With about 10 million square kilometres of territory, Canada has a variety of diverse environments to explore, from long coastlines to the Rocky Mountains, and is even home to some of the most amazing sand dunes in the world.
For a unique tourist experience, here are some of the best sand dune spots from coast to coast.
Carcross Dunes, Yukon
A man runs across the Carcross Dunes in Carcross, Yukon, on July 2, 2018. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck
These dunes in the Yukon are the sandy remains of the bottom of ancient Lake Watson from 10,000 years ago, according to a government brochure. The dunes are active as prevailing winds keep shifting the sand. There are a variety of plants and animals unique to the area and visitors can use the network of hiking trails to explore.
Athabasca Sand Dunes, Alberta/Saskatchewan
These dunes stretch about 100 kilometres along the shore of Lake Athabasca and are the largest active sand surface in the country. Dunes are up to 30 metres tall and the area has a unique ecosystem that can only be found in the dune area. Visitors need to know that the fragile area has been divided into three zones, with different guidelines for activities in each area, meaning that rules and regulations can change depending on where you are on the dunes. It’s always prohibited to collect plants, trees, ventifacts, or artifacts, but fishing is allowed. Visitors can only get to the dunes by float plane and there are no onsite services in the park.Grand Sand Hills, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is home to another sand dune area, which stretches 1,900 square kilometres. The dunes are dotted with native grasses and small clusters of trees. Animals that live in the area include mule deer and antelope.Sandhill Park, Ontario
Dunes on the shore of Lake Erie stand about 450 feet tall, located next to a shaded campground, making it an ideal getaway. Sandhill Park offers 2,200 feet of sandy beach to enjoy, nature trails to explore, and hay rides to remember. Enjoy the unique sights at the picnic area.Pinhey Sand Dunes, Ontario
Located in Ottawa, the Pinhey Sand Dunes have been there for over 10,000 years, according to a local conservation website. The dunes were developed on the shoreline of the Champlain Sea. It is now home to unique plant and animal species and became the focus of conservation efforts in 2011.La Dune de Bouctouche, New Brunswick
An aerial view of the wooden boardwalk overlooking the La Dune de Bouctouche sand dunes in New Brunswick. Shutterstock/Windmills Media
Found just north of the town of Bouctouche, along the Northumberland Strait, the dune stretches 12 kilometres across Bouctouche Bay. It has been created from wind, tides, and sea currents over thousands of years. A boardwalk has been laid out along the dune for visitors to get close to the sensitive ecosystem that supports various marine and aquatic plants and animals, including shorebirds.
