The best beaches in Canada

Canada’s coastline has an almost overwhelming array of beautiful beaches, from forested lakeside coves to long golden stretches of sand. Here are some of the best, according to our travellers.*

Sauble Beach in Bruce County, Ontario

On the eastern shore of Lake Huron, Sauble Beach is seven miles long, making it the second largest freshwater beach in the world. The combination of powdery sand and gentle swells ensure that the beach is popular for both watersports (try windsurfing) and activities like volleyball (the Canadian National Beach Volleyball Championships takes place here). For somewhere to stay, The Bel Air Motel and Cottages is only a 5-minute walk from the beach.

Main Beach in Port Elgin, Ontario

The Main Beach of Port Elgin also sits on the eastern side of Lake Huron, offering 3 km of soft, white sand. As the beach has been a popular tourist destination for over a century, it is immaculately equipped for every kind of daytripper, including those with different mobility needs. A playground caters to young families, and guests can stay a short walk from the beach at The Maples.

Victoria Park Beach in Cobourg, Ontario

It’s always a good sign when a beach is as popular with the locals as it is with visitors. Victoria Park Beach in Cobourg regularly hosts volleyball tournaments, family picnics, concerts and parties that bring everyone together on the beachside boardwalk. The south end of the beach is made up of powder-fine, pale sand and the beach itself is within walking distance of some of Cobourg’s best restaurants. The Woodlawn Inn is one of Cobourg’s highest-rated places to stay and it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the beach.

Brackley Beach in Prince Edward Island

The pastoral village of Brackley Beach borders the Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada and the surrounding area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Endangered bird species like the Piping Plover and Saint Lawrence Aster are often spotted in the neighbourhood. The island’s diverse landscapes (forests, wetlands, sand dunes and cliffs) make it a popular destination among nature lovers, with many opting to stay at the centrally-located Millstream Cottages & Motel.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Shediac, New Brunswick

Being the location of the warmest water on the east coast of North America (or at least, north of Virginia), The Northumberland Strait’s temperate climate makes it a popular vacation spot among local and international water sports enthusiasts, with most of them heading to Parlee Beach Provincial Park. This curving stretch of pale sand is bordered by woodland and overlooked by white cottages, like the La Louisianne Bed & Breakfast.

North Bay Beach in Ingonish, Nova Scotia

Driving or hiking the Cabot Trail gives travellers a breathtaking introduction to some of Canada’s most beautiful landscape. Ingonish is the perfect spot to break up your journey and spend some time admiring the wild coastline and sandy beaches up close. Ingonish Beach is part of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, but it’s hard find a more impressive spot than the North Bay Beach (you can stay a 2-minute walk from this splendour at the Lantern Hill & Hollow).

Cavendish Beach in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Cavendish Beach stretches between two wonderful natural landmarks – the verdant New London Bay to the west, and the blushing, deep-pink Cavendish cliffs to the east. In between, beachgoers will find miles of golden sand and a boardwalk bridging the gap between the main beach and the town of Cavendish. One of the town’s most popular places to stay is the Silverwood Motel, which is only a 5-minute walk from the beach.

**These Canadian beaches were the most highly rated by Booking.com customers.