While taking a vacation can be a big expense that some might try to avoid (especially if you’re a new homeowner), you don’t have to travel overseas to enjoy some hard-earned time away from the office. Canada has its own beautiful beaches you can spend some time building your tan at.
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
One of the most popular destinations for summer vacationers, Wasaga beach is known as Canada’s beach city. It has a bustling vibe similar to the beaches you’ll find in Florida, U.S.. Located between the Georgian Bay and Niagara Escarpment (both UNESCO Biosphere Reserves), it is the world’s longest freshwater beach at 14km.
Havre-Aubert Beach, Quebec
There’s no need to go all the way to the Caribbean for crystal-blue sandy beaches when you have this option right here. Take a trip to the Iles de la Magdalen (Magdalen Islands), a chain of islands right in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and sunbathing are all part of the day. In August, the water reaches a warm 68 degrees, making for the perfect swimming conditions.
Tribune Bay, British Columbia
Located on the inner waters of Vancouver Island, this pristine beach’s crystal-clear water will have you thinking you’ve left the country. The beach is nicknamed “Little Hawaii” for good reason. One of the warmest salt water swimming areas in the province, the shallow waters reach near tropical temperatures in the summer.
Grand Beach, Manitoba
Located just one hour north of Winnipeg, Grand Beach is home to one of the largest ‘artisand’ festivals in the world, where sand artists from all over come every August to compete for the title, creating incredible sand castles and sculptures from the soft white sand.
Singing Sands, PEI
Recently nominated as one of Canada’s natural wonders, Singing Sands is filled with stunning red quartz sands, and surprisingly warm waters that make for great beach days. It gets its name from the strange phenomenon of the sand here; when you walk on it, it produces a sound that some liken to singing, while others say it’s more like a squeaking noise. Either way, it’s something you have to experience to believe.