The best urban beaches in Canada

If you’re looking for golden sand in the middle of the city or you’re in search of a place to kick back and sip cocktails after a day spent sightseeing – we’ve found some of the best urban beach spaces in Canada for you.

Sugar beach, Toronto

Named after the Redpath Sugar Refinery, a sugar storage and museum building adjacent to the beach, this former parking lot was transformed into a delicious waterfront space. True to its name, Sugar Beach has a distinct, playful personality with its bubblegum-pink umbrellas that pop against the blue ocean, pale Adirondack chairs and sugar-white sand. For added shade, a tree-lined promenade runs through the park just metres away. Retire to The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, only 400 metres from the Sugar Beach and watch the sunset over the city.

Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver

Kitsilano Beach – or ‘Kits’ Beach – is a popular hangout that Vancouverites flock to when the summer sun starts to shine. While being graced with a view of the city’s skyline and the towering mountains behind, you can kayak, paddle board or join the majority of beachgoers doing a few laps of Canada’s largest saltwater pool, which sits directly beside the ocean. And there are also parklands and quality restaurants bordering the shore. When the sun sets, rest up at Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel.

Clock Tower Beach, Montréal

Situated on the St. Lawrence River, Clock Tower Beach sweeps along Montréal’s historic Old Port. With baby-blue umbrellas, white and blue Adirondack chairs and a narrow strip of sun-toasted sand, it’s the perfect location to relax, take a picture or two and socialise. You will see many similarities to Sugar Beach in Toronto, as this urban beach space was created by the same design agency, Claude Cormier et Associés inc.

Grab a drink, sit back and enjoy the view of sailing boats and the Montréal Clock Tower, which was built to commemorate the sailors who died in the two World Wars. Once the sun sets, make your way home to Maison Saint-Vincent, just 500 metres away.

Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver

Located along English Bay, Spanish Banks has three distinct sections – known as east, west and extension – to be explored. The east comprises of eight beach volleyball courts, and a collection of picnic tables and barbeques. In the west, you can let your pooch roam in the off-leash areas. And if you’re interested in a little adrenalin, the extension side has a kiteboarding launch zone. Whichever area you choose, you’ll be able to admire the never-ending golden sand and the simplicity of the navy blue ocean that contrasts with the busy city skyscrapers in the distance. Head back to The English Bay Inn and wake up to a complimentary breakfast of omelettes, French toast and fresh fruit.

Kiwanis Centennial Beach, Moncton

Conveniently located in the centre of Moncton, Centennial Park Beach is an artificial, freshwater beach surrounded by a complementary mix of verdant forest and cityscapes. The beach has fine, golden sand, grassy picnic areas and plenty of space for kids to play. And there are lifeguards on duty every day between 11am to 8pm, adding extra security for families. Once the beach closes, come home to the Crowne Plaza Hotel Moncton Downtown and spend the evening in the steam room or hot tub, then wake up for a buffet breakfast in the morning.