Whether you prefer to surf in the Pacific Ocean or relax under the tropical sun on a sandy beach, each summer beach destination offers a distinct experience. From the coastal rainforests of British Columbia, down the California coast, and to the red sand in the Maritimes, these are the best spots for your summer beach vacation.

From Canada to the Caribbean: Best summer beach destinations

Best beach destination for: Island hikes and rugged wilderness

What to do in Tofino

Plan a Canada summer vacation along the Pacific Northwest beaches in Tofino, a small Vancouver Island village known for its natural beauty and coastal wilderness. Catch a surf break on a hot summer day, or explore the eclectic shopping in the quaint downtown. Stroll along Campbell Street and Main Street to experience the unique, locally owned shops and galleries that make Tofino truly special.

For outdoor adventures, there are surfing schools for all levels based in Tofino and nearby Ucluelet. Within the Pacific Rim National Park, you can see ancient old-growth trees as you hike through nature.

Where to stay in Tofino

For the perfect couple’s getaway, book your stay at the Wickaninnish Inn or the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, both of which are located just steps from the beach. Make a dinner reservation at the Wolf in the Fog once you know your travel dates—specializing in local seafood and other cuisine, this spot often books up far in advance.

How to get to Tofino

There are daily flights from Vancouver to Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) with Pacific Coastal Airlines or to Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. For a wider exploration of Vancouver Island, fly into Victoria or Nanaimo, rent a car, and tour through different towns on the way to Tofino.

Best beach destination for: Romantic getaways and outdoor activities

What to do along the California coastline

Plan your summer beach vacation at Muir Beach near San Francisco. Enjoy your days lounging on the sand, or take a hike past wetlands and ponds for birdwatching.

California is also home to a few lesser-known beaches with fewer tourist crowds and more locals. In the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is a popular spot for summer water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and fishing. 

Travel to Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands to see the rugged coastline and dramatic seascapes in Mendocino County. Get a bird's-eye view of Mendocino County from 115 feet up at the Point Arena Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses on the coast.

Head south to Los Angeles to spend your summer with the locals in Santa Monica, where you can try to snag a celebrity sighting in Malibu or go skateboarding along Venice Beach. Travel 10 miles north of Malibu to El Matador State Beach to explore this pocket beach's stretch of sand, bluffs, rock formations, and hidden coves. Cabrillo Beach near San Pedro is a popular family destination where you can split your time between two main beach areas, a playground, and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

Where to stay in San Francisco

To stay close to Muir Beach, choose a hotel closer to the north end of San Francisco, such as the Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square or one of the many properties in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Where to stay in Los Angeles and Malibu

Santa Monica has numerous beachfront accommodations, such as The Georgian, an Art Deco-style hotel. Along Venice Beach, favourites include Hotel Erwin and The Kinney Venice Beach. In Malibu, indulge and stay at The Surfrider Malibu or Shutters on the Beach.

How to get to the California coastline

There are direct flights from most major Canadian cities to San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX). California State Route 1 runs north-south along the coastline, and it's one of the easiest and most scenic ways to visit the state by car. The Amtrak Coast Starlight travels from Los Angeles’ Union Station to Oakland’s Jack London Square, just outside of San Francisco.

Best beach destination for: Historical towns and family summer vacations

What to do on Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) offers 1,100km of shoreline to discover. This Maritime province is ideal for your summer beach vacation—the island is small enough to either rent a beach house as your home base and plan day trips or explore a new spot every day without driving too far.

When planning your trip, include Cavendish Beach, Greenwich National Park, and Basin Head Provincial Park in your itinerary. Consider adding a few scenic heritage roads to your route to drive down PEI's red-clay roads and through the island's countryside.

Where to stay on Prince Edward Island

For families visiting Prince Edward Island, consider renting a small cottage instead of booking a hotel. These cottages can accommodate a family or larger group, and they're often located in quiet or rural areas.

How to get to Prince Edward Island

PEI connects to the rest of Canada via the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick or the ferry between Nova Scotia and PEI during warmer months. From Charlottetown Airport, there are year-round flights to Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, with additional routes during high season from May to October.

Best beach destination in Canada for: Natural beauty and small-town vibes

What to do at Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Only a ferry ride from Prince Edward Island or a short flight from Montreal or Québec City, Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine in Quebec is a beautiful archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence with 300km of coastline.  

Havre-Aubert Beach is ranked as one of Canada’s most beautiful sandy beaches. Havre-Aubert Island features Acadian culture and history in fine dining restaurants, cultural activities, shops, and cafés. You can also catch the sand castle building competition along the beach every August, which is just as fun to watch as it is to compete in.

Where to stay on Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

The ideal stay in Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine depends on what you're looking to see or do in the region, but the majority of tourists stay in Havre-aux-Maisons at properties like Auberge Madeli.

How to get to Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport (YGR) is located on Havre-Aux-Maisons Island, with flights from Montréal, Québec City, and Gaspé. To travel by road, take a shuttle from Québec City to PEI, then take the five-hour ferry to the archipelago.

Best beach getaway for: Tranquil beaches and sunset strolls

What to do in Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

Escape and unwind at the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. A few hours from Tampa and Miami, this beachfront community is set along southwest Florida’s sunny Gulf Coast and offers miles of undeveloped coastline to explore.

Spend a romantic dinner watching the sunset from a beachfront restaurant in Sanibel. Local favourites include Thistle Lodge and Traditions on the Beach, but reserve a table early to get the best view.

Where to stay on Sanibel Island

At the beachfront cottages in Sanibel, crashing waves are the constant soundtrack. For an adventurous stay, consider sleeping in a houseboat.

How to get to Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the closest airport to Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. There are direct flights to RSW from Toronto and Montréal and connecting flight options from all other Canadian cities. If you're planning a road trip through Florida, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island are both only a two-hour drive from Tampa or just under three hours from Miami.

Best beach vacation destination for: Cliff jumping, surfing, and hiking

What to do on Maui

All of Hawaii's shorelines are gorgeous, but few outrank Ka’anapali Beach on Maui. On the west side of the island, this beach is popular for surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. With waves six to eight feet tall, this spot draws both new and experienced surfers.

Ka’anapali Beach is also a launch point for sailing, kayaking, and catamarans. On the north side of the beach, many travellers go snorkelling at Black Rock. If you visit at sunset, you’ll likely see cliff jumpers participate in the Cliff Dive Ceremony and dive into the ocean from 40 feet up, just as Maui's King Kahekili once did.

When you’re ready to retire from the beach for the day, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit in nearby Lahaina.

Where to stay on Maui

Maui offers a large range of accommodation options. From budget to lavish, many resorts are located on the west coast near Ka'anapali. For a luxurious option, stay at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, or the Fairmont Kea Lani. Look into a smaller inn or vacation rental on the island for a more budget-friendly choice.

How to get to Maui

WestJet and Air Canada offer direct flights to Maui (OGG) from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. From eastern cities in Canada, like Toronto, Montréal, or Halifax, flights to Maui usually have at least one connection.

Best beach destination for: Camping, wine tourism, and calm beaches

What to do in Prince Edward County

Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward County is set on the shores of Lake Ontario, just a few hours' drive from Toronto. Prince Edward County is made up of several small towns that are popular among Canadians and international tourists alike for summer exploration

No trip to Prince Edward County is complete without a stop at Sandbanks Provincial Park, where the shallow water is perfect for families. The world’s largest baymouth barrier dune is located at Sandbanks.

You can find some of the best southern Ontario wines in Prince Edward County. Sample the local grapes at Hinterland Wine Company, Rosehall Run, or Closson Chase Winery in Prince Edward County.

Where to stay in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has several charming inns and B&Bs to choose from. The June Motel and the Drake Devonshire are both boutique options that embody the area's playful arts culture with their design-forward spaces.

How to get to Prince Edward County

Travellers from Toronto, Montreal, or Ottawa can access Prince Edward County from the 401 and the Loyalist Parkway. Prince Edward County is also accessible via train from the Via Rail station in Belleville.

Best beach destination for: Summer beach resorts and outdoor family fun

What to do on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island hosts several pristine beaches. Visit the most popular beaches in the area, such as Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Folly Field Beach, and Islander Beach. Hilton Head Island is also a popular sports destination with more than 24 public and private world-class golf courses.

Where to stay on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is known for its luxury resorts, featuring oceanfront views, spa sanctuaries, and some of the area's top-ranked golf courses. Stay at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, the Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa, or Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island for an upscale experience.

How to get to Hilton Head Island

Although Hilton Head Island is in South Carolina, the easiest route there is by plane to Savannah, Georgia (SAV). From the airport, follow the I-95 North toward Hilton Head Island.

Best beach vacation destination for: Snorkelling and beautiful beaches

What to do in St. Maarten

Among the many Caribbean islands, St. Maarten should be near the top of your list for your beach vacation. In addition to turquoise ocean water, white sandy shores, and limestone hills, this island has two distinct cultures thriving side by side. Relax in nature on the French side, and head to the Dutch side for tranquillity in high-end hotels.

For outdoor activities, spend a day on a mountain at Pic du Paradis. The beach at Friar’s Bay is a favourite for families, and you can snorkel nearby at Happy Bay. The island also has several clothing-optional beaches, the most popular being Orient Bay on the eastern coast.

Where to stay in St. Maarten

You’ll have no problem finding accommodation and dining on the island of St. Maarten. On the French side, try the Grand Case area. For a luxurious beach getaway, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa offers a beautiful all-inclusive experience that suits couples and families alike.

How to get to St. Maarten

Direct flights are available from Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax to Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side. Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto during the high season to Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) and year-round flights to Pointe-à-Pitre.

Plan your next beach vacation

With Tofino's rugged wilderness, Maui's tropical escapes, and the other small towns and coastal hubs on this list, there are many options for your next summer beach vacation. Start searching for the best deals on your vacation to relax with sun, surf, and sandy beaches.