Photo: wasagaedgewaterresorts on Instagram 

Although Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world, the beautiful True North spends most of the year covered in snow. However, once summer rolls around and the snowflakes and ice disappear for the season, Canada offers some of the best waves to ride and sandy beaches to lounge on. Even if you can’t afford that expensive getaway to a faraway land, you can always take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy the beauty of a local beach. From Toronto to Prince Edward Island, these are the beaches you should visit this summer. 

Long Beach

Don’t be fooled, this is not the famous Long Beach in Los Angeles, as this beach is located in Pacific Rim National Park, BC. Long beach is situated between Ucluelet and Tofino and claims to offer the perfect waves for surfing. Whether you like riding the waves, or simply adore surfer boys, there’s no need to fly out to L.A. for a beach getaway with your closest pals. 

Wasaga

Wasaga is located in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park in Ontario. This popular destination hosts over one million visitors a year. Wasaga stretches 14 kilometres, which makes it the world’s longest freshwater beach. The large beach offers jet skiing, sky diving, shopping, restaurants, walking trails and much more. From local cottage rentals to picnic spots, Wasaga is ideal for either a weekend away from the 6ix, or a Saturday day trip with family. 

Madeleine

Madeleine is located in Îles De La Madeleine in Quebec. This beach is compiled of a couple islands linked in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This an ideal spot for activities such as scuba diving, kite surfing, sailing and windsurfing. 

St. Catherines Beach 

This beach is located in Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover, an endangered shorebird, has taken up residence on this beach which makes the area very well protected. Although many people come to visit this beautiful beach, swimming is strongly discouraged as the frigid water has extremely strong sweeping currents. Instead, try enjoying the scenic sights from the shore, where you can take beautiful photos for your social media feed, or simply relax in the presence of nature. 

Singing Sands

Singing Sands is located in Basin Head Provincial Park, Souris, P.E.I. The beach’s silica sand makes a unique squeaking sound, which has earned the moniker “singing sands”. Other than having a beautiful name, this beach is often flooded with people who come to enjoy the warm water and serene atmosphere in the summer months. 

Grand Beach

Once named one of the sexiest beaches in North America by Playboy, this Manitoba beach stretches three kilometres along Lake Winnipeg, in the town of Grand Marais. Thousands of visitors come every year to fish, sail, swim and kite surf. You can even bird watch on the designated trails, if you prefer a calming activity and a break from fast-paced water sports.