9 secret beaches in Canada to discover this summer to feel like you're on a private island
Skip the crowded beaches and head to these spots instead. 🏖
A hidden beach in B.C. Right: A secluded beach in Ontario.
What's Canada’s best-kept secret? That would be its beaches. The country is home to so many gorgeous beaches, including shores that will make you think you've left Canada for a tropical destination.
If you're looking for places with fewer crowds where you can stretch out to soak it all in, Canada has those, too -- across the country, there are hidden beaches with soft sand, crystal clear waters and a more secluded feel.
These spots are a bit off the beaten path, but the trade-off is a quiet beach that will make you feel like you're on your own private island.
Sound like your ideal beach getaway? Here are nine secret beaches in Canada you'll want to check out this summer.
Mystic Beach
Location: Juan de Fuca Park, BC
Why You Need To Go: Juan de Fuca Park on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island offers scenic beauty, spectacular hiking, marine and wildlife viewing, and roaring surf in its course along the Pacific coastline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
It's here that you'll find Mystic Beach, a secluded beach that feels otherworldly.
The beach can be found along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail in the park, and features a picturesque waterfall that cascades from the sheer cliff above the beach area along with incredible views of the rugged, Pacific Northwest coastline.
The beach can be reached by starting at China Beach and following the marine trail, according to All Trails, and is considered a moderate trek.
Wreck Beach
Location: 6572 NW Marine Dr., Vancouver, BC
Description: Located on the west end of the University of British Columbia, Wreck Beach is the city's clothing-optional beach (and one of only two nude beaches in Canada), meaning you can hang out here in your birthday suit, if that's your thing.
The beach is less "hidden" than others on this list, but has a secluded feel likely due to the fact that it's a bit of a workout to get here.
The beach offers soft sand, pleasant waters and beautiful nature views, and there are often vendors selling snacks and drinks, according to UBC.
Little Cove Beach
Address: 237 Little Cove Rd., Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: In Tobermory, you can visit a secret beach with stunning turquoise-blue water that’s straight out of the Mediterranean.
Little Cove Beach is a small, cobblestone beach located in Bruce Peninsula National Park on Lake Huron that's a bit off the beaten path.
With its white rocky shore and crystal-clear, bright blue water, it'd be easy to feel like you're sunning on the beaches of France or Portugal while here.
According to visitors, Little Cove Beach has a "secret" feel to it, compared to the well-known (and busier) Tobermory grotto.
Here, you'll find a unique landscape of barrens, cliffs dominated by shrubs and low woody plants, and limestone pavements with twists and potholes caused by natural erosion.
If you're up for a hike, Little Cove Beach can be reached from the grotto via the Bruce Trail, making for a trek of about 2 hours.
Old Woman Bay
Address: Algoma, Unorganized, North Part, ON
Why You Need To Go: At the northern tip of Lake Superior Provincial Park resides Old Woman Bay.
Here, you'll find a long, sandy beach populated with driftwood and surrounded by beautiful views.
The bay was named for its rock formation that resembles the face of an old woman. Looking towards the horizon, the face of the Old Woman can be seen within the 200-metre standing cliffs to the left.
There are washrooms, benches and picnic tables making it a great pit stop to stretch your legs and take in some picturesque views.
You feel small as you wade out into the clear crisp water here, towered by the shadows of the Algoma hills. The water temperature is also very "refreshing," (aka, chilly) so maybe make it a quick dip.
Inverhuron Beach
Location: 19 Jordon Rd., RR#2, Tiverton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Lying on the shore of Lake Huron next to the village of Inverhuron, this provincial park is home to a warm, sandy beach, rolling sand dunes, nature trails and jaw-dropping sunsets.
The beach is located on the same shore as Grand Bend Beach, so you'll find that same mesmerizingly blue water here, without the major crowds of Grand Bend.
The shallow, sandy beach is ideal for swimming, and the waters off Inverhuron are also a popular area for watersports like paddle boarding, windsurfing, and waterskiing.
According to Ontario Parks, the nearby Saugeen River provides excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
Old Harry Beach
Location: 14 Chem. Head, Grosse-Île, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located in Quebec's Magdalen Islands on Grosse-Île (aka Big Island), Old Harry Beach is considered the most beautiful of the islands' beaches.
The beach constitutes the coastal strip of the Pointe-de-l'Est National Wildlife Reserve, and offers soft white sand and gorgeous surf.
You can walk along the 8.5-kilometre stretch of sand along its entire length and may be able to spot seals playing in the water.
Tribune Bay Beach
Location: B.C.
Address: St Johns Point Rd., Hornby Island, BC
Why You Need To Go: A hidden gem on the West Coast, Tribune Bay Provincial Park is home to crystal-clear waters that definitely don't look like they belong in Canada.
The beach's "hidden" feel comes from the fact that it's not super easy to get there. The beach is located on Hornby Island, two short ferry rides from Vancouver Island.
Nicknamed "Little Hawaii," the area's shallow water heats up easily during the summer, almost nearing tropical temperatures, and the bay is considered to be one of the warmest saltwater swimming areas in B.C.
Besides the beach, there's also lots to do in the area, like hiking and sightseeing in downtown Hornby Island.
Steep Rock Beach
Location: NW 2-29-10W, Steep Rock, MB
Why You Need To Go: Nestled along the northeast shore of Lake Manitoba is Steep Rock, home of amazing sunsets and fantastic cliff and rock formations.
About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Winnipeg, Steep Rock has tons of private beaches and secluded coves thanks to the limestone cliffs and rock formations found here.
You can swim in the shallow, turquoise water and explore caves created by years of wave erosion.
Carters Beach
Location: Nova Scotia
Address: Carters Beach Road, Port Mouton, NS
Why You Need To Go: Carters Beach in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia, is an unbelievably tropical-looking beach with clear turquoise water and light, powdery sand that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean.
Located just under two hours from Halifax, the beach is actually made up of three crescent beaches, each with the same soft, white sand.
It's usually said to be without crowds, giving it a secluded, hidden paradise feel.
However, be warned-- if the beach looks tropical the water is anything but! Be prepared for a chilly (yet refreshing) dip.
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.
- 10 of the warmest beaches in Canada where you'll feel like you're swimming in the tropics ›
- These are the best beaches in Canada that promise golden sand and Caribbean-clear water ›
- This White-Sand Beach Has The Warmest Salt Water In Canada & It's Like A Tropical Vacay ›
- 9 coastal destinations in Canada with bright turquoise water that feel like the Mediterranean - Narcity ›