Canada’s Best Surf Spots

Canada may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you plan where to surf next. But did you know that if you are in Canada, you do not have to travel to Hawaii, Australia, California, or Indonesia to get the best waves?

Yes, Canada has the strongest tidal current and the largest coastline in the world with 243,042 kilometers or 151,019 miles of shores. Find some of the best surfing spots in Canada so you can give the sport a try or find waves that match your expertise.

On a normal surfing day, you just need a long/shortboard and 5/4 neoprene protection. But during the winter, the temperature drops to 40 °F or 4.5 °C so you will have to prepare a 6.5mm thick wetsuit, booties, neoprene gloves, and neoprene hood.

For saltwater surfing, Tofino is Canada’s surfing capital in the both summer and winter seasons. Tofino features 35 kilometers of surfing waves for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers.

Long Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

Long Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Tofino and is appropriate choice for newbies. The location offers a wide variety of waves, plenty of left and right-hand waves with a stunning view of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Chesterman Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

Chesterman Beach has gained popularity for having the best beginner breaks. This long sandy beach is the perfect spot for surfing lessons or those who want to catch their first wave.

Cox Bay Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

This Canadian surfing spot has hosted several international surfing competitions. Cox Bay Beach may be smaller compared to other beaches in the Tofino area but is well known for its consistent and challenging surf breaks.

East Coast Canada

Meanwhile, East Coast Canada also has good surfing spots, particularly in Halifax. There are some little beaches with decent surfing waves. Or you can head straight to Lawrencetown Beach which has been a surfing spot since the 1970s.

Do not miss White Point Beach in Queens County, Nova Scotia if you want a more a combination of surfing and the “touristy” feel. But for a more secluded surfing spot, put on your wetsuit, boots, hood, gloves on, and paddle out in Eagle Beach Head.