8 Unbelievable East Coast beaches that will have Ontarians packing their cars for the summer
One of these has the warmest salt water in Canada! ☀️🏖️
Right: A person sitting on a beach. A person walking onto a beach with the ocean in the background.
Nothing quite says summer like salty hair and sandy toes — signatures of Atlantic Canadian beachgoers when the sun is out.
Ontario is good for a lot of things but East Coast beaches put Toronto's summer activities to shame.
There's a relatively short window of time to enjoy actually hot weather on the East Coast though, so you've got to visit when you can take full advantage of the sparkling shorelines that P.E.I, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have to offer.
If you're up for the long road trip from Ontario to the Maritimes, get ready to pack up your car, because these beaches will tempt you away from the concrete jungle for the summer. If a 12-hour plus car ride doesn't sound appealing, a short flight also does the trick.
Summerville Beach, Nova Scotia
The white sand beaches of the south shore of Nova Scotia are first here for a reason. They are a Maritimer's claim to fame in the summer, known for their clear blue water and picturesque shorelines. There are a few beautiful beaches along this stretch of the province, but Summerville Beach Provincial Park looks almost tropical-like, offering up a kilometre of powdery sand.
The Quarterdeck Resort, a luxurious getaway spot, is conveniently located right on the beach too — perfect for any out-of-towners wanting an extra chill beach vacation.
Basin Head Provincial Park, P.E.I
Prince Edward Island is one of those post-card provinces where around every corner you find a picture-perfect scene. Rolling farmlands, rocky cliffs, beach grass lazily blowing in the wind, and of course, the scenic lighthouses that the region is known for.
Basin Head has that classic P.E.I beach look, and something a little extra special. The beautiful beach is dubbed the "the Singing Sands" thanks to the squeaking noises the sand can make as you walk along it.
Grab a lobster roll and walk along this beach to its unique soundtrack.
Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia
Set on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, this beach is a surfing hot spot for people in the province. If you're up for an adventure you can grab a board and ride the waves, or just sit back and watch other people take on the ocean swells. Either way, a beach day here is memorable.
The crescent shoreline gives you all the East Coast views you could want and it's only around an hour away from the big city of Halifax. You can pack in a lot to a Halifax vacation, and make this beach a day trip on your itinerary.
Parlee Beach, New Brunswick
Ocean swimming isn't usually a toasty warm experience, but your best bet in the country for a comfortable dip is at this stunning beach. Parlee Beach has the warmest salt water in Canada and that alone might make it worth the trip from Ontario.
The soft sand of the beach and warm waters draw people in, but it's also just outside of the city of Moncton so close to restaurants and shopping.
Also nearby is the World's Largest Lobster sculpture, which is a necessary photo pit-stop for any East Coast road trip.
Inverness, Cape Breton Island
Set on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia this 1.5 kilometre-long beach is beautiful, and has a quaint town to top it off.
A dreamy boardwalk winds its way through the tall beachgrass to bring you to the sandy shore of this beach. The shallow waters here make it the perfect place for a long sunset stroll with your feet in the waves.
The breathtaking scenery of the island is on full display from this spot, and it just might tempt you to stay forever.
Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
This isn't your typical summer beach day, but it is definitely something worth travelling for. The Hopewell Rocks are known far and wide for their unique structure, shaped by the Bay of Fundy — home to the highest tides of the world – over the course of thousands of years. The sea stacks span two kilometres of shoreline in New Brunswick and are quite the sight.
The unique formations have trees on top of them, creating a unique-looking natural wonder. As the tide pulls out you can walk along the oceanfloor to get close to the formations, taking in their beauty.
West Point Beach, Prince Edward Island
This beach has that classic red stand that draws tourists to Prince Edward Island from all over the world. You can spend hours here walking the shoreline, keeping an eye out for sea glass and shells. The beautiful lighthouse here is actually a unique getaway that you can stay in while visiting if you want to make your trip even more special.
There's also a campground here, so you can wake up to the sound of waves and spend dawn to dusk out on the beach. You'll also want to explore the rest of the island too, with all it's charming communities and quaint shops. Of course, don't forget to stop by the famous Cows Ice Cream during a P.E.I. vacation.
New River Beach, New Brunswick
Although not the warm waters of Parlee Beach, this New Brunswick spot is spectacular in its own way. Walking onto the beach you'll be greeted by unbelievable views of the wide open ocean, an island in the distance, and of course, the long stretch of sand.
There are also some trails around the beach that you can take to explore more of the area, and even campsites in the park where you can spend the night.
This beach is just 30 minutes away from Saint John, a small port city that makes for a great place to stay while visiting New Brunswick. You can spend the morning in and out of coffee shops and art galleries here before heading out for your beach day, and end it at one of the local breweries in the historic Uptown area.
Summer is upon us (finally) and if you're itching to get out of the big city and embrace a slower pace, head East to one of these shores. The beauty of the Maritimes won't disappoint!