Beaches, Lakes and Reservoirs in Canada

Location: Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada

Sylvan Lake Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s most popular lake destinations, drawing over 900,000 visitors each year. Centered around a spring-fed lake with nearly a mile of sandy and grassy shoreline, the park is ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. Two convenient boat launches—one at Sun Breaker Cove and another at the marina—make it easy to enjoy the lake by watercraft.

• Spacious Beachfront – Wide grassy and sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing and family fun
• Lake Recreation – Great for swimming, water-skiing, fishing, and boating
• Boat Launches – Access the lake via ramps at Sun Breaker Cove or the marina
• Day-Use Amenities – Includes picnic tables, volleyball nets, restrooms, and shaded grassy areas
• Popular Events – Hosts volleyball tournaments and community celebrations in the summer

Address: Sylvan Lake Provincial Park, 4403 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada
Phone: 403-887-5522

Location: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Chesterman Beach is a stunning, W-shaped stretch of sand just ten minutes south of Tofino. Spanning over 1.6 miles, this expansive beach is bordered by beautiful coastal homes and the renowned Wickaninnish Inn at its northern end. Shrouded in coastal forest and opening to the wild Pacific, the beach offers year-round recreation and unforgettable ocean views. Whether you're looking to surf, storm-watch, whale-watch, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk, Chesterman Beach has something for everyone.

• Beach Variety – Explore North, South, and Middle Chesterman, each with its own unique charm
• Surf-Friendly – Surf lessons are available at South Chesterman Beach for beginners and pros alike
• Tide Pool Discovery – North Chesterman is great for tide pooling during low tide
• Year-Round Activities – Popular for storm watching, whale sightings, kite-flying, and beach walks
• Luxury Nearby – Stay or dine at the Wickaninnish Inn, a top Canadian coastal resort

Address: Chesterman Beach, 1426 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 250-725-3414

Location: Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada

Located within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach is the longest and largest beach on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Easily accessible by car along the Tofino-Ucluelet Highway, this beach stretches for miles and is a must-visit destination for surfers, nature lovers, and beachcombers alike. Known for its consistent waves, it was one of the first surfing hotspots in Canada and remains a favorite to this day.

• Iconic Surfing Destination – Ideal for both beginner and seasoned surfers due to steady surf conditions
• Accessible Location – Runs alongside the Pacific Rim Highway with multiple entry points
• Driftwood-Strewn Shoreline – Scenic coastline with large driftwood logs and sandy stretches at low tide
• Tide-Exposed “Islands” – Explore rocky formations during low tide (with caution)
• Safety Advisory – Avoid island exploration during high tide or rough weather due to dangerous rip currents

Address: Long Beach, 2791 Pacific Rim Highway, Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 250-726-3500

For a Family Adventure:

Location: Penticton, British Columbia, Canada

Situated on the southern edge of Penticton, Skaha Beach stretches for half a mile along the warm, inviting waters of Skaha Lake. This popular beach is especially well-suited for families with children, offering a variety of amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained. The lake is a favorite for kite surfing and windsurfing, and features floating docks and small slides for water play.

• Family-Friendly Fun – Features floating docks, water slides, and a large playground
• Recreational Extras – Enjoy beach volleyball, basketball, a splash park, and a hockey ball court
• Convenient Amenities – Washrooms, shaded picnic areas, rental facilities, and food concessions nearby
• Watersport Hotspot – Popular for windsurfing and kite surfing on breezy lake days
• Unique Attraction – Visit the Skaha Solar Timepiece, an interactive sundial that tracks the sun’s position

Address: Skaha Beach, 4145 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 236-422-1023

Location: Juan de Fuca, British Columbia, Canada

Located near the Kilometer 29 marker of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, Sombrio Beach is a scenic, rugged destination accessed via an 820-foot trail from the parking area off Highway 14. This expansive cobblestone beach is popular among surfers, campers, and hikers alike. It features three designated wilderness camping zones—Main Sombrio, East Sombrio, and West Sombrio—each offering a unique experience for overnight stays.

• Easy Trail Access – Reach the beach via a short, well-marked trail from the Sombrio Beach Trailhead
• Surf Destination – Known for consistent waves, it attracts surfers from around the world
• Wilderness Camping – Camp in designated beach zones with a back-to-nature vibe
• Hiking Hub – Explore trail segments on both east and west ends of the beach
• Trail Etiquette – Respect hikers along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail when visiting

Address: Sombrio Beach, Juan de Fuca, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 250-474-1336

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Wreck Beach is a world-renowned, 49-mile-long clothing-optional beach located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. With its laid-back, free-spirited vibe and stunning natural surroundings, it's a one-of-a-kind destination for sunbathing, swimming, people-watching, and exploring.

• Naturist-Friendly – Clothing-optional and respectful of all comfort levels; “no gawking” is the rule
• Cultural Vibe – Known for its hippie-style atmosphere, with live music and friendly vendors
• Unique Beach Bazaar – Purchase everything from snacks and drinks to handmade jewelry and massages
• Scenic Access Trails – Several hiking trails wind down to the beach through lush coastal forest
• Popular & Photogenic – Canada’s most-visited beach and a favorite subject for landscape photographers

Address: Wreck Beach, NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 604-224-5739

Romantic Lakes

Location: Port Renfrew, British Columbia, Canada

China Beach is a serene coastal gem located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near the southeastern edge of Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island’s west coast. The beach is accessed via a well-maintained, wide trail from the lower level of the China Beach day-use parking lot. Along the way, visitors are treated to towering Douglas-fir trees and a scenic wooden platform offering views of the strait, ideal for photographers.

• Easy Access Trail – Family-friendly trail winds through forest and leads directly to the beach
• Great for Families – Ideal for sandcastle building, wading, and picnicking by the shore
• Hidden Waterfall – Explore the west end of the beach to find a beautiful, tucked-away waterfall
• Seasonal Whale Watching – Look for migrating grey whales in the spring and fall months
• Forest-to-Shore Experience – Enjoy a peaceful transition from lush rainforest to wide open coastline

Address: China Beach, 12287 Hwy 14, Capital H, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 250-642-5241

Location: Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

Encompassing nearly 8,000 acres, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is a scenic natural retreat just outside of Vernon. This largely undeveloped park showcases North Okanagan grasslands, dotted with groves of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Its main attraction, Kalamalka Lake—often called the "lake of a thousand colors"—shimmers in vibrant hues ranging from deep indigo to bright cyan depending on the season and sunlight.

• Colorful Waters – Glacial-fed Kalamalka Lake changes color throughout the year
• Natural Setting – Explore wide grasslands, forested groves, and lakeside trails
• Popular Beaches – Cosens Bay Beach and Kal Beach offer developed access points for swimming and relaxing
• Water Recreation – Boating, waterskiing, and paddle sports are common on the lake
• Resort Proximity – Several lakeside resorts make this park a convenient getaway

Address: Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, 3004 39 Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 250-542-1415

Location: Grand Marais, Manitoba, Canada

If you're looking for the perfect summer beach getaway in Manitoba, you really can’t go wrong with Grand Beach. Located on the northern edge of Grand Marais, this white-sand beauty sits on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg and stretches nearly two miles. It’s backed by impressive sand dunes—some as tall as 40 feet—which makes it feel both spacious and scenic.

• Bring a Beach Blanket – With so much soft sand, you’ll want to claim a spot early, especially on weekends
• Walk the Boardwalk – Head to the west end for shops, snacks, and change rooms—it’s super convenient if you're spending the day
• Get in the Water – The lake is great for swimming, kayaking, or just floating around on a warm day
• Explore the Trails – If you need a break from the sun, the Wild Wings Trail is a peaceful walk with great birdwatching
• Watch the Wind – On breezy days, those tall dunes are a great natural shield—find a spot nestled near them for extra comfort

Address: Grand Beach, 79 1st Street, Grand Marais, Manitoba, Canada
Phone: 204-754-5040

Location: Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, Canada

If you're visiting New Brunswick between mid-May and mid-October, make sure to add Hopewell Rocks to your itinerary—it’s one of the province’s top natural wonders. Located along the shores of the Bay of Fundy, this park is famous for having the highest tides in the world. It’s one of those places that looks completely different depending on when you go, so it’s worth seeing at both low and high tide if you can.

• Walk the Ocean Floor – At low tide, stroll along the 1.25-mile beach and explore massive sandstone formations up close
• Watch the Tide Roll In – When the tide rises, the same formations become little islands—bring your camera!
• Try a Kayaking Tour – If you visit during high tide, guided kayaking around the rocks is unforgettable
• Make a Day of It – Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenic picnic spots and well-maintained walking trails
• Time It Right – Check the tide schedule before you go so you can plan your visit around low or high tide—or both

Address: Hopewell Rocks, 131 Ch. Discovery Road, Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, Canada
Phone: 877-734-3429