A country more known for its winters than summers, Canada still has tons of great summertime activities and attractions. tripatlas.com/new has put together a list of some of the best beaches in Canada for you to enjoy this summer!
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Best beaches across Canada
British Columbia: Long Beach in Tofino is not only one of the longest beaches on the west coast, at 25 km’s long, but it’s also the hottest surf spot in all of Canada. Located just outside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it’s a nature/adventure-lovers’ paradise. For those in Vancouver, check out Wreck Beach, a clothing-optional beach often littered with students from the nearby University of British Columbia.
Alberta: When it comes to beaches in Alberta, Devonshire Beach in Lesser Lake Provincial Park has got it covered. Not only is there a ton of history in this lake & park from the Hudson Bay fur trade, but its natural setting can often produce wildlife like moose, near the beach.
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Saskatchewan: There’s so much more to Manitou Beach in Saskatchewan, just east of Saskatoon and north of Regina. Here, the waters are chock-full of minerals and salts that not only can a swim be great for your body – but like the Dead Sea in Israel – you can float on top (no matter how light or heavy-set you may be!).
Manitoba: Although the waters of northern Manitoba in Churchill offer great activities like kayaking amongst thousands of beluga whales during the summer – the go-to beach for most Winnipeggers is Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg where you’ll find a rare white-sandy beach.
Find out more about Visiting Churchill, Manitoba: Polar Bear Capital of the World.
Ontario: For those looking for a quaint family beach getaway, head to Sauble Beach near Owen Sound or to Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton, Ontario where sandbars keep waters warm for swimming. For the closest thing to Huntington Beach this side of the country, head to Ashbridge’s Bay in Toronto for great volleyball (and volleyball players).
Quebec: In the Iles de la Madeleine in Quebec, dozens of islands offer something like 300km’s of white-sandy beaches for those interested in sand dune walking. For something more in-land, check out Lac Saint-Jean, Lac Deux-Montagnes, and the Laurentians.
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New Brunswick: For a Caribbean-like getaway on this side of the equator, head to Val-Comeau for warm, white sandy beaches full of sand dunes. Or, head to New River Beach Provincial Park for promises of tidal pools, crabs, periwinkles, whelks, and starfish; or go for a sea kayaking trip nearby through the Bay of Fundy.
Nova Scotia: When you’re in Nova Scotia, head out to Martinique Beach on the east coast of the province to go for a swim or body surf in the Atlantic. There’s also Melmerby Beach or “The Merb,” as called by locals, which have some of the warmest waters in Canada.
Prince Edward Island: If you’re looking for peaceful, Basin Head isn’t your best bet because their sands are known to “sing.” The sand dunes here are made of quartz, causing friction and making squeaky sounds when visitors walk on its shores – but it’s still a favourite amongst locals because it never seems to end.
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Newfoundland & Labrador: From one Sandbanks Provincial Park to the next – Newfoundland & Labrador’s Sandbanks Provincial Park in the Burgeo islands offer uncrowded beaches as well as fantastic hiking, kayaking, herds of caribou, and sand dunes with Anniopsquotch Mountains in the background. It’s one of Canada’s best kept secrets.