In Canada, we might be known for our winters, but that just means more beach for us when the weather warms up and summer rolls around. After a long winter, the yearning for sun, sand and surf couldn’t be stronger! But exactly where does one find the best beaches in Canada?
While international destinations, such as Cancun, Mexico, or Florida’s hip South Beach require plane tickets and planning, there are equally stunning beaches right here in our own country — and you can’t beat the accessibility of the Canadian beach town or coastal spot.
To help you narrow it down, here’s our list of the ten best beaches in Canada. We focus on the beaches and the surrounding towns with an incredible assortment of history, shops, attractions, and character and quick and cool access to surf and sand. Remember, nice waves and warm water just won’t cut it, because we’re looking for the whole package. The good news is you won’t have to drive too far as there’s a special spot in just about every corner of this country.
Here is our list of the ten best Canadian beaches.
10. Invermere, British Columbia
The charming community of Invermere is home to a beach like no other. During summer weekends, the population grows ten times in size! There’s a good reason for this weekend explosion of people: This is the perfect place to enjoy the ultimate day at the beach. Located in interior BC—on the sunny side of Canada’s famed West Coast—this beach glitters with fine, white sand.
Why is it number ten on this list of best beaches in Canada? Despite how amazing this beach and town can be, summers can be a bit inconsistent in BC. The weather can be unpredictable with a few showery summers over the last decade. This pushes this sand spot to number ten on our list.
9. Grand Beach, Grand Marais, Manitoba
Just an hour’s drive north of Winnipeg, Grand Beach is a great place to take a load off in the heart of Canada. Not only can you go for a hike on the surrounding trails or stroll along the boardwalk you can also marvel at the tall dunes amid the spectacular sunsets at one of the best beaches in Canada.
Why is it number nine on this list? The sand quality at Grand Beach is some of the best in the country.
8. Sauble Beach, Ontario
Sauble Beach is a slice of idyllic Lake Huron life. Located in western Ontario, the town feels like it was plucked out of a 1950s surfer movie. Not only do you have the happening main drag with hotels, shops and restaurants, but you have the most charming sign as you pull your jalopy into the parking lot.
Why is it number eight on this list? It’s the second-largest freshwater beach in Canada (the first ranks a bit higher on our top ten best beaches in Canada list).
7. Long Point, Ontario
There is absolutely nothing short about Long Point, Ontario, a beach with more than 40 kilometres of sand stretching into the calm waters of Lake Erie. There are campers, cottagers, and visitors galore as Long Point welcomes more than 100,000 people to its shores yearly.
Why is it number seven on this list? While it might lack the same ambience as other beach towns, Long Point is a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a quieter beach where they can connect with nature. With an opportunity like that, it’s no surprise so many people are flocking there.
6. Bayfield, Ontario
There is something undeniably charming about Bayfield, Ontario’s quaint, rural vibes. Bayfield is a beach that is less of a party strip and more of a quiet oasis. While the beach is fantastic, the local community doesn’t disappoint either. Enjoy fantastic restaurants, like the Black Dog and the Little Inn, which complement the exciting walk down to the beach. Go for a stroll here, and it’ll be clear: you’re in cottage country now!
Why is number six on this list of best beaches in Canada? One of the country’s more underrated beaches, Bayfield has a hip style and good water quality, making it the go-to place in the Goderich, Ontario, area
5. Port Stanley, Ontario
This quaint Canadian beach sits on Lake Erie and has loads of historic charm to match the famed swimming conditions. In Port Stanley, you can take an old-timey train via the historic railway hub of St. Thomas, and stroll through the town that feels like it belongs somewhere in the Hamptons or on Coney Island.
Why is it number five on this list? You can’t beat tradition, and for more than 100 years, Mackie’s, a Port Stanley institution, has been slinging hot dogs and their patented “fry sauce” right off the beach.
4. Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
Manitou Beach is a fantastic beach in Saskatchewan, just 90 minutes outside of Saskatoon, with the perfect Canadian vibe. It is calm, welcoming, and utterly peaceful.
Why is it number four for best beaches in Canada? This beach is the closest you’ll get to the Dead Sea in Canada. The high salinity means you can bob in the water for hours, soaking and relaxing your way to serenity in Saskatchewan.
3. Parlee Beach, Pointe-du-Chene, New Brunswick
Come to one of the best beaches in New Brunswick and stay for the world’s largest lobster sculpture! Parlee Beach in Pointe-du-Chene is one of the most happening beaches in New Brunswick, and for good reasons. The surrounding town has character, the ocean water is refreshing, and the famed lobster sculpture is picture-perfect for Instagram.
Why is Parlee Beach in the third spot for the best beach cities in Canada? This beach has the warmest saltwater in Canada, perfect for a quick dip!
2. Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Those living north of Canada’s biggest city, Toronto, know Wasaga Beach as the destination for beach bums in the summertime – it’s also one of the most affordable places to live in Ontario. Resting on the shores of Georgian Bay, this beach is known for being party destination number one throughout the warmer months.
Why is it number two on this list? Wasaga Beach is Canada’s longest freshwater beach (at 13 km). This means that for all the people journeying there in the summer, there’s always room for more.
1. Grand Bend, Ontario
Grand Bend has earned its name for being a party town, but that doesn’t mean this beach isn’t appealing to people of all ages. The charming Main Street, iconic sunsets, and the nearby Pinery Provincial Park make visiting Grand Bend a full-day event.
Why is it number one on the list of best beaches in Canada? National Geographic ranked Grand Bend’s sunset as one of the prettiest in the world, and nothing caps off summer like a beautiful sunset.
Which Beach City Will You Visit?
Where do you see yourself this summer? Whether it’s building sandcastles, body surfing, or simply staring out at another sun melting into the horizon. The summer is where it’s at, and these best beaches in Canada prove it. Where will you have your next summer adventure?
