10 Best Beach Towns in Canada
What Is the Most Popular Beach Town in Canada?
We’ve done the leg work for you and researched the best beach towns in Canada so you can enjoy these unique beach gems. With its chillier temperatures, Canada likely isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of beach vacations, but it has a vast coastline stretching across oceans. Beyond the snow-capped mountain peaks and frozen turquoise lakes of The Great White North, you’ll find sunny shorelines and welcoming beach towns galore.
Whether you’re searching for a surfing hotspot, a seafood-filled destination or a remote oceanfront getaway, Canada’s best beach towns are sure to have something that suits your style.
1. Tofino, British Columbia
Great for surfing and seafood
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias
Hugging the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a haven for surfers. Long stretches of sandy beach like Cox Beach and Long Beach roll out invitingly, perfect for catching waves.
But Tofino’s charm extends far beyond the surf. Kayak through the calm inlets in the Clayoquot Sound, take a hike through Pacific Rim National Park or embark on a whale-watching tour for glimpses of the humpback whales, grey whales and orcas that make their home in the cool Canadian waters.
Tofino, British Columbia
2. Grand Bend, Ontario
Popular destination on the shores of Lake Huron
Ideal para: Famílias, Alimentação, Casais
Grand Bend, a lively resort town on the shores of Lake Huron, is a popular destination for families. Its wide, sandy beach of the same name stretches for over 40 km, offering loads of space for sunbathing, sandcastle building and playing beach volleyball.
Once you’ve got your fill of sandy sunshine, head inland for even more nature-filled fun. Sample some chardonnays and rosés at Dark Horse Estate Winery or explore the greener side of town with a verdant hike through Pinery Provincial Park.
Grand Bend, Ontario
3. Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia
Home to some of the best surf in Canada
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto
Situated on Canada’s Atlantic Coast, charming Lawrencetown is just a couple of hours from the city of Halifax, making it a go-to getaway spot for locals and tourists alike. Spend your days strolling the wildlife-dotted Salt Marsh Trail, lounging on the shores of Conrad’s Beach and savouring delicious baked goods from Lawrencetown Beach Café.
But if there’s one thing that Lawrencetown is known for, it’s surf. Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is home to some of the best swells on the East Side of Canada. Get ready to wax up your board and paddle out.
Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia
4. Gimli, Manitoba
Beach town rich in Icelandic history
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas, Foto
Founded by Icelandic immigrants in the late 19th century, Gimli is one of the most unique beach towns in Canada. About 150 years later, this Manitoba town’s Icelandic roots are still going strong. Explore the New Icelandic Heritage Museum, check out the 15-foot Viking sculpture in Viking Park and even participate in the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba each August.
Of course, Gimli also has a sunny shoreline to go with its rich cultural heritage. The lovely Gimli Beach serves as a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Gimli, Manitoba
5. Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
A tranquil island getaway
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
Cavendish, a resort town on the north shore of Prince Edward Island, is a haven for families and beach lovers. Spend your days basking on the golden sands of Cavendish Beach, swimming in the refreshing waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence or kayaking along the coastline.
Between your days at the beach, make some time for the rest of Cavendish’s attractions. Pay a visit to Green Gables Heritage Place (á la Anne of Green Gables) or test your swing at Green Gables Golf Course, just to start.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
6. Shediac, New Brunswick
Canada’s warmest waters and The World’s Largest Lobster
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Alimentação
The New Brunswick town of Shediac, more specifically, its sunny shoreline of Parlee Beach, is known for having the warmest waters in the entire country. It’s safe to say that this seaside town is a popular spot for all sorts of water-filled fun.
Beyond the warm waters, Shediac fully embraces its seaside location. Take a picture with The World’s Largest Lobster statue, dine on the freshest seafood around at long-standing seafood joints or attend the annual 10-day Shediac Lobster Festival for all the crustacean-filled fun your heart desires.
Shediac, New Brunswick
7. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Charming old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ideal para: História, Foto
Enjoy a laidback pace of life in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site town is filled with brightly painted British colonial buildings from as early as the mid-1700s. Wander through these historic buildings until you reach the picture-perfect waterfront port and the beautiful Lunenburg Harbour.
While the historic sites of Lunenburg are often the highlight, don’t miss out on the other attractions during your town-wide stroll. Pop into art galleries and pottery studios, seafood stalls and ice cream shops, just to start.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
8. Eastport, Newfoundland and Labrador
Remote beachfront beauty
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
Nestled on the south coast of Newfoundland, Eastport is ideal for a quiet, remote getaway. Almost 3 hours away from the nearest major city, you’re sure to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in this Canadian beach town.
Eastport’s rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations frame the long, sandy Eastport and Northside beaches, shielding visitors from the already minimal town hubbub. If you’d like a change from the sandy shores but don’t want to leave the ocean behind just yet, take a walk on the High Tide Walking Trail. This multi-kilometre oceanfront path is an Eastport visitor favourite.
Eastport, Newfoundland and Labrador
9. White Rock, British Columbia
Pacific Coast town home to Canada’s largest pier
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto
If you’re hoping for a beach getaway on Canada’s Pacific Coast, look no further than White Rock. Located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, this British Columbia town is primarily known for 2 things: the White Rock that the town was named after and the largest pier in Canada. Before you do anything else, be sure to check those 2 attractions off your White Rock bucket list.
With the must-sees addressed, it’s your chance to take some time to enjoy White Rock’s small town beachfront atmosphere. Get some sun at East Beach, snag some local goodies at the summer White Rock Farmers Market or pop into one of the incredible craft breweries in town.
White Rock, British Columbia
10. Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
Known for nature trails and the “Dead Sea of Canada”
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Viagens alternativas
The tiny village of Manitou Beach has a population of about 300 people but is home to one of the coolest natural wonders in all of Canada: Little Manitou Lake. This saltwater lake has a high concentration of buoyancy salts, similar to the famed Dead Sea. Float effortlessly in the salty water or opt for an easy, breezy paddling adventure instead.
Pair your salty lake visit with a day on the green at Manitou Beach Golf Club. This no-frills, 9-hole golf course offers just enough of a challenge to keep you entertained, with its dotted slopes, bunkers and water hazards.
Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan
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