Beautiful Beaches in Canada You Need to Visit
Introduction
Canada is known worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty and vast landscape. From coast to coast, this massive North American country boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With over 200,000 km of coastline across its Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans, Canada is home to an endless variety of beaches—each with their unique beauty, landscapes, and activities.
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Atlantic Canada Beaches
Atlantic Canada—made up of the Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, as well as the island province of Newfoundland and Labrador—is home to some truly stunning Atlantic coastal beaches. Rolling waves, red sandstone cliffs, quaint fishing villages—Atlantic Canada invokes postcard-perfect beach scenery. Here are some top beaches to consider visiting in this beautiful region.
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Located just 45 minutes from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is arguably Nova Scotia’s most photographed beach destination. Its picture-perfect lighthouse perched atop volcanic basalt rocks with rolling Atlantic waves crashing in Nova Scotia summarized in a single snapshot. Beyond aesthetics, Peggy’s Cove offers charming hiking trails along the rugged coastline with breathtaking vistas around every turn. It’s the ideal spot for photography, short scenic walks, or simply taking in the raw coastal beauty. Highly recommended from May to October when the weather is most amenable.
Grand Anse Beach, Prince Edward Island
On Prince Edward Island’s idyllic north shore, Grand Anse Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches not just in PEI but all of Atlantic Canada. Its three kilometers of pristine red sand are nestled between dunes and coastal woodlands, creating a quintessential scene reminiscent of a Caribbean island oasis—without the crowds or long flight required. Grand Anse Beach is also consistently ranked among the softest sand worldwide, making it a delight for beach walking, sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply admiring the views. Swimming is ideal from June to early September when the waters are warmest. Nearby amenities include picnic areas, washrooms, and food trucks in the summer season.
Gros Morne National Park Beaches, Newfoundland
As Canada’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park in Western Newfoundland is renowned globally for its rugged coastline and breathtaking fjord landscapes. Within its over 176,000 hectares of stunning terrain lies over 20 beaches—each with its character and scenic qualities. Some top choices include Sandwich Bay—renowned for its unique shapeshifting dunes, Tablelands Beach, located at the base of rare and unusual Tablelands geological formations, and Western Brook Pond—a breathtaking fjord perfect for swimming, kayaking, and nature viewing. Gros Morne’s remote but stunning beaches are well worth exploring with local guided hikes or boat tours from mid-June through September.
British Columbia Beaches
With over 27,000 km of rugged coastline fringing its Pacific shores, British Columbia (BC) is truly the beach capital of Canada. From the iconic West Coast lifestyle of Vancouver to the remote rainforest coves of Vancouver Island and beyond, BC offers endless options for beach lovers. Here are some top selections to experience the natural splendor of BC beaches:
Tofino Area Beaches, Vancouver Island
Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Canada, the area surrounding the quaint town of Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast should not be missed. Leading options include Chesterman Beach—perfect for beachcombing and long strolls, Cox Bay Beach—renowned for its dramatic wave-pounded sands, and Long Beach—the world’s largest sandy beach, which seemingly goes on forever. For a more intimate experience, explore secluded pocket beaches only accessible by kayak. Tofino beach season runs ideally from May through September when the weather is most stable and crowds are smaller.
English Bay and Kitsilano Beaches, Vancouver
For dazzling Pacific vistas within an urban landscape, it’s hard to beat the beaches surrounding downtown Vancouver. English Bay Beach boasts idyllic seaside paths, volleyball courts, and panoramic views of the city skyline. Meanwhile, the wide, gentle sands of Kitsilano Beach are perfect for family fun with concession stands, public showers, and a nearby aquarium, nature house, and Botanical Beach. Both bustle year-round with locals and visitors, though the peak summer season from June to August sees the most attractive crowds.
Gabriola Island Provincial Park, Georgia Strait
A beautiful gem located a short ferry ride from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island Provincial Park encompasses over 2,000 forested coastal acres with some of the Georgia Strait’s finest sandy beaches. Low-key Coats Marsh Park and Seven Ravens are accessible on foot at low tide and ideal for beachcombing, while secluded Tenefly Beach offers a more tranquil experience. Abundant ocean views and nature trails add to Gabriola Island’s laidback charm—best enjoyed from May to September during its mild summer weather. Nearby campgrounds allow for an extended beachside getaway.
Quebec Beaches
While many envision Quebec’s coastlines being dominated by rocky shores, the province does boast some exceptional sandy beaches alongside the St. Lawrence River and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here are two top recommendations for Quebec’s eastern region:
Plage de la Grande Grève, Îles-de-la-Madeleine
The Magdalen Islands (Îles-de-la-Madeleine) archipelago lies in the Gulf, boasting over 70 unique carbonate sand beaches—many considered among the world’s finest. Plage de la Grande Grève, located on Island Number 1, is perhaps the most iconic: its 9 km of flawless sugary sands may resemble the Caribbean more than Canada. Strolling barefoot along its open shoreline watching kitesurfers is an experience resembling nothing else in the province. The mild Gulf climate also makes Madelinot beaches ideally suited from June through September.
Parc National du Bic, Bas-St-Laurent region
Mainland Quebec’s longest sand beach at 24 km lies within Parc National du Bic, an unspoiled coastal wilderness retreat just 2.5 hours northeast of Quebec City. Camping and day trips allow one to appreciate this rare expanse of fine dunes overlooking the St. Lawrence. Dune hikes, views of passing cargo ships, and peaceful sunsets over glimmering waters create a simple yet serene Quebec beach escape. Swimming conditions peak from mid-June to mid-September when public services are also in full operation.
Ontario Beaches
While Ontario may be landlocked from the Atlantic Ocean, its border along three of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Huron, and Erie—offers up some incredible inland freshwater beaches within scenic parks and communities. Here are two top beach highlights:
Sauble Beach, Lake Huron
Canada’s longest freshwater beach over 10 km long, attracts over 1.5 million annual visitors to its shores along Georgian Bay. Ample parking, changing facilities, and concessions provide amenities without compromising the natural sandy habitat. Perfect for swimming during Sauble Beach’s reliably warm summer months of July and August, it’s also a haven for beachcombing treasures throughout the shoulder seasons. Nearby Goderich offers small-town charm and attractions.
Wasaga Beach, Lake Huron
Over 14 km of uninterrupted sandy shoreline make Wasaga Beach one of Ontario’s most visited summer destinations, hosting over one million beachgoers annually. Swimming conditions and watersports abound during its long swimming season from May through September. To avoid peak summer crowds, September offers a less busy end-of-season option to explore Wasaga Beach’s vast dunes, trails, and marina scene in a more relaxed setting. Nearby Provincial Park sections add scenic picnic areas and wildlife observations.
Prairies & Territories Beaches
While freshwater inland beaches dominate across prairies and territories, there are a few notable exceptions worth the journey for ocean coastline:
Waskesiu Lake, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Nestled within the forested Boreal landscapes of central Canada’s first National Park lies the peaceful shorelines of 61 km long Lake Waskesiu. Its many beaches offer swimming, fishing, and activities during the park’s summer season from May through September when amenities are in operation. Camping at nearby sites allows for extended inland beach recreation against scenic northern backdrops.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Alberta
Just two hours south of Edmonton, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park boasts some of the prairies’ finest “beaches” along its scenic freshwater shores. Sunbathing, swimming, and picnic areas can be found at both Dillberry and Sandy Beach, offering respite from the warmer summer months of June through August. The beaches are quite popular for families seeking a picturesque inland oasis without the crowds of larger coastal destinations. Nearby hiking trails and campgrounds allow for exploring more of this serene parkland setting.
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Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island
While technically part of the Atlantic coastal region, PEI’s iconic red sand beaches deserve another mention. Stretching 18 km along the province’s north shore, Cavendish Beach is renowned for amazing sunset views across the rolling dunes and calm waters. Swim safety is tops from mid-June through September, aided by on-site lifeguards. Nearby amenities and services provide for memorable beach vacations against PEI’s quintessential pastoral backdrop. Despite rising popularity, Cavendish still retains its relaxed atmosphere, befitting “Canada’s Secret Sanctuary.”
