To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, we are shining a light on our amazing country. In the weeks leading up to July 1st, we will be releasing articles on the best Canada has to offer. Get ready for some useful information, beautiful photos and, of course, some laughs.
For a country that’s often associated with all things winter, Canada has some amazing beaches to offer.
From Vancouver’s Jericho Beach to New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy, the true north strong and free boasts fantastic beaches from coast to coast.
Whether it’s a sleepy lake side beach in the prairies, a roaring oceanside in Newfoundland or a wicked surf break in Tofino, Canadians know how to live on the water regardless of the snowy stigma.
Here are some of our favourite beaches from coast to coast in no particular order.
Located on the stunning coast of Vancouver Island, with views that stretch on for 10km, is one of Canada’s favourite beaches, Long Beach. From surfing and sunbathing, to low tide adventuring and whale watching, it’s easy to see why this gorgeous beach with panoramic ocean views, is a sought out destination.
A must-visit for all athletic lovers, Jericho Beach is located on the western coastline of Vancouver’s beautiful city. This beach may not be the best for swimming and sunbathing, however, it is bustling with recreational activities for everyone to enjoy. Known to be one of the most scenic spots to run in Vancouver, you will often see activities including kayaking, boating, cycling, hiking, tennis, and beach volleyball.
We may be a bit biased with this one - but how could we resist? Although mostly underwater due to the recent and unfortunate flooding, Gyro beach is a local and tourist favourite. The soft, sandy shoreline offers gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake and the mountains that surround our valley. There are also snack shacks, watersport equipment rentals, volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and washroom facilities for all ages to enjoy, under the Kelowna sun!
Known to be the hottest spot to cool off for central Alberta, the Sylvan Lake beach offers calm, refreshing waters, a beautifully manicured shoreline and a slur of waterfront shops for all your beach day needs! Sylvan Lake is also home to Alberta's only lighthouse.
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Considered to be one of southern Saskatchewan's most popular beaches, Regina Beach is located on the shores of Last Mountain Lake. The beautiful beach area offers a playground, areas to enjoy a picnic, beach volleyball courts, a boat launch and even a fish filleting location. If it’s possible to get tired of the beach, the resort town of Regina Beach offers restaurants, local boutique shops, a yacht club and much more to discover.
Known as Manitoba's little paradise on the prairie, Grand Beach has been a holiday destination for over a century. Stunning 8 metre-tall dunes provide a gorgeous backdrop to views of the fresh-water lake and white silica sands. Enjoy the many offered beach activities or stroll along the bustling Boardwalk.
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A favourite summer destination that offers 14 km of soft, white sandy beach, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world! Rated as a world class Blue Flag beach, Wasaga has six different beach areas, five for families and also the Main Beach, smack dab in the middle of the entertainment district! This beach town comes alive in the summer months, as locals and tourists enjoy the contagious atmosphere of beach living.
Famed for its incredible 25 m white sand dunes, the Prince Edward County Sandbanks offers Lake Ontario’s best sands. Pack a picnic and make a day out of adventuring the soft sliding sand dunes. Bathe on the beach or lounge in the warm shallow shore, splash in the waves, windsurf or sail - the Sandbanks offer a gorgeous panoramic view of Lake Ontario.
Offering some of the most amazing Canadian beach sunsets, Sauble Beach is stretched across 11 km of Lake Huron. This is perfect summer getaway, providing a small town feeling, with plenty of local entertainment. Not only a bustling beach during the day, it also lights up the night with live music, movies on the beach and lots of restaurants and shops to enjoy.
A local favourite and popular destination point, the beach of the St. Joseph Lake is the only beach north of Virginia where you will find giant coconut trees! Enjoy a day under the sun on the long sandy beach, then cool of in the refreshing water of St. Joseph Lake or lounge on the terrace under the palms.
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Considered to be one of North America’s finest beaches and boasting the warmest salt water in Canada, Parlee Beach not only offers lifeguards on duty, exceptional swimming water, sunbathing and volleyball, but also camping, friendly Acadian culture and tons of fresh lobster to try!
Stretching over 5 km long, Martinique Beach is considered to be the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia. The beach is soft and sandy and is known to be quite a popular surfing spot. What makes Martinique unique is that it is also a protected area for the piping plover, as well as a wildlife refuge for migratory waterfowl.
With a warm water river and 2 km of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone at Salmon Cove Sands. The imposing cliffs provide a stunning view along the half km of sandy beach. Enjoy the boardwalk along the beach that leads to an observation deck and lookout, where you can capture a stunning sunrise.
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Singing Sands beach is famous for just that - its beautiful, white, singing sands - a phenomenon that scientists still don’t fully understand. The beach has long been a favourite among Islanders and visitors and is a popular location choice to spend a summer day.
Located along the well-travelled 180 km route between Skagway, Alaska and Whitehorse, Yukon is a beautiful soft white sand beach that stretches for 2 km and offers a spectacular panoramic snow-capped mountain backdrop.
How many of these beaches have you been lucky enough to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
Enter to Win!
In celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has a Canadian Gift Basket up for grabs for one lucky winner (19+). Enter the form below before June 30th, 2017 at noon for your chance to win the following:
BRBN Whisky Chocolates
Glencairn Glass Set
Blittered Sling Travel Pack Bitters Collection
Jalapeno Gold Jelly (made with OKS Gin by Taste of the Okanagan)
