Discover Canada’s top five beach towns this summer: From a stretch of sand on Lake Erie to Parksville, B.C
There are tons of great beaches in this country, but beach towns are a category on their own; mostly small towns that button up in the winter, but explode with sun seekers in summer. Here’s a look at some of the top beach towns in Canada.
PORT STANLEY, ONT.
This is a wonderful stretch of sand on Lake Erie, with fun cafes and places to try great summer food. There’s a lively beachfront restaurant and bar called GT’s On The Beach, where the sign on the enormous patio says “Sand, Suds and Sizzle.” If you wander a few feet down the beach you’ll find a legendary ice cream/snack/lunch spot called Mackie’s, where they serve up sweet Orangeade and baskets of fries the size of a smart car. A few blocks away are several B&Bs worth checking out and some fun shops, including a natural snack spot called Barb’s Brickle. www.portstanley.net
PARKSVILLE, B.C.
This is a fun and pretty town on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, north of Nanaimo. The summer sand castle competition is one of the best around. Officially called the Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, it runs July 15 to Aug. 21 this year. There’s also a long boardwalk where you can soak up the sun and fresh air. Check out Little Qualicum Falls while you’re here, too. Try the Beach Club Resort for great views of the water. Tidal Taco Shack is a popular spot in Qualicum Beach, as is Deez for burgers. Others swear by Saigon Garden for southeast Asian food in Parksville. www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com
GIMLI, MAN.
This is a fun beach town on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg, just over an hour north of the city of Winnipeg. It’s known for its Icelandic heritage, with an Icelandic Festival every August long weekend. You’ll find a cute, quaint town with boutiques, restaurants and an Icelandic heritage museum. They hold the Gimli Film Festival every summer (this year’s runs July 20-24) with films shown on a screen suspended near the lake and folks gathered on the sand to watch. Check out the Beach Boy Restaurant for everything from pickerel to burgers. www.visitgimli.com
GRAND BEND, ONT.
The sand and sunsets are astonishing, sure, but it’s also got just the right sense of summer vibe. The smell of greasy fries sets the stage, but you’ll also find a couple of great, summer ice cream shops: Missy’s and Dairy Dip, which has a small patio out front and serves classic dipped ice creams with chocolate and vanilla. Try Archie’s Surf Shop for tee’s or shorts. There’s also a short stretch of river with a small lighthouse and a nice, waterfront restaurant called Smackwater Jack’s. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, try The Schoolhouse Restaurant or Midori for good Japanese food near the beach. www.grandbendtourism.com
SHEDIAC, N.B.
The water here can reach 24°C in summer, so the beaches are great. Things are just as hot in town, where you’ll find lovely outdoor cafes as well as swim wear shops and galleries. There’s a regular Sunday market, billed as the largest outdoor market in Atlantic Canada, with fresh food and locally made products. This year’s market began June 19 and runs until Sept. 25. Stop at any number of local restaurants for fresh scallops or lobster. Better yet, get a family photo at the giant lobster on the west side of town. There’s a Jazz Alley performance every Thursday night and an Artists Alley event every Friday evening, with plenty of local talent. Shediac also boasts one of the few drive-in theatres left in Canada, the Neptune. www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Starwood Hotels is offering a Canada Day sale at more than 65 properties across the country, with savings of 15 per cent or more on upgraded room types when booked by midnight, July 1. Members of the Starwood Preferred Guest program (free to join) save another 5 per cent and get free WiFi while earning Starwood points.