Surfing Canada: Where Wild Waters Meet Wilderness

Let's dive into one of Canada's lesser-known treasures - the incredible surf scene. Yes, you read that right. Canada's got waves, and they're pretty spectacular.

Picture yourself in Tofino, where mist hangs over ancient forests and mountains meet the ocean. Or watch the sunrise paint the sky in Nova Scotia as waves roll in from the Atlantic. This isn't your typical surf experience. It's an adventure that connects you with some of the most pristine natural environments on Earth.

Protecting Our Coasts

The connection between surfing and environmental protection runs deep in Canada's coastal communities. In Tofino, you'll find surf shops ditching single-use plastics, and locals organizing regular beach cleanups through organizations like Surfrider Pacific Rim. This environmental mindset shapes the whole community. It's a natural fit. The better we look after these natural spaces, the better the whole experience becomes for everyone who loves the water.

Gearing Up for Our Waters

Surfing in Canada asks a bit more of you - and your gear. You’ll need to embrace the elements and plan in advance so that you can enjoy the water for as long as possible. Quality equipment makes all the difference when you're taking on chilly waters. A good wetsuit, boots, and gloves are essential companions for most of the year. The Salt Outdoors Changing robe is a game-changer for the before-and-after surf experience. It's your personal sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Getting changed in a parking lot in February? No problem. Post-surf chat and coffee while you watch the waves? Absolutely. The right gear transforms challenging conditions into core memories.

The Community

The Canadian surf community is welcoming and supportive. You'll find people ready to share tips, stories, and maybe even their favorite spots. Friendships form quickly in this tight-knit group bonded by a shared love for surfing. Ask in local surf shops if there are informal surf group sessions, look for local groups on social media and simply ask people you meet at the beach.

Where to Catch Waves

West Coast: Tofino is a major surf hub, offering spots for all skill levels. The stunning scenery is an added bonus. Cox Bay is known for consistent beach breaks and is a popular spot for surf schools. Chesterman Beach is a favorite for its calm waters, making it suitable for learning, and is a great place to enjoy the sunset.

East Coast: Lawrencetown Beach near Halifax delivers consistent waves and a friendly local vibe.

Great Lakes: When conditions align, areas on Lake Ontario and Lake Superior offer surprisingly good surfing opportunities. Thunder Bay and Terrace Bay on Lake Superior offer great surfing in the fall and winter months and a supportive and inclusive community to get you out there!

Rivers: The Bow River in Calgary, AB (under the Louise Bridge) and the Ottawa River, Ottawa, ON offer alternative surf spots to surfers seeking a new experience with standing waves. These stationery river surfing spots are growing in popularity as more people discover the sport. 

Beyond the Surf

The adventure continues off the water. Explore nearby trails, observe local wildlife, or warm up at a cozy café with new friends from the beach. Our surf spots are gateways to some of the country's most breathtaking wilderness.

Give it a try

Local surf schools and shops will help you begin safely. They'll teach you about wave dynamics, weather patterns, and the etiquette that keeps our surf community special.

Whether you're curious about trying surfing or an experienced wave-rider looking for a new challenge, Canada's surf scene has something unique to offer. It's not a tropical paradise, and that's precisely what makes it remarkable. Join us - the water's invigorating, and the excitement is genuine.

P.S. - Don't forget your thermos of hot coffee. You’ll thank us later 😊

P.P.S. - Links you might need...

https://pacificrim.surfrider.ca/

www.salt-outdoors.com

https://coastsmart.ca/