Long Beach

Long Beach is without a doubt Western Canada’s most iconic beach. While its moniker is perhaps a bit uninspiring, it is definitely an accurate description of this seemingly endless stretch of white sand. Long Beach proper stretches over 5 kilometers from Schooner Cove down to Green Point, but in reality it extends over 16 kilometers, including Combers Beach and Wickininnish Beach to the south, which are connected by sand and rock at low tide and by a short boardwalk trail when the beach is not passable at high tide. Long Beach is unmatched in Canada, and it arguably rivals the world's best beaches in places like Australia, Hawaii and Brazil, which is quite a statement considering the cooler climate. For those who like wide open spaces, this place lives up to the hype. And while it is undeniably a very popular and busy spot, there’s just so much space that it would virtually always be possible to get away from the crowds should you desire.

Incinerator Rock is the northernmost access point of Long Beach, and it features a small parking lot and washroom facilities. Its namesake is a big noticeable hunk of bedrock jutting out of the water just behind the breaking waves. Because its the only surf break where it’s possible to see the waves from the parking lot, Incinerator Rock is a good place to check the surf, and it's common to see the lot full of surfers chatting about the conditions and making plans for the day. The waves here are best with a southwest swell and northwest winds, and there are waves for all styles and ability levels along the beach; however, there are reportedly some significant rip currents to be aware of. A few minutes south of the Incinerator Rock parking lot, the main Long Beach parking lot is much larger, with plenty of space for tour buses and motorhomes, but it still fills up to capacity during busy times. Here, visitors will find a strip of picnic tables as well as more washroom facilities and several different access points between the parking lot and the beach.

Note that there will be free entry to all Canadian National Parks for the entirety of 2017 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.