6 Best Places To Surf In Canada If You Want to Have A Truly Trip

Canada may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of world-class surfing, but the Great White North has some hidden treasures for surfers. While riding enormous waves may appear reserved for tropical seas, there are several areas in Canada where you may go surfing. You can even surf in the city! Canada's numerous coasts and strong surf culture make it an exciting and one-of-a-kind destination for those looking to ride the waves. If you're an avid surfer or want to discover lesser-known surf areas, these are the 6 best places to surf in Canada and enjoy an unforgettable trip.

Explore the best places to surf in Canada

Discover top surfing spots in Canada for international surfers

Whether you're a beginner or an expert surfer, these places will make you feel like you've been teleported to Australia's Gold Coast or Santa Cruz, California.

Of course, before you go out on the lake, do your homework and follow any safety guidelines for the area you're visiting. Here is a list of the best places to surf in Canada

1. Tofino, B.C.

Tofino is considered the best surfing place in Canada

Tofino, on Vancouver Island, is known for its gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and fantastic surfing and is one of the places to surf in Canada. Tofino, the surf capital of Canada, attracts surfers from all over the world. With its regular waves and stunning landscape, Long Beach is one of the best surf spots in Tofino for all ability levels. Chesterman Beach is another popular choice, providing a more relaxed surfing experience. Tofino is a fantastic location for new and experienced surfers, with many surf schools and rental businesses available.

Tofino Tourism recommends bringing a wetsuit because the water never gets warmer than 15 degrees Celsius. The best time to surf in Tofino is likely in the winter and early spring. It is the least busy season but the coldest. Depending on the shore, the waves might exceed head height. Long Beach, North and South Chesterman all have good surf, but Cox Bay is the best option.

2. Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia

Lawrencetown in Nova Scotia is one of the most popular surfing spots in Canada

Lawrencetown Beach in Nova Scotia is a must-see destination for East Coast surfers. Lawrencetown, in Nova Scotia, is a beach featuring a pair of clean point breaks.
The point breaks here are rather unpredictable, with only 5 to 10 ideal days every year.
When everything comes together, it's a sight to behold. It's a really difficult wave to surf since it breaks so close to the rocks and becomes quite hollow.
There are two points, although the one on the left is probably superior.
The middle of the beach features a gently rolling beach break that is ideal for novices and longboarders.
On very ideal days, locals will defend the point breaks.

The most fantastic time of year is between September and November, when you may wear a full wetsuit to protect yourself from the cold winter temperatures.

It's just 40 minutes from Halifax, so you can surf during the day and explore the city in the evening. This is one of the best surf spots in Nova Scotia and has beautiful views.

3. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the best places for surfing in Canada

Whether you find it surprising or not, you can surf amidst the cityscape of downtown Calgary in Alberta riding genuine waves on an authentic body of water.

According to Alberta River Surf, the 10th Street Bridge is one of the few river surfing destinations west of Ontario.

The Bow River flows through the Albertan city, including a stretch off the downtown center with a fixed wave big enough for people to shred on.

Of course, because it is a river, the flow varies according to the season. However, it is okay for a location hundreds of kilometers from the sea. 

4. Kincardine, Ontario

Discover Kincardine is a great place to surf in Ontario

According to the town's official website, this seaside village on Lake Huron can experience significant waves.

The little town is regarded as one of the best surf spots in Ontario, although the best days are few and far between due to the unpredictable weather.

If you want to hit these big ol' waves, you'll want to travel over during spring or winter, when the area gets the biggest swells — aka waves. While Lake Huron is not known for consistently large or powerful waves like ocean coastlines, it can experience wind-driven waves, especially during strong winds. These conditions may provide opportunities for small-scale, recreational surfing on occasion. Kincardine is the best destination to enjoy surfing in Ontario.

5. Kananaskis River, Alberta

Another option for river surfing in Alberta is the Kananaskis River, which runs through the Canadian Rocky Mountains' foothills. There are three locations where some waves can be caught downstream. The first, Green Tongue, is near Canoe Meadows Campground in Bow Valley Provincial Park and is ideal for novices.

A more significant river wave named Santa Clause is a 10-minute walk upstream from the Tongue and is better suited for beginner to expert surfers. This is the better of the two river waves.

Surf Anywhere, a Canadian group that generates river waves, planned and built The Mountain. The rapid, steep, and smooth wave can cover rocks and is perilous for newcomers who do not know the river.

River waves vary in size according to water level, capacity, and discharge. The Alberta River Surfing Association has further information about river surfing in Alberta, including wave reports, predictions, and recommendations on how to get started.

6. Sturgeon Falls, Manitoba

Experience surfing in Sturgeon Falls is one of the best things to do in Canada

Sturgeon Falls, located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, about 130 kilometers east of Winnipeg, is a fantastic surfing spot, but getting there is also rather challenging. The natural surf area is located where Nutimik Lake meets the Whiteshell River, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the boat launch at Nitimik campsite. A lengthy paddle - or a faster boat journey - is necessary to reach the big wave. 

The magnitude of the waves at Sturgeon Falls is determined by the volume of water going through, and the journey is worthwhile, beginning at 35,000 to 40,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). The optimal conditions for top-tier surfing are between 60,000 and 90,000 cfs. Sturgeon Falls offers more than 15 surfable green-glass-fronted waves when it's on. One wave, known as Big Mouth, surges and breaks every 20 seconds and, in ideal circumstances, may reach heights of more than two meters and create barrel portions. Sturgeon Falls is probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Manitoba and the best surf spots in Canada.

Planning your trip to explore the best places to surf in Canada

Whether you're an expert surfer looking to take on barrel waves, a beginner looking to body surf your way to shore, or simply a spectator, there's at least one secret surfing community in practically every Canadian province to explore. If you have a wetsuit, you can go surfing practically anywhere in Canada at any time of year.  

Canada boasts a wide coastline, providing many surfing points for all levels. From the rugged coast of Tofino in British Columbia to the primitive beaches of Nova Scotia, the country offers a wide range of surfing destinations.

With a Canadian visa, you can immerse yourself in beautiful beaches and interact with a vibrant surfing community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to catch your first wave, Canada's surf scene has something for everyone. So apply for your Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and get ready to ride the waves at some of the country's best surf spots. Travelers should purchase Canadian travel insurance prior to their trip.