Article contentReviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.As many Canadians choose to stay north of the border this summer, Postmedia Travel will be publishing a series of stories highlighting the best that Canada has to offer. This week we look at Canada’s best beaches. Canada isn’t exactly known for sun-soaked shorelines, but our magnificent coastlines and lakeshores are hiding glorious sandy treasures. From Caribbean-blue waters to sweeping dunes and rugged coastal gems, Canada delivers unexpectedly spectacular beach experiences. Article contentDiscover these reader- and expert-approved slices of paradise where you can surf epic waves, lounge on pristine sand, and yes — even enjoy surprisingly warm swimming waters in our northern nation. Article content Article contentYou can climb massive sandy mountains at Dunes Beach in Sandbanks Provincial Park. PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGESBest beach for sand dunesWander through Ontario’s version of the Sahara at Dunes Beach, where golden sand mountains soar to an impressive 82 feet high. This Sandbanks Provincial Park gem delivers a surreal landscape that feels plucked from another continent. Sink your toes into exceptionally fine sand stretching for kilometres alongside clear, shallow waters perfect for splashing. The beach’s popularity is no mirage. Summer crowds flock here in droves, so snag your vehicle permit in advance. Your reward? An otherworldly day of climbing natural sand sculptures while lake waters sparkle invitingly below. Sandy Hook beach in Quebec boasts cobalt blue water and white sandy shores. PHOTO BY MATHIEU DUPUIS / LE QUEBEC MARITIMEBest beach for wind sportsLocals call it Du Havre, but Sandy Hook Beach delivers Caribbean vibes in the heart of Quebec’s Iles de la Madeleine. This hidden treasure boasts dazzling white silica sand that feels impossibly luxurious against the cobalt-blue Gulf of St. Lawrence. Wind enthusiasts flock here for the consistent breezes that create perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with plenty of open water to play in without dodging swimmers. The beach’s relative seclusion means you’ll often feel like you’ve discovered your own private paradise. Just respect the powerful currents near the point. This unsupervised slice of Quebec Maritime magic rewards experienced water lovers who come prepared for its wild beauty. Article content Article contentLong Beach is an astounding sight to see on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.Best beach for fitness loversThis coastal treasure offers a raw, untamed experience unlike any other in Canada. A 16-kilometre stretch within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia, LongBeach borders old-growth forests where ancient cedar and hemlock trees grow almost to the shoreline. The hard-packed sand creates a natural highway for cyclists and runners, now complemented by the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii pathway (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) connecting Tofino to this coastal gem. Long Beach is a popular spot for surfers. PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGESSurfers in black neoprene challenge the legendary waves, though rookies beware — these powerful currents demand respect. First-timers should book lessons with a local surf school to ensure a safe experience. Best beach viewsLake Annette offers an unexpected beach experience in Alberta’s Jasper National Park. While most alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies are too cold for comfortable swimming, this small glacial lake is relatively shallow near the shore, allowing it to warm up enough for swimming during summer months — a rarity at this elevation. What makes Lake Annette truly special is the contrast between the beach experience and its spectacular setting — surrounded by panoramic mountain views. Facilities includecooking shelters, picnic areas, a playground and a 2.7 km wheelchair accessible paved trail around the lake. Situated mere minutes from Jasper townsite, you might share your beach day with wandering elk and curious marmots. Article content Article contentLake Annette beach in Jasper National Park has stunning mountain views. PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGESBest beach for familiesAnne of Green Gables would swoon over Cavendish Beach, where P.E.I.’s iconic red sandstone cliffs embrace golden shores and storybook dunes. The beach’s location within Prince Edward Island National Park blends pristine natural beauty with family-friendly amenities. Little adventurers splash under the watchful eyes of summer surfguards, while parents appreciate the well-maintained facilities and convenient services. Cavendish Beach in P.E.I. is a great spot for family fun. PHOTO BY S. HARRIS / PARKS CANADAFollow boardwalk trails that wind through fragile dune ecosystems between dips, or time your visit for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from July 1 to August 28, when park naturalists lead interactive activities for kids of all ages. Best beach for warm salt waterForget what you think you know about Atlantic Canadian beaches — Parlee Beach in New Brunswick breaks all the cold-water stereotypes with temperatures hitting 29°C! This golden stretch of paradise takes full advantage of Shediac Bay’s sheltered position, where shallow waters soak up summer sunshine like a natural hot tub. Even at peak season, there’s plenty of soft sand to claim your perfect spot. Set in Parlee Beach Provincial Park, excellent amenities include changing facilities and the Beach Cabana — where you can tuck into seafood platters and legit clam dip. Article content Article contentWasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. PHOTO COURTESY OF ONTARIO PARKSBest fresh water beachImagine 14 kilometres of golden paradise stretching along Georgian Bay’s azure waters — welcome to Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater beach. This sandy superstar offers choose-your-own-adventure beaching: join the lively crowds near restaurants and shops or escape to serene, hidden sections. With over 1.5 million annual visitors making it Ontario’s busiest provincial park, securing your spot requires strategy. The payoff? Fine, clean sand and deliciously warm shallows. Pro tip: snag your vehicle permit online up to five days before visiting to bypass the entrance queues and maximize your beach bliss. Article contentInverness Beach in Nova Scotia has a long boardwalk for sunset strolls. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM NOVA SCOTIABest beach for accessibilityNestled on Cape Breton Island’s western shore in Nova Scotia, this municipal beach offers caramel-coloured sand and remarkably warm Atlantic waters. Unlike its coastal cousins, the shallow waters at Iverness Beach heat up quickly, making swimming a delight even for cautious dippers. What sets Inverness Beach apart is its exceptional accessibility. Non-slip mats create smooth pathways for strollers and wheelchairs, while floating beach chairs invite everyone to experience the joy of ocean waves. Prefer to stay dry? Special sand-navigating chairs ensure nobody misses those magical sunset strolls along the shoreline. Article contentBest beach resort comboParksville Beach on Vancouver Island sports a tide that dramatically retreats nearly a kilometre from shore. Families delight in the warm, shallow waters left behind — perfect for little explorers discovering starfish in tide pools or older kids mastering their skimboard skills. The Beach Club Resort elevates the experience with oceanfront accommodations just steps from the sand, offering guests complimentary beach toys, bikes, and paddleboards. After a day splashing in the gentle waves, retreat to your guest room or condo-style suite for panoramic ocean views that remind you why Parksville ranks among Canada’s coastal treasures. Article contentThe Beach Club resort sits steps from the sand at Parksville Beach. PHOTO BY THE BEACH CLUB RESORTBest pebbly beachGimli is a popular tourist destination on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba.Where Lake Winnipeg stretches like an inland ocean beyond the horizon, Gimli Beach charms with its distinctive rocky shoreline. Here, treasure hunters of all ages comb for “lucky stones” — pebbles with natural holes perfect for wishes and keepsakes. But the beach is just your introduction to this enchanting spot, where Icelandic heritage runs deep.Boasting the largest population of Icelandic descendants outside Iceland itself, Gimli(meaning “paradise” in Icelandic) celebrates 150 years of “New Iceland” history this October. Come for the pebbly shores, stay for the Nordic culture. Interested in exploring some of the best wilderness adventures, golf resorts and wineries in Canada? Look for new stories each week. Searching for the best hotel prices for your next trip? Check out YourTravelDeals.ca for exclusive savings on over one million hotels worldwide. Sign-up is free. Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : 10 Canadian beaches that prove paradise is closer than you think Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr