Advertisement
  • Newsletters
  • Subscribe
Travel

The Best Secret Beaches In Canada

There’s nothing sweeter than finding an unspoiled, semi-secluded beach. Here are some of the best options across the country.
By Courtney Shea
secret beaches in Canada-Prince Edward County-Ontario-Wellington Beach is a long sandy stretch with a small boardwalk and blue sky and blue water

Wellington Beach in Prince Edward County, Ontario. (Photo, Daniel Vaughan)

Canadian summers are unfairly short, with only a handful of perfect weeks when the nearest body of water won't give you hypothermia. All the more reason to find a perfect beach where you needn't battle for prime blanket space. Here's your guide to the most picturesque and swimmable, and still relatively undiscovered beaches.

Tribune Bay, Hornby Island, B.C.

It’s not easy to get there, but the saltwater swimming haven is well worth hopping on a ferry (or two). The locals call it “Little Hawaii” thanks to the white sand and postcard-perfect waters that warm to near-tropical temperatures by July. env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

Sombrio Beach, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, B.C.

The waves make this a go-to spot for savvy surfers who don’t want to fight for the day’s gnarliest breaks. Hang 10 on the black sand beaches or go in search of the secret waterfall. env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

Manitou Beach, Sask.

There are certainly prettier Prairie beaches, but what’s happening here is beneath the surface. Little Manitou Lake contains three times the mineral density of the ocean, which means you’ll float on the surface, and it may even clear up your psoriasis. manitoubeach.ca

Advertisement

Katherine Cove, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ont.

This secluded strip of powder-fine sand is a short walk from a must-hit natural landmark: Bathtub Island, a rock depression that creates a pool within a lake. The water is shallow (and warm!) and perfect to relax in. ontarioparks.com

Gibraltar Point Beach, Centre Island, Toronto

The furthest beach from Toronto’s ferry terminal, this isn’t the main one (Centre) nor the one for nudists (Hanlan’s Point). The water is deep, the beach is clean and the party is elsewhere. Which is exactly the point. toronto.ca

Elora Quarry, Elora, Ont.

This former limestone quarry is about two hours from Toronto, but squint and you’d swear it’s Lake Como, Italy, with its turquoise waters and 40-foot rock formations. Novelty floaties and other hipster beach paraphernalia are strongly encouraged. grandriver.ca

Groves Point Provincial Park, N.S.

A small pebble-and-sand strip surrounded by pristine parklands, this secluded spot is special for its inland ocean access—meaning you can swim in salt water that isn’t freezing or choppy (in Nova Scotia, no less). novascotia.com

Advertisement

Wellington Rotary Beach, Prince Edward County, Ont.

Sandbanks is the best-known beach in the county. But if you’d rather avoid the crowds (and skip the parking fee), this is a slightly stonier alternative—complete with its own boardwalk. prince-edward-county.com

Old-Harry Beach, Magdalen Islands, Que.

Located (logically) on Old-Harry Bay, this beach has eight and a half kilometres of uninterrupted sand, along with red rock headlands and potential for seal sightings. tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

Tea Hill Beach, Tea Hill Park, P.E.I.

Come for the red sand and mild ocean winds; stay for the local tradition of sea-glass hunting. During low tide you can walk out almost a full kilometre, so pickings are generally good. townofstratford.ca

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link
The cover of the Chatelaine Summer 2025 issue, featuring a pink drink with a paper straw.

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

In our Summer 2025 issue, we get real about what sex is like after 40. Plus, living together after divorce, our favourite beauty products of the year and 17 incredibly summery recipes, from ceviche to sour cherry cobbler.