9 stunning coastal towns in Canada for a summer adventure by the water
From underrated gems to classic vacation spots. 🌊
A town in Nova Scotia. Right: A person sits by the water in a town in Ontario.
Looking to spend your summer by the water? If you want to spend the season near turquoise waters and pristine shores, you'll want to add one of these coastal towns to your bucket list.
Canada has so many charming villages and small towns by the water that make for ideal summer vacation spots. If you need help figuring out where to go, we've rounded up nine breathtaking coastal towns that promise the ultimate adventure by the water.
Whether you're seeking sandy shores, charming harbours, or adrenaline-pumping watersports, these small towns have it all.
From picturesque villages to hidden gems, here are nine beautiful coastal towns to visit this summer for a season spent on the water.
Cavendish
Location: P.E.I
Why You Need To Go: Cavendish is a bustling summer destination on Prince Edward Island, home to a beautiful golden-sand beach, golf courses, and more.
The area also inspired the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, and you can visit a historic site to learn about both the author and her most famous heroine.
Cavendish Beach, which is said to be the province's best-known beach, is home to huge sand dunes and stunning white-gold sand.
Nearby is the Cavendish Boardwalk, where you can find tons of unique shops offering clothing, souvenirs and more.
Be sure to check out Cows Ice Cream, which serves up ice cream made from a recipe that dates back to the time of Anne herself!
Grand Bend
Location: Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Grand Bend is one of Ontario's most popular beach destinations, located on a pristine sandy stretch of Lake Huron.
The beach town is known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, beachside restaurants, bars and nightlife. It also boasts incredibly blue water that looks more like it belongs in the Caribbean than in southern Ontario.
After spending a day at the beach, you can explore the many hiking and bike trails in the town, vineyards, and more in the surrounding countryside.
For those into thrills, the town offers activities like skydiving lessons, parasailing and even drag or lap driving at the Grand Bend Motorplex.
Tofino
Location: B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Tofino is a coastal village on Vancouver Island known for its great waves.
The village has tons of white sand beaches to enjoy, including Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay Beach, MacKenzie Beach and Long Beach, where you can explore tidal caves and tide pools, surf and go stand-up paddle boarding.
The area also offers whale watching and restaurants that exude the relaxed coastal vibe of the village.
Don't miss Tacofino, an iconic taco truck where you can grab a colourful bite to eat before hitting the waves.
Osoyoos
Location: B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Osoyoos is a town in B.C. located in the Okanagan Valley and known as Canada's desert.
The town is home to the warmest freshwater lake in the country, called Osoyoos Lake, where water temperatures reach about 24 C in the summer.
The lake's warm temperatures make it perfect for swimming, water sports and more, and there are several public beaches lining the lake.
Surrounded by desert landscape, vineyards, orchards, hills and mountains, the town is a perfect summer getaway spot. If you want to really relax, there are a number of resorts in the area where you can unwind and get access to private beaches.
St. Andrews
Location: New Brunswick
Why You Need To Go: Nestled along New Brunswick's Passamaquoddy Bay is St. Andrews, an idyllic seaside town perfect for escaping the busy city life.
The town was founded by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and many of the St. Andrews' buildings still reflect that history — you may even feel like you're in a U.S. town like Maine instead of the True North while here, especially while walking along the historic Water Street.
Here, you can go whale watching or explore the oldest remaining mainland lighthouse in New Brunswick. Be sure to check out the Algonquin Resort, an iconic hotel that's said to house some (friendly) spirits.
Tobermory
Location: Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Tobermory is a beautiful coastal town on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario.
The town is home to famous national parks including Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine Park, both of which offer turquoise-blue waters that will transport you to the beaches of Europe.
One popular spot is the Grotto, a swimming spot where you'll find crystal-clear waters, dramatic sea caves and limestone cliffs overlooking the Georgian Bay.
Known as the "shipwreck capital of Canada," due to the many sunken vessels resting beneath the waves here, the town also offers incredible scuba diving opportunities.
For those who prefer to remain on land, however, you'll also find plenty of beautiful hiking trails, including the famous Bruce Trail, the oldest and longest footpath in Canada.
Percé
Location: Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Percé is a town in Quebec located on the Gulf of St. Lawrence that draws visitors for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and enchanting setting.
Here, you'll find Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park, where you can enjoy incredible sea excursions like fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, and wildlife spotting, with whales, seals and birds in the area, as well as hiking trails through meadows, fields, and a coniferous forest.
The town is also known for its restaurants serving up fresh seafood, including lobster, a must-try while here.
Lunenburg
Location: Nova Scotia
Why You Need To Go: Lunenburg is a postcard-worthy town in Nova Scotia. The charming own is the home port of the Bluenose II (Nova Scotia's nautical ambassador) and is full of restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood.
Old Town Lunenburg has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a well-preserved example of a British Colonial settlement in North America.
Here, you can see colourful buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and go on walking tours to learn more about the town's rum-running history.
You can also hike the Ovens Natural Park trail, which will lead you to a series of breathtaking sea caves.
Bonavista
Location: Newfoundland
Why You Need To Go: Bonavista is a town in Newfoundland and Labrador located on the Bonavista Peninsula.
The town's name, literally translated from Italian, means "Oh happy sight," a fitting name for the beautiful town.
The town offers a mix of old-world charm and modern ingenuity, with working harbours steps away from coffee shops and businesses operating out of restored historic buildings.
The coastal town is a nature lover's dream, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, like whales, and even see icebergs.
While you're here, take a trip to Dungeon Provincial Park, where you can see ocean waves crashing in and catch sight of seabirds like the Atlantic Puffin.
Happy travels!
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.
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