California’s beaches may be the most famous in North America (or are Floridians about to rise up and protest?) but Canada has its share of fantastic places to enjoy the water and catch the rays — almost too many to mention. Here are six of our favourites.

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.

(Note to 2011 travellers: services and access may have been affected by the fires that recently affected Slave Lake, so it’s a good idea to do a little extra research when planning your trip.)

Qualicum Beach (British Columbia)

Qualicum Beach is one of the “grande dames” of Canadian seaside destinations, and a truly traditional beach resort town. Its location and sandy beaches make it a popular spot for swimming and beachcombing. It offers lovely views of the Strait of Georgia, Texada and Lasqueti Islands as well as the Coast Mountain Range.

The town itself offers a sense of Vancouver Island culture – with beautiful and extensive private garden, local theatre, jazz events, and several museums just a few of the ways to appreciate the area. There’s also a strong natural heritage here, with several provincial parks within driving distance.