The Most Beautiful Beach Towns In Canada To Visit This Year

There’s nothing quite like a beach vacation, and there’s no shortage of great spots in Canada. We’ve found the best beach towns—both lake and ocean—across the country.

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

This tiny seaside town comes alive in the summer when visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the famed Cavendish Beach. Marvel at the red cliffs, long stretches of sand, and warm(ish) ocean waters, and then head into town for your fill of restaurants and activities.

Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia

Grab your surfboard and join locals and visitors at Lawrencetown Beach along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. This spot is known for having some of the best surf in all of Canada, and it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Halifax.

Shediac, New Brunswick

Shediac offers the perfect Maritime beach getaway, with its beautiful beaches and surprisingly warm waters (in the summer, ocean temperatures often reach 24°C [75°F]). A great beach is just the beginning though—the town of Shediac offers outdoor cafés, shops, galleries, seafood restaurants, and the largest outdoor market in Atlantic Canada.

Grand Bend, Ontario

Located on Lake Huron, Grand Bend has become one of Canada’s most popular beach towns thanks to its long stretches of sand, stunning sunsets, and cute Main Street. Kick back and enjoy the beach, or explore the many activities that the area has to offer.

Gimli, Manitoba

Located just an hour north of Winnipeg on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Gimli is the perfect destination for a summer getaway. In addition to the beach and cute town, come for the multitude of festivals throughout the summer, including the Icelandic Festival, Gimli Film Festival, and Gimli Beach Bash.

Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino has been recognized both as the Best Beach Town in the West (2016 Sunset Travel awards) and the Best Surf Town in North America (2010 Outside Magazine’s Editor’s Choice awards). This gorgeous spot offers stunning beaches, great surf, and some of the best seafood around.

Invermere, British Columbia

There’s no shortage of things to do at British Columbia’s inland beach town of Invermere. Whether you’re relaxing in the warm lake waters, taking in a round of golf, hiking a nearby trail, or enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants, its guaranteed to be an action-packed vacation.

About the author

Kate Horodyski

Kate is a freelance lifestyle and travel writer based in Halifax, Canada. You can find her online at katehorodyski.com and on Instagram @katehorodyski.