Though most people south of the border think of Canada as the land of snow and below zero weather, it is a well known fact to Canadians that there are, spread across our great country, many beautiful beaches. Most of them are only open during the summer months, whereas others are open year round for wind surfing, kite-surfing and even storm-watching.

Cavendish Beach, Cavendish, PEI

Red sandy cliffs, the color of Anne's rust colored hair, greet visitors upon arrival at Cavendish beach. PEI's rugged beauty is unparalleled and Cavendish beach is a must-see even for those who don't love lying in the sun on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The waters are considered to be one of the warmest in PEI, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius in July and August. The beach is only a few hours drive from Moncton and well worth a trip every summer.

Old Harry Beach, Magdalen Islands, QC

This beach is one of Quebec's best kept secrets. Driving along the Magdalen Islands narrow highways, there is water on either side of the road and colorful kite surfers flying above you. If you ask any Islander to point you in the direction of the most beautiful beach, they will reply without a moment's hesitation, "Go to Old Harry".

Here, eight and a half kilometers of clean, white sand awaits you. The beach is isolated and serene, with large billowing waves. Even if you don't want to swim, it is great place for both napping and simple reflection. That being said, the waves are usually tame enough to allow swimmers a little bit of fun.

The Magdalen Islands are accessible all summer long via a five hour ferry from Souris, PEI. Make sure to reserve ahead as most seats are booked far in advance.

Long Beach, Tofino, BC

Tofino is well-known as "Surfers' Paradise". This small town on Vancouver Island attracts visitors from all over the world. Other than offering a multitude of sandy beaches, it provides tourists with world-class dining, hikes in the rainforest and an opportunity to bathe in some of Canada's natural hot springs. Beach lovers can swim, learn to surf or simply frolic in the sand. Only a five hour drive from Victoria, the winding road to Tofino takes you alongside lakes, cliffs and multiple waterfalls. Even if you decide to visit during the winter months, the beach is open as the temperature rarely drops below zero. From January to March, the crashing of the waves against the rocks becomes a spectacle and a pastime in itself, known to locals and visitors alike as storm watching.

Clearly, this list of Canadian beaches is far from exhaustive; rather it highlights some of my favourite beaches across our beautiful and vast heartland. I wish you all a great, hot summer filled with lots of fun in the sand and sun.