11 Canadian parks with beaches that will take your breath away
6 Minute Read
From golden sands to forest-lined lakes, Canada’s natural playgrounds are calling for you this summer. Whether you're road-tripping to a quiet beach town or pitching a tent in one of the country’s national parks, there's no shortage of summer spots to soak up the sun. These close-to-home escapes offer all the scenic beauty and relaxation of a vacation, without ever leaving Canada.
Here are some of Canada’s top national and provincial parks with beaches to explore this summer:
Cavendish Beach
Where: 590 Graham’s Ln, Cavendish, P.E.I.
This iconic stretch of sand runs nearly eight kilometres along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is surrounded by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is family-friendly with lifeguards on duty from late June to September, making it a safe environment for swimmers. They also include amenities like washrooms, change rooms, a canteen and a boardwalk that leads over dunes to the shoreline.
Several of their trailheads – including Cavendish Dunelands and Gulf Shore Parkway – offer scenic hikes or bike rides just off the sand. Miles of the golden sand, supervised swimming, and red rock cliffs make Canvendsih an all-in-one summer hit.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Where: 12729 Hwy. 17N, Batchawana Bay, ON
Set along the eastern shore of Lake Superior, it offers more than three kilometres of soft sand and those famous Caribbean blue shallows. This calm water makes it perfect for canoeing, swimming, and other paddling activities. It's also a historic voyage route, with this site being a central focal point in the Canadian fur Trade era, allowing the voyagers to rest on the sandy shores.
There's camping for every style within the park, from forested hilltops to roomy RV pads, even barrier-free sites with beachfront access. It's ideal for travellers looking to unwind while staying connected to nature and history.
You'll find Batchawana Bay Provincial Park, another peaceful beach destination with postcard-worthy views, just nine minutes down the road. Situated along the Trans-Canada Highway, it's ideal for a spontaneous picnic or a scenic pit stop on your northern Ontario road trip. The calm shoreline and panoramic Lake Superior background make it easy to stretch your stay.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Where: 3004 Country Rd. 12 RR#1, Picton, ON
Planning an escape near Ottawa? This provincial park is the ultimate summer getaway. Considered one of the most iconic destinations in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks is best known for its stunning beaches, including Dunes Beach, Outlet Beach, and Lakeshore Beach. These beaches feature soft, golden sand and clear water.
Its calm waters make this park a safe and popular choice for families with young children, while the expansive shoreline offers plenty of space to spread out and relax. They also have a variety of amenities like restrooms, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to spend the entire day in the water.
Learn more
Forillon National Park
Where: 1501 Forillon Blvd., Gaspé, QC
Perched on the tip of eastern Quebec, Forillon National Park offers a series of stunning rocky shoreline beaches like Penouille, Cap-des-Rosiers, Cap-Bon-Ami and Petit-Gaspe. Each spot blends cliffside views, marine wildlife (think seals, whales, and seabirds), and sheltered coves ideal for beach walks.
Penouille Beach stands out as one of Quebec’s finest sandy beaches, with waters warm enough for a summer dip. Meanwhile, Cap-des-Rosiers offers pebble beaches with a view of its iconic lighthouse and access to the Irish Memorial trail.
Inverness Beach
Where: 158 Beach No. 1 Rd., Inverness, N.S.
Inverness Beach is known for its warm, shallow ocean waters and wide, light tan sand- some of the warmest saltwater swimming in Canada. This Nova Scotian beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean horizon and a scenic boardwalk built on an old coal mining railway. Inverness Beach is also thoughtfully set up for inclusivity, with non-slip Mobi-Mats, floating Mobi-chairs, and sand access wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy the fun. So, grab a chair, catch sunset by Cabot Links golf course – and don't skip the canteen for a post-swim ice cream.
Darlington Provincial Park
Where: 1600 Darlington Park Rd., Bowmanville, ON
Right off Highway 401 near Oshawa, Darlington Provincial Park is calm, rocky and perfect for summer day trips. It's convenient for families or road trippers looking for a quick swim or a picnic by the water. Campsites are well-kept and conveniently located near everything you need, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the new surroundings. Plus, the waterfront view makes it an ideal spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Where: 2040 Pacific Rim Hwy., Tofino, B.C.
Stretching nearly 16 kilometres along Vancouver Island's west coast, Long Beach is the largest and most well-known beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It's a popular spot for walking, surfing and watching the waves roll in – and at low tide, you can explore the small pools and rocky areas that appear along the shoreline.
The beach has barrier-free access, paved parking and nearby picnic spots. Whether you’re here for the surf, a stroll, or the rainforest views, Long Beach offers that wild, west coast feel.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Where: 16151 Highway 41, Cloyne, ON
Famous for its 100-meter towering cliffs and 260 Indigenous pictographs along Mazinaw Lake - one of the largest known collections in Canada- Bon Echo offers a beautiful sandy beach and canoe-friendly shoreline.
This park allows hikers to explore various trail routes, including forest loops like High Pines and Shield, scenic walks like Bon Echo Creek and more challenging options like Cliff Top Trail. Whether you're looking for a short hike or an all-day adventure, there's a trail for every pace.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
Where: 45 Parlee Beach Rd., Pointe-du-Chêne, N.B.
One of New Brunswick's most visited beaches, Parlee is known for its soft golden sand, shallow shorelines and family-friendly setup. The park offers supervised swimming, shaded picnic areas, volleyball courts and more than 200 campsites within walking distance of the beach. It's also earned Blue Flag eco-certification, meeting top-tier standards for water quality, safety, and amenities. Parlee makes it easy to make the most of your beach day —and maybe even stay a night or two.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Where: 11-22nd St. N., Wasaga Beach, ON
With 14 kilometres of shorelines, Wasaga is the world's longest freshwater beach. It's one of the busiest day-use parks in the province, with over a million visits yearly. The park is home to over 200 species of migratory birds, and was the first park in Canada to receive Blue Flag status, recognizing its commitment to environmental protection and public safety.
Learn more
Before you go
Whether road-tripping across provinces, camping for a week, or heading out for a weekend beach getaway, don't forget to have travel insurance. It can help cover things like trip cancellations or medical emergencies.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will help cover any unforeseen medical expenses while travelling across Canada; however, it’s important to note that there are some expenses that it does not cover. That’s why travel insurance is needed to help cover the unexpected costs.
CAA Members save up to 20% on their travel insurance purchase, book an appointment with a travel agent to get started. You can visit a CAA Store, call 1-800-705-1803 or get a quote online.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-705-1803. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.
®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.
