Water temperatures at these beaches can reach up to 29 C — for reference, that's warmer than an Olympic swimming pool and the August average of any Atlantic beach north of Virginia.
From ocean beaches to freshwater lakes, there are surprisingly warm water spots all over the country.
Whether you're seeking solitude or a lively atmosphere, these beaches offer something for everyone. Pack your swimsuit and get ready to discover an unexpected tropical paradise right here in Canada.
Parlee Beach
Address: 45 Parlee Beach Rd., Pointe-du-Chêne, NB
Why You Need To Go: Known as one of the most popular beaches in Eastern Canada, Parlee Beach is where you'll find the warmest saltwater north of Virginia.
Here you can lay out on the soft white sand or take a dip in the salty waters, which can get as warm as 29 C, according to Tourism New Brunswick.
The beach is located less than 30 minutes from Moncton and makes for the perfect day trip. Nearby are shopping centres and boutiques, marinas, restaurants, and the World’s Largest Lobster sculpture.
Accessibility: Mobi mat on beach for stroller/wheelchair access.
Parlee Beach website
Bouctouche Dune beach
Address: 1932, route 475, Saint-Édouard-de-Kent, NB
Why You Need To Go: Bouctouche Dune Beach is a New Brunswick beach located on the warm, shallow waters of the Northumberland Strait.
Besides the beach, the area also has an interpretive centre and a gorgeous winding boardwalk where you can take in views of the strait.
The dune, which extends over 12 kilometres in Bouctouche Bay, is one of the longest dunes in North America. Visitors can take in the dune from the boardwalk and also look for sea shells and sea glass on the beach.
Accessibility: Electric vehicle tours available to accommodate those with disabilities.
Bouctouche Dune Beach website
Blue Sea Beach
Address: 651 Blue Sea Rd., Malagash Point, NS
Why You Need To Go: Blue Sea Provincial Beach is one of Nova Scotia's warmest ocean beaches.
Located on the province's Northumberland Shore, water temperatures here can reach up to 22 C during the summer months, according to Nova Scotia Tourism.
Here, you can enjoy a wide, sandy beach and dune system. The beach is also great for birdwatching, and at low tide exposes long sand flats.
Blue Sea Provincial Beach website
Gagnon Beach
Address: 30, chemin Plage Gagnon, Grand-Barachois, NB
Why You Need To Go: This warm-water beach campground allows visitors to wake up by the ocean, with breathtaking sunsets, and "sandbars for miles."
Located on the Northumberland Strait, just north of Moncton, Gagnon Beach has a reputation for having "the warmest waters north of Virginia," according to the Swim Guide.
The beach has a playground, basketball court, recreation hall, adults-only pool, and a soccer field, making it seemingly impossible to get bored here.
In the area, you'll find cycling trails, tourist attractions, shopping and lots of East Coast seafood.
While you can certainly spend the night here, if you'd prefer to just visit for the day, you can do so by purchasing a pass at the campground store at the entrance gates.
Gagnon Beach website
Osoyoos Lake
Address: Osoyoos, BC
Why You Need To Go: Osoyoos Lake in B.C. is the warmest freshwater lake in Canada, averaging temperatures of 24 C in July and August.
Located in the Okanagan Valley, the lake is surrounded by desert landscapes, vineyards, orchards, hills and mountains that make it a dreamy getaway spot.
Several public sandy beaches surround the lake, including Legion Beach, Lion's Park, Cottonwood Park and Gyro Beach.
There are also a number of resorts here with their own private beaches, like the Walnut Beach Resort.
The lake's warm temperatures are perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The lake can be accessed from dozens of points all around Osoyoos, including the town centre.
Osoyoos Lake website
Port Dover Beach
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.
Port Dover is a gorgeous beach located on the shores of Lake Erie. According to Destination Canada, Lake Erie is Ontario's most southern and shallowest lake, so the water here is the warmest.
The beach has golden sand and pristine shores where you can take a dip. You can also troll along the pier to see the old lighthouse, watch the tugboats go by, or dine on the water.
The area has charming resort town vibes, with cute stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants in downtown Port Dover.
Port Dover website
Northport Beach
Address: 7722 Tyndal Rd., Amherst, NS
Why You Need To Go: This red-sand beach on Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore heats up nicely in the summer.
Northport Beach is another Nova Scotia beach with some of the warmest ocean waters in the province.
Located in Northport Beach Provincial Park, the beach has a gentle tide, and there's a wide-open field with picnic tables in the area.
At low tide, sandbars trap pools of warm water on the beach, perfect for wading in.
Northport Beach website
Singing Sands
Address: 336 Basin Head Rd, Route 16, Kingsboro, PEI
Why You Need To Go: This pristine beach in Prince Edward Island is often called the best beach in Canada, with white sand and a pristine shore.
According to Destination Canada, the beach has some of the warmest water in the province, occasionally exceeding 70 F (21 C).
Located in Basin Head Provincial Park, the beach got its name because of its fine sand, which squeaks as your feet press into it due to its high silica content.
Basin Head Provincial Park website
Katherine Cove
Address: Lake Superior Provincial Park, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Katherine Cove is a beach with crystal-clear turquoise water that's perfect for taking a dip this summer.
According to Ontario Parks, with its shallow water and fine sand beach, the water at Katherine Cove is often warmer than other beaches in the park, although keep in mind that "warm" is a relative term on Lake Superior.
Just a short walk from the beach you'll find Bathtub Island, another stunning natural swimming spot with a unique, basin-like shape full of shallow water that heats up quickly in the summer.
Lake Superior Provincial Park website
Aboiteau Beach
Address: 150 allée du Parc, Cap-Pelé, NB
Why You Need To Go: The New Brunswick beach is perfect for families or those looking for a quieter environment for relaxing.
Located on the Northumberland Strait, you'll find warm, salty water perfect for swimming in, and soft white sand where you can sunbathe. You can also check out the natural sand dunes that can be found on the beach.
After, if you've worked up an appetite, you can enjoy some classic East Coast fare like fish, seafood and poutine at the nearby À La Dune restaurant.
Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Other accessibility services available.
Aboiteau Beach website
Enjoy!
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.
