By M.C. Warford
When you think of beaches, Canada is probably not the first country that comes to mind. The fact is, however, that Canada features hundreds of amazing beaches. From Newfoundland to British Columbia and plenty in between, Canada's beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful. Here are 10 of the best. [Image credit: iStock.com/pchoul]
Located on Newfoundland's isolated South Shore, Sandbanks Provincial Park isn't exactly easy to get to, but it's definitely worth the visit. If you're looking for an isolated spot with rugged nature opening out onto the Atlantic Ocean, this is where you want to go.
As the longest freshwater beach in the world and about an hour's drive from Toronto, Wasaga Beach is extremely popular. This spot is great for families, but be warned: it can get extremely crowded, especially on summer weekends.
Manitoba is probably the last place you'd expect to find a sandy beach, but that's precisely what you will find at Grand Beach. Located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Grand Beach has long been a favourite with locals.
If you're feeling really adventurous, then head up to the Yukon and the shores of gorgeous Kluane Lake. You won't find white sand here, but the pebbly beaches offer jaw-dropping views of snowcapped peaks all within a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is a small beach just off of the Cabot Trail, featuring warm waters and gorgeous scenery. Its sandy shores are also a great spot for whale, seal, and turtle sightings and it’s a huge draw for locals.
Parlee Beach's claim to fame is that it features the warmest salt water in Canada. That makes this beach one of the most pleasant to visit in the country. The world's largest lobster sculpture also attests to the excellent seafood you'll be able to enjoy here.
The Iles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence feature hundreds of kilometres of beautiful beaches with plenty of swimming, kayaking, surfing, and hiking opportunities. The islands are also home to what is claimed to be the world's biggest sandcastle.
Nobody quite knows what makes the sands at Singing Sands sound like they're singing, but whatever it is, there is no denying that this is one of the most impressive beaches in the country. With water at a balmy 21 degrees, Singing Sands is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
It's hard to resist a place with a name like Crystal Crescent! Just a short drive from Halifax, Crystal Crescent Beach looks like a Caribbean paradise set down in the middle of the Canadian Maritimes. This beautiful sandy beach is also home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in North America.
Long Beach is a sandy oasis located along Vancouver Island's stunning Pacific Rim coastline. This beach has so much more than just swimming – you can also whale watch, storm watch, surf, and more. When it comes to combining a relaxing beach with stunning scenery, Long Beach simply cannot be beaten.
If you're looking for a sandy, relaxing beach to unwind on, there's no reason to book a flight south. As this list shows, every corner of Canada is home to beautiful beaches that could give many tropical destinations a run for their money any day!
