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Summary

11 Places In Canada That Will Make You Feel Like You're On A Tropical Caribbean Vacation

Time to plan that summer vacay! ☀️

Woman standing on the beach in Port Stanley. Right: Woman in the water in Tobermory.

Woman standing on the beach in Port Stanley. Right: Woman in the water in Tobermory.

Managing Editor, Canada

You don't need to catch a flight to escape to a tropical paradise!

These spots prove that there are places in Canada that look straight out of a Caribbean island and you'll feel like you're on a resort vacation right here at home.

From sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to palm trees and giant flamingo floaties, get ready for a sunny staycation like no other.

Southampton Beach

Address: Southampton Beach, Southampton, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can activate vacation mode here by enjoying the sandy shores, incredible sunset views and crystal clear swimming spots. There are golden sand dunes too, and even a picture-perfect waterside swing!

Southampton website

Tribune Bay Provincial Park

Address: Tribune Bay Provincial Park, BC

Why You Need To Go: If you want to escape to Hawaii, the white sand beach and turquoise waters here will help you do just that. All that's missing are the coconuts!

Tribune Bay Provincial Park website

Port Stanley

Address: Port Stanley Beach, Port Stanley, ON

Why You Need To Go: Although this beach is in Ontario, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to the Caribbean thanks to the gorgeous palm trees, colourful buildings and soft, golden sand.

Central Elgin website

Magdalen Islands

Address: Magdalen Islands, QC

Why You Need To Go: Named one of the best destinations in the world to visit in 2020, this spot is glorious for so many reasons. Experiencing the island's white sands and stunning red cliffs will make you feel like you're on holiday, no doubt about it.

Tourisme Îles-de-la-Madeleine website

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON

Why You Need To Go: This picturesque park is home to three beaches: Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach and Dunes Beach. All three are great spots for swimming and the turquoise waters will transport you to a tropical paradise. Dreamy!

Sandbanks Provincial Park website

The Grotto

Address: Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory, ON

Why You Need To Go: Recognized for its clear-as-anything waters and stunning scenic views, this Ontario shoreline is the perfect spot for a tropical-style vacation.

Parks Canada website

Bennett Beach

Address: Bennett Beach, Carcross, YT

Why You Need To Go: While you may not imagine Yukon as a classic beach destination, this spot offers over 2 km of sandy paradise. While the snow-capped peaks in the background may not remind you of a tropical country, the white sands and the golden sunsets will!

Bennett Beach website

Cape Breton Island

Address: Cape Breton Island, NS

Why You Need To Go: With almost 300 km of glorious coastline, the rocky northern shores of Cape Breton have endless scenic views. Wherever you venture on this island, you'll feel like you've escaped to heaven.

Cape Breton Island website

Kalamalka Lake

Address: Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Vernon, BC

Why You Need To Go: Forget the palm trees, all you need to feel like you're abroad is a trip to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Bring a bikini, close your eyes and you could be in Hawaii!

Kalamalka Lake website

Port Dover Beach

Address: Port Dover Beach, Walker St, Port Dover, ON

Why You Need To Go: Whether you want to be in Cancun or Cuba, this Ontario beach will transport you there — no flight required. With palm trees, super-soft sand and a beautiful beach house restaurant, you could take a week-long tropical vacation right here!

Before visiting, be sure to check whether this spot has reopened to the public.

Port Dover Beach website

Borgles Island

Address: Borgles Island, Murphy Cove, NS

Why You Need To Go: It's almost impossible to believe this spot is just an hour away from Halifax, as it features totally beautiful beaches and boreal rainforests. Could there be a more magical place to wake up? A real tropical island in the Maritimes.

100 Wild Islands website

This article has been updated since it was originally published on June 7, 2021.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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