These are the best beaches in Canada that promise golden sand and Caribbean-clear water
Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning some beach getaways.
If you're looking for beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear water, you don't have to leave Canada to find them — the country is home to plenty of gorgeous beaches that'll make you feel like you're vacationing in the Caribbean.
From beaches located on freshwater lakes to ocean beaches with rolling waves, you'll definitely want to add these spots to your summer bucket list.
Here are 11 gorgeous beaches across the country that you'll want to visit this summer.
Sauble Beach
Location: Ontario
Address: Sauble Beach, Bruce County, ON
Why You Need To Go: Sauble Beach is known as the "Daytona of the North," and it's not hard to see why.
Like the city in Florida, the beach offers gorgeous white sand and crystal-clear water that's usually quite warm in the summer.
The beach is also claimed to be the second longest freshwater beach in the world, and is home to incredible sunsets, as well as a boardwalk where you can get tasty treats, beachwear and souvenirs.
Ingonish Beach
Location: Nova Scotia
Address: 90 Beach Rd., Ingonish Beach, NS
Why You Need To Go: Located on Cape Breton Island is Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake, a golden-sand beach perfect for a summer day.
The stretch of beach is located right between the ocean and a small lake, meaning you can go from saltwater to the freshwater lake in just a few steps.
The beach is easily accessible from the Cabot Trail, and also offers a playground, tennis courts, soccer field and picnic area.
In the community, you'll find accommodations, places to eat, boat tours, whale watching and more.
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.
Parlee Beach
Location: New Brunswick
Address: Parlee Beach Provincial Park, 45 Parlee Beach Rd., Pointe-du-Chêne, NB
Why You Need To Go: Parlee Beach in Pointe-Du-Chêne, New Brunswick, has been called one of North America’s finest beaches thanks to its golden sand and surprisingly warm water.
Here, you'll find some of the warmest salt water in Canada, with the waters in this area heating up to be warmer than an Olympic swimming pool, reaching temperatures of up to 29 degrees!
Wasaga Beach
Location: Ontario
Address: 1 Jenetta St., Wasaga Beach, ON (Beach Area 1)
Why You Need To Go: Wasaga Beach is the world's largest freshwater beach, with 14 kilometres of white-sand shores.
The beach has busier sections like its Beach 1 Area that definitely give off tropical vacation vibes, while other sections of the beach like 2 and 3 are perfect for families and low-key days spent lying on the sand.
Besides the stunning beach, there's a lively boardwalk with restaurants, shops and tons of things to eat, see and do.
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.
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.
Grand Bend Beach
Location: Ontario
Address: 90 Main St. W., Grand Bend, ON
Why You Need To Go: You're not imagining things — you're still in Ontario, not the Caribbean, although we can see why the bright turquoise waters of Grand Bend may have had you fooled.
The stunning beach in Ontario is home to golden sand and incredible blue water, lying on the shores of Lake Huron.
The town itself is said to be known as Canada's best beach town, with a boardwalk, shops and quaint restaurants.
Pinery Beach
Location: Ontario
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in Pinery Provincial Park, this beach offers rolling coastal dunes, white sand and bright blue water that'll make you forget you're in in the True North.
Pinery Beach is a 10-kilometre sandy beach on the shores of Lake Huron. You can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake and lounge on the soft sand shore for the perfect summer activity.
The park is also renowned for its sunsets, so you'll want to stay late to catch the golden views.
Port Dover
Location: Ontario
Address: Walker Street, Port Dover, ON
Why You Need To Go: This beach in Ontario has real palm trees, and you might forget that you actually haven't left the country while lounging in the sun here.
The beach has golden sand and pristine shores where you can take a dip. The area has charming resort town vibes, with cute stores, boutiques, cafés and restaurants in downtown Port Dover.
Long Beach
Location: B.C.
Address: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet, BC
Why You Need To Go: Located within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the beach is the longest on Vancouver Island, stretching for over 16 kilometres.
Here, you'll find a pristine shore with golden sand and rolling waves perfect for kayakers, swimmers, and those just looking to relax. You can also spot gray and humpback whales in the distance.
The beach is also a particularly great surfing spot, with consistent waves and surf schools in the area.
Cavendish Beach
Location: Prince Edward Island
Address: 590 Graham's Ln., Cavendish, PEI
Why You Need To Go: Cavendish Beach, which is said to be the province's best-known beach, is home to huge sand dunes, stunning white-gold sand, sandstone cliffs, and barrier islands.
Here, you'll find pleasant swimming opportunities (water temperatures peak in and around 21 C in the peak of the summer) as well as breathtaking sunsets that you'll want to stick around for.
Nearby is the Cavendish Boardwalk, where you can find tons of unique shops offering clothing, souvenirs and more.
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.
