Best Canadian beaches

Sauble Beach (Ontario)

Located along the shore of Lake Huron west of Owen Sound, Ontario, Sauble Beach was voted the best freshwater beach in Canada by Reader's Digest readers this year. There's a reason for that too – 11 km of sandy beach. Created by sandbar deposits, the water is shallow and warm which makes it a treat for young and old alike.

The town of Sauble Beach is friendly, and the beach's reputation means there are enough visitors to keep the people-watching intriguing. But for those who want to explore beyond the confines of a towel on the sand, the area also offers a unique chance to commune with nature -- the Bruce Peninsula National Park, a world biosphere preserve, and a little further afield, the Fathom Five National Marine Park -- home to 22 ship wrecks and several lighthouses.

Devonshire Beach (Alberta)

The 7 km of beaches within the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park are simply stunning – white sand and inviting water. But Devonshire Beach is something special indeed, with rare sand dune ecology that goes back 1500 years. It's also the site of an annual sand building competition. You can also view the lake from the 983-metre Marten Mountain Viewpoint, within the provincial park.

The town of Slave Lake itself is a hub for recreation and activity when you've had enough of the tranquil peace of the provincial park. While you're in the area, enjoy the Riverboat Daze, the Lesser Slave Lake Song Bird Festival and annual fishing tournaments in the area and along the lake as well.