2023 Portabrella Beach Guide
Beaches in Canada 🍁
1. Long Beach, Tofino, British Columbia
Water Quality: ★★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★
Located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach is a popular destination for surfing, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. The beach stretches for more than 16 kilometers and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding rainforest.
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By Car: It takes approximately 5.5 hours from Vancouver, 6 hours from Victoria, and 10.5 hours from Calgary to drive to Tofino.
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By Bus: Tofino Bus offers daily bus service from Vancouver and Victoria to Tofino.
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By Plane: Flights are available from Vancouver to Tofino and take approximately 1 hour.
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By Ferry: BC Ferries offers service from Vancouver Island to the mainland and between Vancouver Island communities.
Things to do:
- Surfing lessons: Long Beach is known for its great waves, making it the perfect place to try your hand at surfing. Local surf schools offer lessons for all levels.
- Hiking in Pacific Rim National Park: This beach is located in the park, which offers several beautiful hiking trails through old-growth forests and along the coastline.
- Whale watching: Take a tour to spot gray and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Learn more about Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
2. Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Water Quality: ★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★★
Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, stretching for 14 kilometers along the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The beach is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, and offers a range of recreational activities including swimming, boating, and fishing.
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By Car: It takes approximately 1.5 hours from Toronto and 2.5 hours from Ottawa to drive to Wasaga Beach.
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By Bus: Ontario Northland offers daily bus service from Toronto and Ottawa to Wasaga Beach.
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By Train: VIA Rail offers train service to nearby Collingwood, which is a 30-minute drive from Wasaga Beach.
- Beach volleyball: Wasaga Beach is home to several beach volleyball courts, making it a popular spot for tournaments and casual games.
- Wasaga Beach Provincial Park: This park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history.
- Nancy Island Historic Site: Learn about the War of 1812 and the role this island played in the conflict at this historic site.
Book accommodations in Wasaga Beach
3. Parlee Beach, New Brunswick
Water Quality: ★★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★
Located on the Northumberland Strait, Parlee Beach is one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada. The beach is known for its soft sand and gentle surf, and offers a range of facilities including washrooms, showers, and a canteen.
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By Car: It takes approximately 2.5 hours from Moncton and 4.5 hours from Halifax to drive to Parlee Beach.
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By Bus: Acadian Lines offers daily bus service from Moncton and Halifax to Shediac, which is a 10-minute drive from Parlee Beach.
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By Plane: Flights are available to Moncton and Halifax, which are both within driving distance of Parlee Beach.
- Swimming and sunbathing: Parlee Beach is known for its warm waters and soft sand, making it a great spot to relax and soak up the sun.
- Kite flying: The beach's steady winds make it a popular spot for kite flying.
- Nature walks: Take a stroll along the beach's boardwalk or head to nearby Pointe-du-Chêne for a nature walk through the salt marshes.
Learn more about Parlee Beach Provincial Park
Book accommodations in Pointe-du-Chene
4. Sauble Beach, Ontario
Water Quality: ★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: strong> ★★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★★
Sauble Beach is a popular destination for swimming, windsurfing, and sunbathing. The beach stretches for 11 kilometers along the eastern shore of Lake Huron and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding forest.
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By Car: It takes approximately 3 hours from Toronto and 4.5 hours from Ottawa to drive to Sauble Beach.
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By Bus: Ontario Northland offers daily bus service from Toronto and Ottawa to nearby Owen Sound, which is a 30-minute drive from Sauble Beach.
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By Train: VIA Rail offers train service to nearby Wiarton, which is a 20-minute drive from Sauble Beach.
- Sauble Falls Provincial Park: This park offers hiking trails, a picnic area, and a waterfall.
- Paddleboarding and kayaking: Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the waters of Lake Huron.
- Sandcastle building: Sauble Beach is known for its soft sand, making it the perfect place to build sandcastles with the family.
Book accommodations in Sauble Beach
Beaches outside of Canada🌍
1. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica
Water Quality: ★★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★★
Seven Mile Beach is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The beach features crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, and is lined with resorts and restaurants.
Flight Time: From Toronto it takes approximately 4 hours, from Vancouver it takes approximately 9 hours, and from Quebec it takes approximately 4.5 hours to fly to Montego Bay, which is a 1-hour drive from Seven Mile Beach.
Things to do:
- Snorkeling and diving: Seven Mile Beach is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Jamaica, including the famous Negril Reef.
- Rick's Cafe: This famous bar and restaurant is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, offering stunning sunset views and live music.
- Reggae music: Negril is the birthplace of reggae music, so be sure to catch a live performance at one of the local bars or clubs.
2. Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii
Water Quality: ★★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its soft sand, gentle surf, and stunning sunsets. The beach is located in the heart of Honolulu and offers a range of recreational activities, including surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding.
Flight Time: From Toronto it takes approximately 11 hours, from Vancouver it takes approximately 6.5 hours, and from Quebec it takes approximately 10 hours to fly to Honolulu.
Things to do:
- Surfing lessons: Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, offering lessons for all levels.
- Diamond Head State Monument: This iconic landmark offers hiking trails and stunning views of Waikiki and the surrounding area.
- Shopping and dining: Waikiki is home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants, offering everything from luxury brands to local cuisine.
3. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Water Quality: ★★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★★
Bondi Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Australia, known for its beautiful surf, lively atmosphere, and stunning coastal walk. The beach is located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and offers a range of facilities, including lifeguard services, restrooms, and changing rooms.
Flight Time: From Toronto it takes approximately 22 hours with one stop, from Vancouver it takes approximately 17 hours with one stop, and from Quebec it takes approximately 23 hours with one stop to fly to Sydney, which is a 25-minute drive from Bondi Beach.
Things to do:- Coastal walk: The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk offers stunning views of the coastline and several beautiful beaches along the way.
- Bondi Markets: These markets offer local art, crafts, and food, and are held every Sunday at Bondi Beach Public School.
- Surfing and swimming: Bondi Beach is known for its great waves and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for surfing and swimming.
4. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Water Quality: ★★★
Beach Cleanliness: ★★★
Scenery and Natural Beauty: ★★★★★
Recreational Activities: ★★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★
Accommodation Options: ★★★★
Safety and Security: ★★★
Crowd Level: ★★★★★
Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful views, and stunning sunsets. The beach is located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and offers a range of recreational activities, including beach volleyball, surfing, and soccer.
Flight Time: From Toronto it takes approximately 15 hours with one stop, from Vancouver it takes approximately 14 hours with one stop, and from Quebec it takes approximately 14 hours with one stop to fly to Rio de Janeiro, which is a 30-minute drive from Copacabana Beach.
Dance samba: Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant samba music and dance culture, so be sure to catch a live performance or take a dance class while you're here.
Things to do:
- Visit Christ the Redeemer: This iconic statue stands at the top of Corcovado Mountain, offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and the surrounding area. You can access it via a scenic train ride or hike.
- Sip on caipirinhas on the beach: Caipirinhas are Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. Enjoy one while soaking up the sun on Copacabana Beach.
- Play beach soccer and volleyball: These are popular sports in Brazil, so join a pickup game on the sand.
- Take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain: This landmark offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean, and you can reach it by taking a cable car from the nearby Urca neighborhood.
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