The places, most named first
From the 6 guides that rank for "best beaches in canada"
Named by 3 of 61. Wasaga BeachClaimed as the longest freshwater beach in the world, about 14 km of soft white sand.Lonely Planet's list named it best for swimming.
Named by 3 of 62. SandbanksKnown for white sand dunes on Lake Ontario, with room for picnics, windsurfing and sailing.The dunes form two of the world's largest freshwater bay mouth sandbars.
Named by 2 of 63. Long Beach, TofinoViews stretch for 10 km on Vancouver Island, with surfing, low tide walks and whale watching.About three hours west of Nanaimo, inside Pacific Rim National Park.
Named by 2 of 64. Sauble BeachStretches 11 km along Lake Huron and is known for sunsets.Evenings bring live music and movies on the beach.
Named by 2 of 65. Grand Beach, ManitobaSits on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg with white sand and tall dunes.A holiday spot for over a century.
Named by 2 of 66. Sylvan LakeCalm water and a groomed shoreline make it a main cool-off spot for central Alberta.About 16 km west of Red Deer.
Named by 2 of 67. Parlee BeachLonely Planet's list named it best for families.Said to have the warmest salt water in Canada.
8. San Josef BayReached by a 2.5 km trail at the end of a 70 km unpaved logging road from Port Hardy.Named best beach for wilderness, with a reputation for stormy weather and tricky access.
9. LawrencetownAbout 40 minutes east of Halifax and among the top surfing spots in Canada.Often foggy, so better for surfers than sunbathers.
10. Kellys BeachIn Kouchibouguac National Park, reached by a 1.2 km boardwalk.Lagoon water sometimes passes 20 C.
11. Grand Bend BeachOne of Ontario's Blue Flag beaches, with accessibility mats, known for sunsets.Watersports include parasailing, water skiing and wakeboarding.
12. Stanhope BeachLonely Planet's list named it best for avoiding the crowds.
13. Basin Head Provincial ParkWhite sand beach about an hour east of Charlottetown.
14. Iles de la MadeleineWater is warmest in late summer, often over 20 C; swim only in supervised areas because currents can be strong.
15. Pinery Provincial ParkWhite sandy beach in a protected park, quieter than Grand Bend.
16. Port Stanley BeachBlue Flag beach on Lake Erie with shallow sandy bottom and warm water, good for families.
17. KitsilanoLonely Planet's list named it best urban beach.
18. Crystal BeachWarm golden sand on Lake Erie.
19. Good Spirit Lake Provincial ParkShallow south shores suit young or inexperienced swimmers.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name July to September as the best time to visit Canada.
Questions people ask
- Which beaches in Canada have the warmest water?
- One list says Parlee Beach in New Brunswick has the warmest salt water in Canada. Another says Kellys Beach lagoon sometimes passes 20 C.
