effort to reach.

• Address: Cape Scott Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC
• Timings: Open year-round; daylight hours recommended
• How to Reach: Drive 70 km on unpaved logging roads from Port Hardy, followed by a 2.5 km hike
• Things to Do: Camp directly on the beach (permit required), Photograph massive sea stacks, Spot wildlife including eagles, wolves, and bears, Explore tide pools teeming with marine life
• Best Time to Visit: June to September for driest conditions and accessible trails
• Accommodation: Holberg General Accomodation, San Jo Valley Motel Ltd.
• Top Restaurants: A&W Canada, Mo’s, Sporty Bar & Grill

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FAQs

Are there any entry fees for the beaches in Canada?

Most public beaches in Canada are free to access. Some may charge for parking, especially in provincial or national parks (like Sandbanks or Wasaga Beach). If you’re heading to a beach in a conservation area or park, check for day-use fees online.

Are Canadian beaches suitable for families with kids?

Yes, many Canadian beaches are great for families. Look for calm, supervised beaches like Wasaga Beach (Ontario), Grand Beach (Manitoba), or Parlee Beach (New Brunswick). Many have lifeguards, shallow waters, and nearby amenities like washrooms and snack bars.

Is there any dress code for visiting beaches in Canada?

There’s no strict dress code. Swimsuits, trunks, and casual beachwear are the norm. Topless sunbathing is legal in many provinces, but it’s not widely practiced outside of a few specific areas. If you’re visiting nearby shops or restaurants, it’s courteous to cover up.

What are some must-try local dishes near Canadian beaches?

Beach towns in Canada often serve local fare like fish and chips, lobster rolls (especially in the Maritimes), smoked salmon (West Coast), poutine (Quebec), and fresh lake or ocean fish depending on the region. Seasonal ice cream stands and food trucks are also common.

Is it safe to swim in the waters of Canadian beaches?

Yes, generally. Most popular beaches monitor water quality and post advisories if conditions are unsafe (like after heavy rains). Lakes and coastal areas are regularly tested in summer. Just be cautious of colder water temperatures, strong currents in some areas, and posted warnings.

What facilities are available at the beaches?

It varies. Major beaches like Kitsilano (Vancouver), Wasaga, and Grand Beach offer washrooms, showers, picnic areas, lifeguards, and sometimes water sports rentals. Smaller or more remote beaches may have fewer services — check ahead before heading out.

What should I pack for a day at the beach in Canada?

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes (especially for rocky areas). The weather can shift quickly, so a hoodie or light jacket is smart. Don’t forget bug spray if you’re heading to beaches near wooded areas or lakes.