Are you currently on a working holiday visa in Canada or planning to immigrate soon?
With the longest coastline worldwide (spanning 202,080 kilometres), Canada has an abundance of spectacular beaches with breathtaking views and various activities to enjoy.
Whether you are seeking to relax in the sun or take on some outdoor beach activities, Canada’s many beaches have something for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, we will outline some of the best beaches in Canada that you can put on your list to visit during your travels for unforgettable scenery.
Let’s get started!
Here are some of the top Canadian beaches to visit.
Chesterman Beach, British Columbia
Chesterman beach located just south of Tofino town is definitely one to put on your list. It is recognised as one of the best beaches in the world, and with a wide stretch of sandy beach there are plenty of things to do while visiting.
This beach is family-friendly with its flat surface and plenty of space for kids to play.
And if you are a beginner at surfing, this is a popular beach for learning how to surf, with many surf schools close to the beach.
Another activity to enjoy while visiting Chesterman Beach is kayaking! You can also relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, or take a walk along the beach which stretches for three kilometres.
Register for your WHC Jobs Kit for lists of the top ski resort employers in BC and Alberta, our working holiday jobs search tool and much more!
Long Beach, British Columbia
Long Beach is located at Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Long Beach certainly has a fitting name as it is the longest beach on the island, spanning 16 kilometres. It is a popular beach in Vancouver and arguably one of the best Canadian beaches, that is known for its scenery and miles long sandy beach.
Many people visit Long Beach for the incredible views and sunsets. Along with various activities such as surfing, kayaking, swimming, strolling, and building sandcastles.
It is regarded as a world class surfing destination with consistent waves all year.
There are various camping options nearby, including the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Another popular beach to add to your list if you are on a Working Holiday Visa in Canada has to be Wasaga Beach in Ontario.
Wasaga Beach is home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, with two million people visiting each year.
It is known as one of the best beaches in Ontario, and one of the nicest beaches in Canada overall. The beach is popular due to its white sand and clear water. It provides a great day for tourists to relax and unwind with ice cream and food trucks on site, along with souvenir shops.
With many outdoor activities nearby including golf courses and parks, there is plenty of fun to fill the day.
And not to mention the panoramic views you can take in of the Niagara Escarpment from Wasaga Beach, it truly will be a day to remember.
Parlee Beach, New Brunswick
Parlee Beach is located within a Provincial Park. This beach is one of the most popular beaches in Eastern Canada as it is said to be the warmest saltwater beach in Canada.
It is particularly suitable for families as it has warm sea water and an International Blue Flag certification which is an environmental award that demonstrates the beach has safety facilities and good environmental standards.
In the park there are a range of activities to take part in and facilities such as picnic areas, a playground, a volleyball court and a campground with over 200 sites.
This park is open from mid-June to early September. There is a fee to enter the park which varies depending on the time of year.
And if you enjoy seafood, you will be glad to know that you are very close to Shediac, a nearby town that is known as the ‘lobster capital of the world’.
English Bay Beach, Vancouver
Located in Vancouver’s downtown area, English Bay Beach is known for its running and cycling routes along the east side of the beach.
English Bay boasts a picturesque view in each direction. With excellent walking and cycling routes spanning from Stanley Park to Point Grey.
Vancouver’s annual Polar Bear Swim takes place here on New Year’s Day each year where thousands of people gather to swim. It is also host to an annual Celebration of Light festival, which takes place in July and consists of three nights of firework displays.
There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and food stalls.
Read Also:
ARRIVING IN CANADA – A GUIDE TO TRANSPORTATION IN CANADA FOR NEWCOMERS
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Qualicum Beach is a beautiful beach that is located on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. There are many reasons to visit this beach during your working holiday visa in Canada.
This beach provides ample opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy outdoor beach activities such as hiking, golfing or fishing. While you are relaxing on the beach you will have breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and rivers.
Qualicum Beach is known for its famous Ocean Mile Swim, which involves competitors’ skills being tested in a one-mile swim at the beach.
And that is not all!
Qualicum Beach is surrounded by many art galleries and museums with lots of opportunities to experience the local art and culture.
Crystal Crescent Beach, Nova Scotia
Crystal Crescent Beach consists of three stunning white sand crescent beaches that are located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour. Just a one-hour drive from Halifax, Crystal Crescent Beach offers an escape from the busy city.
With boardwalks to the first two beaches, and a hiking trail at the beach, there are lots of activities to squeeze into your visit.
Pennant Point Trail begins at the beaches parking lot and it is a 10 kilometre loop that is open all year round. It is regarded as a moderately difficult trail. It provides a wide variety of scenery as the trail winds along the coast and through a woods. If you are planning on doing this trail in the winter months, it is best to bring appropriate footwear as it can get muddy during parts of the trail.
MacKenzie Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island
Another great beach in Canada is MacKenzie Beach, located close to Tofino on Vancouver Island. It is a popular choice of beach to visit, especially for families as it tends to have calmer water.
Popular activities enjoyed by visitors of the beach include swimming, surfing, beach games and sightseeing. In the winter, MacKenzie Beach is a popular place to go storm watching.
And if you are travelling from afar Mackenzie Beach Resort is on site where there are options to stay in cabins or on-site camping.
Grand Beach, Manitoba
Grand Beach is another popular beach to put on your list.
It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, in Grand Beach Provincial Park.
This is a popular beach to visit among tourists with a variety of activities available on-site to ensure an action packed day. Activities include swimming, cycling, hiking, opportunities to go out on boats, and to stay at the camping grounds.
Within the park there are a range of picnic areas, playgrounds, and restaurants.
And if you feel like going for a walk there are two trails within the park, Spirit Rock Trail and the Ancient Beach Trail.
Grand Beach has many wild animals, including endangered plant and animal species, for some unique wildlife and nature viewing.
Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
Ingonish Beach located in Victoria County, Nova Scotia, is another popular tourist attraction and it is one to add to your list if you are visiting that area as it is known as one of the best beaches in Nova Scotia.
It is located on the Cabot Trail and it is a popular place to go swimming, hiking, and to watch the wildlife.
You can soak up the natural beauty and views of Cape Breton Island.
If you have children, this is an ideal beach to visit as it is child-friendly with playgrounds and calm waves.
Visitors to the beach can also explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park which is located nearby.
While visiting Ingonish Beach, you will also be close to other attractions including Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Cabot Trail, and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
Register for your WHC Jobs Kit for lists of the top ski resort employers in BC and Alberta, our working holiday jobs search tool and much more!
Singing Sands Beach, Ontario
There are many reasons to visit the Singing Sands Beach located near Tobermory in Ontario. This beach is part of Bruce Peninsula National Park.
It has a lot to offer with shallow waters, sand dunes, a boardwalk, and a large picnic area.
You might be wondering why it is called the Singing Sands Beach. It is due to the sound of the wind as it whistles through the sand dunes.
The scenic boardwalk will provide a unique experience where you will get to view rare flowers that can only be found in the Great Lakes region. Upon enjoying a walk along the boardwalk there is a large picnic area where you can relax and re-energise.
Sauble Beach, Ontario
There are many beaches in Ontario, and another one to explore is Sauble Beach. Located on the South Bruce Peninsula, this beach is often rated as the best in Ontario.
Sauble Beach is also known as the second longest freshwater beach in the world, with seven kilometres of beautiful sandy beach.
If you are interested in water sports, Sauble Beach offers a range of boating and water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and jet-skiing.
And that’s not all! Sauble Beach is also popular for its warm water and beach activities such as volleyball.
Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island
If you are the adventurous type, there are plenty of adrenaline boosting outdoor activities to enjoy at Cavendish Beach including the opportunity to jet ski, kayak windsurf, or kite board to name a few!
And for any golf fanatics, there are four award winning golf courses within a ten-minute drive from Cavendish Beach.
If this doesn’t interest you, there are opportunities to hike, walk or cycle around the Prince Edward Island National Park with various trails.
Or simply sit back and take in the view of the sun setting on the beach.
Sandbanks Provincial Park, Price Edward County, Ontario
Sandbanks Beach is located in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the northern shore of Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County. It is approximately a two and a half hour drive from Toronto, and it is another popular beach in Canada.
While visiting the park you will not only have the option to visit one beach, but there are three beaches located within the park – Dunes Beach, Outlet Beach and Lakeshore Beach.
You will also find some hiking trails in the park. These are perfect for some family-fun as the trails aren’t particularly long with the Cedar Sands Nature Trail being two kilometres in length, and the Sandbanks Dunes Trail being 2.5 kilometres long.
To finish the day, there are dining options available at Outlet Beach and Dunes Beach.
If you are visiting the park during peak times, it is advised that you purchase your vehicle permit in advance.
There is also a campsite located in the park if you are looking to make a trip out of your visit.
Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Canada
Next up is Jericho Beach! Located in Jericho Park and Beach, Vancouver this beach is popular among locals and tourists in the area. The beach is just a 15 minute drive from Downtown Vancouver and it has stunning scenery of mountains and the ocean. It is also one of the best sunset spots in the city!
There are many water activities available at the beach that you can take part in as the equipment required can be rented from the Jericho Sailing Centre. Activities on offer include kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and windsurfing.
There are also multiple trails and things to see, such as views of Downtown Vancouver, and uniquely the park is also home to wild bunnies which you will likely come across on your visit.
You May Also Like:
TOP 15 CANADIAN WATERFALLS YOU SHOULD VISIT DURING YOUR WORKING HOLIDAY
Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia, Canada
Lawrencetown Beach in Canada is another popular beach, particularly amongst surfers as it is well-known for its consistent waves. If you are a beginner, there are many surfing schools on site.
This beach also offers picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are a variety of activities available to visitors of the beach including kayaking, windsurfing and volleyball.
That’s not all Lawrencetown Beach has to offer! There is also a boardwalk covering the length of the beach. The trail is approximately 3.1 kilometres out and back.
Murray Beach, New Brunswick
There are many reasons why you should consider visiting Murray Beach Provincial Park if you are located in New Brunswick. Murray Bach has a lot to offer, namely the view you can take in of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The stunning sandy beach with warm water is the perfect place to unwind and relax, escaping everyday life in a peaceful atmosphere.
Within Murray Beach Provincial Park, there are many activities on offer to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in relaxing or you would prefer to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking the trails on site.
There are also options to camp on site if you want to make a weekend trip away.
Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Kitsilano Beach, also known as ‘Kits’ Beach, is one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches and arguably Canada’s best urban beach. This beach has a laid-back atmosphere and it is surrounded by stunning views of the mountains, the ocean, and Downtown Vancouver.
On-site there are also alternative outdoor activities such as tennis courts and basketball courts.
Kitsilano Beach is also home to Canada’s longest pool, which is 137 metres in length – almost three times longer than an Olympic pool. This outdoor heated pool has fantastic views of Kitsilano Beach and it is truly a unique experience not to be missed.
If you are visiting in July, this is when the Khatsahlano Street Party usually takes place, showcasing local art, music, and food. This day-long event has been a longstanding tradition and it takes place on West 4th Avenue, just over one kilometre from Kitsilano Beach.
Basin Head Beach, Prince Edward Island
This beautiful beach is located on the eastern shore of Prince Edward Island. This is another beach that is best known for its ‘singing sands’ as the sand makes a whistling noise as you walk through it. This is rare and there are few beaches in Canada where you can experience it. The singing noise is caused by the high silica content in the sand – therefore the beach is also known as the “Singing Sands Beach.”
If you have a family with younger children, this beach is a great place to visit as there are many areas where the water is more shallow and therefore suitable for kids.
As the beach is located in Basin Head Provincial Park, there are a lot more activities and things to do on-site. This includes a fisheries museum and a play area. You will also find a picnic area, restaurant, and a gift shop on-site.
Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
Brackley Beach is located approximately a 20-minute drive from Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island.
It is a family-friendly beach as it has many activities for kids to enjoy.
The beach is a popular location to go kayaking and paddleboarding, and while you are there you can enjoy the magnificent views of the sand dunes on site.
And best of all, it has the only drive-in theatre in Prince Edward Island on-site – Brackley Drive-In Theatre.
If you are interested in visiting more tourist attractions, the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place is located a 20 minute drive from the beach.
Read Also:
THE BEST CANADIAN CITIES TO LIVE IN
Grand Bend Beach, Ontario
Known as one of Canada’s best beach towns, Grand Bend Beach is located on the shore of Lake Huron in Lambton County. This beach welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It is one of Canada’s Blue Flag beaches – meaning it has strict water quality and safety measures.
Grand Bend Beach is the ideal location to soak in the sun’s rays or take a walk along the boardwalk which runs the length of the beach.
Grand Bend Beach is the perfect location to take in views of the sunset with opportunities to get a unique picture by the Grand Bend Beach Lighthouse, or visit the upstairs deck for an amazing view of the beach and Lake Huron.
If you are interested in some beach games, there are volleyball nets on site.
And if you are feeling adventurous, there is an opportunity to rent jet skis or parasail on Lake Huron.
Sombrio Beach, British Columbia
Sombrio Beach is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It offers a unique experience to explore waterfalls while you are visiting the beach – hence, it is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada.
There are many activities available at the beach to suit everyone. Whether that involves finding the hidden Sombrio Beach Waterfall.
Or following the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail where you can also get a view of the waterfall.
Sombrio Beach is also rated as an excellent location for surfing at all levels.
Or perhaps you just want to relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
A Queensland beach to visit is the unique Whitehaven Beach, it is often ranked as one of the world’s best beaches.
Located on Whitsunday Island, this beach has a long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters creating a picturesque view.
And for an even better view, take a short 20-minute hike to the northern end of the beach where you can get an amazing view over the beach. This beach is unique as the tides mix to create a swirling effect of white sand and turquoise water.
However, this beach can only be accessed via boat or air, but it is a must-visit if you are in the area, and it is easily accessible with many tours.
Willows Beach, Victoria
Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria in Oak Bay is Willows Beach. Willows Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Victoria with many activities on offer.
It is one of Victoria’s most popular swimming beaches and it is ideal if you are visiting as a family as it offers calm waters, a playground and areas to enjoy a picnic.
It offers stunning scenery with nearby parks and gardens in the Oak Bay area with incredible views of mountains for a breathtaking view.
Woodbine Beach, Toronto
Woodbine Beach, a well-known beach in Toronto is situated just a 15-minute drive from Downtown Toronto. There are plenty of great features to this beach.
With a water sports equipment rental on site offering sunrise and sunset kayaking experiences, volleyball courts, and Woodbine Beach Park to explore, there are many activities offered at Woodbine Beach.
This beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, and it offers a long, wide stretch of sand and views of the Toronto skyline. There is also a boardwalk along the beach where you can take a relaxing walk.
Register for your WHC Jobs Kit for lists of the top ski resort employers in BC and Alberta, our working holiday jobs search tool and much more!
Canada is home to many of the top beaches in the world and offers a wide variety of beach experiences. With each beach offering its own unique features, there are options to suit everyone. From nature enthusiasts, to adventurous water sport lovers, to sunset chasers, there are remarkable memories to be made on Canadian beaches.
Who can help me obtain a working holiday visa for Canada?
Are you ready to explore Canada and all it has to offer?
Visa First can help you secure your Canadian Working Holiday Visa.
By applying for your visa with Visa First, the team of experts will guide you throughout the application process and they will handle all of the paperwork.
Allowing you to focus on planning your adventure to Canada!
Why choose Visa First?
- They organise over 10,000 visas each year
- Fast and convenient service
- 20 years of experience
Want to experience the Canadian way of life?
Apply for your Canadian Working Holiday Visa
