The Best Swimming in Canada

What if you could free dive, cliff jump and embark on a hundred mile hiking journey, all in the same place? Well, you can!The Grotto is a small cave on the shores of the Georgian Bay. It is accessible by land, if you are willing to scramble down a rock face to the base of the water.Inside, the wa...

Escape to the vanishing horizon of the Pacific Ocean, where time is measured by the rhythm of waves.Located near West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay neighbourhood, Whytecliff Park is home to more than 200 marine animal species and is one of the first Marine Protected Areas in Canada. You're almost gua...

Of all the lakes in the Banff area, this was one of my favorites to get out on the water. Don't expect the bright blue glacial waters of some of the other lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but the water is pristine and it was one of the few places I went where it felt like it was all locals hanging...

To reach the trailhead, follow Harper Road until you reach the Port Coquitlam Gun Club, then park along the side of the road. Walk past the yellow gate and take the first trail to your left. About 10 minutes down the trail, you will reach a gravel logging road. Take an immediate left down the pat...

From the last field at inter city park, continue walking down the road to the Lynn Canyon trail. Follow the trail up the wooden boardwalks and to the first open area on the trail. When you can see the creek to your left, head down to the creek. To get to this particular swimming hole, you will ha...

Located on UBC Vancouver campus, Wreck Beach is the only nude beach in Canada. It is a popular destination for students and the public, and is home to the best sunsets seen in Vancouver.To get to the beach, there is a descent of approximately 500 stairs, so be cautious - going down means having t...

From the parking lot at Belcarra Regional Park, follow the Jug Island Trail. It is well marked and well walked so it's near impossible to wander off in the wrong direction! The beach near Jug Island is at the very tip of the peninsula and offers beautiful views of the Indian Arm and surrounding m...

Best explored on a sunny summer day, this horseshoe shaped lake has crystal clear water that is green turquoise in colour and is surrounded by cliffs. This is a very popular cliff jumping location with the highest jump point said to be at 80 feet. An easy 1.5 km trail brings you from one side of...

Nestled between Harrison Hot Springs and Pemberton, the Sloquet Hot Springs are a great place to unwind. With multiple natural pools, it is easy to settle in and enjoy a beer, or my winter favourite, Baileys and coffee. If things heat up too fast, take refuge in a lower pool or cool off in the ri...

Buntzen Lake is located in a beautiful recreation area just north of Port Moody. Although the lake is man-made and maintained by BC Hydro, the surrounding area is full of forests, nice beach areas, and many trails for hiking including the Buntzen Lake Trail, which loops around the lake.Beginning ...

Maligne Lake is one of those crystal clear unforgettable places Canada has to offer. It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Located in Jasper National Park, Maligne lake offers great fishing, kayaking, canoeing and boat tours.Spend the day around Maligne Lodge or camp at one of t...

Lower Falls is found within Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia. Easily accessible from the Gold Creek Parking lot, it is a relatively flat trail snaking along Gold Creek itself. It can be done as an out & back trail, or you can make it a loop by using the connector trail located ...

Cheakamus Lake is tucked in behind Whistler Mountain. If you've hike the Musical Bumps trail, or any of the paths off the peak of Whistler, chances are you saw a huge turquoise lake below you. This is Cheakamus Lake.From Whistler Village, drive south on HWY99 to the stop lights at Function Juncti...

The trailhead begins directly behind the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on km 37 of the Icefields Highway. The trail is well marked and winds along the shore of Bow Lake for the first 1.2km of the hike. Eventually you will lead up to a narrow gorge and onto the crest of a glacial moraine. There are only a few...

Boom Lake offers amazing views of Boom Mountain and the ridge separating Alberta and British Columbia. It is not as popular as many other hikes in the area, which means exclusion for anyone willing to explore the lake. The abundant wildlife in the area includes wolves, bears, mountain goats, de...

The Sooke Potholes seem to have something for everyone. Those seeking quick and easy beach access can enjoy short, well-groomed trails that lead straight to the pebble beaches from each of this spot’s multiple parking lots. There are also a number of paths leading to viewpoints overlooking the ri...