When most people think of Canada's most charming places, beaches are likely not the first thing that comes to their mind. However, the northern country houses more shorelines than any other nation in the world, in addition to numerous lakes that offer breathtaking views, pristine sands, and warm waters. Home to the longest coastline in the world, there are plenty of things to do, especially for sea lovers. Here are Canada’s most astonishingly gorgeous beaches that vacationers will find alluring during their visit to Canada this summer.

UPDATE: 2023/01/18 22:42 EST BY JOANE ACAR

More Canadian Beaches That Are Beyond Beautiful

This list was expanded to include more Canadian beaches to have on one's bucket list, such as Manitou Beach, Ingonish beach, and Devonshire Beach. Value-adds, including top things to do, was also added to the article, in addition to the name of each province next to each entry.

13 Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan

Located southeast of Saskatoon on Little Manitou Lake, Manitou Beach is home to three beautiful sandy beaches. The lake is similar to the Dead Sea in Jordan, and Karlovy Vary Hot Springs in the Czech Republic, with its mineral-rich waters that provide a gravity higher than regular water, making it impossible to sink. In addition, the water’s minerals offer natural treatments to swimmers and have healed everything from smallpox to eczema.

  • Things to do: Manitou Springs Mineral Spa and Serenity, Little Manitou Art Gallery, Danceland Ballroom

12 Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Ranked the world’s longest freshwater beach, Wasaga Beach is sure to impress visitors. It is partitioned into six, with the first three sections being the busiest. The rest suit vacationers looking for a tranquil environment with fewer people. It is located on the shores of Georgian Bay and promises breathtaking sunsets. Clear water, blue skies, and a silhouette of the Niagara Escarpments make it such a beauty.

  • Things to do: Wasaga 500 Go-Karts, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, Nancy Island Historic Site

Related: 10 Questions Newbies Have About Traveling To Canada

11 Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba

The Grand Beach Provincial Park is on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. It is known for its smooth brown sands, ideal for kids to create different crafts. Towering dunes of up to 40 feet make the beach a scenic site. A boardwalk dating back to the 1930s runs on the edge of the three-kilometer beach stretch. Vacationers can pick different types of berries in June and August as they take a stroll on the boardwalk. The shallow warm waters are ideal for swimming during the summer.

  • Things to do: East Beaches Aquarium and Heritage Wing, Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail

Related: Oh, Canada: A Guide To Each Province & Which You Should Visit

10 Magdalene Islands, Quebec

They consist of 12 main islands. Views of the extensive white sands, occasional cliffs, and huge rocks with caves underneath are unforgettable. Probably that’s why the Concours de Châteaux de Sable is held here. This is one of the most prestigious sandcastle competitions in the region. Thanks to the calm weather, vacationers can enjoy the islands even in winter. The beautiful islands are locally called the Maggies or Les Iles de la Madeleine.

  • Things to do: Boutique D'Art Tendance, Cape Lighthouse, À l'abri de la Tempête - Microbrasserie

9 Long Island Pacific Beach, British Columbia

Stretching 16km, the Long Island beach is inside the Pacific Rim national park in Tofino town. It is popular among tourists due to water sports, especially surfing. Its shallow waters and waves are ideal for beginner and pro surfers. Guests can visit all year round but most visit in spring and summer to witness the whale migration. Strolling down Long Island Pacific Beach is another highlight, thanks to the alluring view of the surrounding mountains and rainforests.

  • Things to do: Pacific Beach Boardwalk, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach San Diego

8 Bennett Beach, Yukon

The one-mile stretch of Bennett Beach is worth every step. Located in Carcross's beautiful Yukon territory, the scenery is breathtaking. The Bennett Lake Volcanic Complex offers guests an outstanding view of the snowcapped mountains. Bennett Beach is the ultimate destination for swimmers. High temperatures of about 30 degrees keep the waters warm for exciting activities.

  • Things to do: SS Tutshi, Carcross Desert, Nares Lake

7 Kitsilano Beach, British Columbia

One of the most popular Beaches in Canada, Kitsilano beach is perfect for a family vacation. It has large parks where kids, pets, or adults can bask or play. A heated pool about 137m long amplifies the fun for vacationers who find the ocean water too chilled. It is at the edge of the ocean, close to the beach. The North Shore Mountains adorn Kitsilano Beach with spectacular views.

  • Things to do: Stanley Park, Granville Island Public Market, English Bay Beach

6 Sauble Beach, Ontario

Located in Southwestern Ontario, Sauble Beach receives the west winds ideal for kite surfing, which is one of the most popular water activities. Jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming also top the list.

At least 10km long, Sauble Beach has countless spots where vacationers can enjoy breathtaking sunsets. This beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Huron is open in winter.

5 Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach is the only Canadian beach presenting freshwater fishing and saltwater swimming. This sandy shore is rinsed during the winter and redeposited by the waves each spring, with a Barachois separating the warm freshwater lake from the salty Atlantic Ocean. The area offers lovely cruises and whale-watching tours.

  • Things to do: Giggles Arcade, Sauble Falls Provincial Park, Ascent Aerial Park

4 Devonshire Beach, Alberta

Called after the Duke of Devonshire, Devonshire Beach is a charming beach set within Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park. The beach’s white sands are amidst dunes South of the park. The waters of Lesser Slave's Lake are clear and warm during summer, making it a perfect spot for fishing, surfing, and swimming. The lake also hosts every July the annual Alberta Open Sand Sculpture Championship.

  • Things to do: Moncton, Brackley Drive-In, The Dunes Studio Gallery & Café

3 Parlee Beach, New Brunswick

Parlee Beach is one of the warmest saltwater shorelines in New Brunswick. Besides the water, visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. There are numerous camping sites and an exciting Parlee Beach Trail for bike riders. During summer, Parlee Beach is a hive of fun games, drive-in cinemas, and beach competitions, among others. Guests can go lobster fishing and view the world’s largest lobster sculpture. Due to extremely low temperatures during winter, most shops are closed, and activities are minimal. Guests should confirm before their visit to avoid missing out on preferred activities due to poor weather conditions.

  • Things to do: Croisières Shediac Bay Cruises, Giant Lobster, Neptune Drive-in

2 Okanagan Beach, British Columbia

It is on the southern margins of Lake Okanagan in Penticton city. The beach has shallow waters, which warm up during summer. This creates ideal temperatures for swimming and sun vacations. Children can enjoy the cool waters unsupervised as they are not deep. The beach is at the center of different attractions, ideal for family vacations. Wibit Water Park is one of the thrilling spots ideal for children and adults. Guests who enjoy adrenaline-pumped activities will find Loco Landing Adventure Park the perfect haven.

  • Things to do: Kelowna City Park, waterfront Park, Skaha Lake Park, Boyce-Gyro Beach Park

1 Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island

The golden sand on Brackley Beach and the massive dunes is unforgettable. Flat, firm, and beautiful sand make walks along the beach fun. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Gulf Shore Way on their stroll. Water lovers are also not left out. They can enjoy water football, swimming, or Frisbee due to the shallow waters. Surfing is another alternative due to the steady waves.

  • Things to do: Moncton, Brackley Drive In, The Dunes Studio Gallery & Café