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On hot summer days, there isn’t a better destination than a beach, right? At least, we sand lovers think so. But beaches can get crowded, and hot. There’s no natural shade on beaches, after all. But beach umbrellas aren’t the most reliable things on the planet, and it can be tough to get off the sand with just a towel.
Beach tents are the ultimate way to stay comfy on the beach. They come in a ton of sizes, and most of them have both indoor and outdoor space for you to enjoy. They don’t cost a lot of money, and they’re super easy to pack up and take anywhere you please. Most of them will offer protection from the sun, wind, and rain, so you can be outside in any weather.
If you agree that a beach tent sounds like the ideal way to enjoy the beach (or anywhere else, for that matter), we’d be very happy to help you find the perfect fit. Beach tents will vary in price, capacity, portability, and much more. And you’ll want to consider every feature to make sure you get everything you need and want.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best beach tents in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
Top Pick: Gorich Beach Tent
Hybrid Pick: Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella Shelter
Kids Pick: Bblüv Sunkitö Pop Up Baby Play Tent
Roomiest Pick: Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader X-Large Beach Tent
Budget Pick: Karvipark Pop-Up Tent
The Gorich Beach Tent has a lot going for it. We bet that’s not surprising considering it’s our top pick this year. We’ve chosen the three-person version to share with you, but it also comes in three larger sizes to suit even larger families and friend groups. Take your pick! They all have the same basic design—a large interior space plus a porch section to enjoy the sun while staying sand-free.
This tent also has three large windows on each of the full sides, and they all have covers. When you want to enjoy the environment, you’ll have a 360-degree view, but you can also close up the covers to create more shade and privacy whenever you want. This tent is built to last, so you can expect to enjoy it for years, even if you’re using it every weekend, without worrying about damaged poles or ripping fabric.
The only thing we don’t love about this tent is that it’s only water resistant, not fully waterproof. If the weather takes a turn for the rainy, you’ll have to pack up pretty quickly. It’ll only last a few minutes before it starts leaking inside.
All in all, the Gorich Beach Tent is one of the most well-rounded beach tents out there, and it’s definitely our favourite this year. Whether you plan to use it for beach visits, campfires at home, or outdoor sporting events, it’s got everything needed to keep you comfortable and happy.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Gorich Beach Tent. They’ve used it at the beach, as intended, but also at campsites and sporting events. They don’t have any problems with setup or takedown, even after using it frequently for many months, and it’s really easy to travel with since it packs so compactly. They love the three large windows and the porch area.
Buy If…
Optional ventilation is a must-have
You’d prefer a tent that has a large interior and a porch section
Longevity is important to you
A 360-degree view of your surroundings sounds great
Don’t Buy If…
You need something fully waterproof
Open Dimensions: 86.6” x 59” x 48”
Folded Dimensions: 16.5” x 3.9” x 3.9”
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Waterproof: Somewhat
Capacity: 3 adults
Porch: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella Shelter is a pretty special option. It opens and closes like an umbrella and can be secured in the ground in an upright position or at an angle. Depending on the situation, you can use it as a tent or as an extra-large umbrella. It’ll install securely in sand, dirt, and grass, so you can really take it anywhere your adventures lead you!
This umbrella tent has two windows with covers, so you can open and close them as needed depending on the weather. For sunny or windy days, open windows will keep the air moving and will prevent it from blowing away. On rainy days, you’ll be able to stay dry. There are also a few storage pockets inside to keep your personal belongings off the ground and accessible. Pretty great, huh?
One of the only things that you might not love about this umbrella shelter is the fact that it doesn’t offer as much enclosed space as a standard beach tent. You won’t be able to lay down in the shade unless you have one all to yourself. Even sitting up, there’s only room for two adults and possibly a child, so it won’t be ideal for larger families either.
All in all, the Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella Shelter is the most versatile beach tent you can find right now. We love that it takes only seconds to fold and unfold, and it is incredibly stable no matter where you set it up. If a multifunctional beach tent appeals to you, you can’t do better than this one.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are having a great time with their Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella Shelters. It takes no time at all to get them set up for beach visits, campfires, and all of their other outings. They’re really happy with the quality of the material and the opening mechanism. Some people even use them to create shade during their workday.
Buy If…
You’d love interior storage for your belongings
You’ll be using the shelter in a variety of locations
You’re prioritizing an easy setup/takedown system
You’d appreciate windows for extra ventilation
Don’t Buy If…
You’d prefer a fully enclosed structure
You want to seat more than two adults inside
Folded Dimensions: 53” x 3.5” x 3.5”
Weight: 8 lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Capacity: 2 adults
Porch: No
Warranty: 1 year
The Bblüv Sunkitö Pop Up Baby Play Tent has a lot of great features. It pops open all by itself as soon as you take it out of its carrying cover, and it folds down pretty easily once your outing is over. It’s large enough to accommodate multiple toddlers or slightly older kids, and one adult can even sit inside it comfortably.
We really like that this tent has an optional mesh cover for the front that can protect the kids from bugs of all kinds. Since the back window can also be covered, kids can be comfy inside it even on windy days. The optional ventilation is great for helping kids stay comfortable in a variety of temperatures. It’s a very durable tent, too, so you can use it on grass, sand, and pretty much anywhere else!
One of the only things this beach tent is missing is some porch space. If you’d like your kid to enjoy the sunshine as well, you’ll need to bring along a beach towel to keep them off the ground. Also, the price of this tent might seem a bit high considering its size—some adult tents are more affordable than this one. Just something to keep in mind if you’re after a bargain.
Overall, the Bblüv Sunkitö Pop Up Baby Play Tent is an amazing option for parents with young kids. It’s great for a variety of ages, has excellent ventilation, and will block the wind, sun, and bugs from affecting your kids. Plus, it can be taken anywhere, not just the beach!
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a great opinion of the Bblüv Sunkitö Pop Up Baby Play Tent. Many mothers have used it as a private place to breastfeed their infants, but parents love it as a space for toddlers too. There’s plenty of ventilation, and the mosquito mesh closure gives them peace of mind that their kids are also protected from bugs. They really couldn’t be happier with it.
Buy If…
You’d like to protect your child from bugs as well as the sun
You want space for multiple children
Optional ventilation is important
You don’t want to waste time on set up and take down
Don’t Buy If…
You’d like a tent that has some porch space
You want something ultra-affordable
Open Dimensions: 35” x 47” x 33”
Folded Dimensions: 23” x 23” x 1”
Weight: 3.1 lbs
Waterproof: No
Capacity: 2-3 children
Porch: No
We love pretty much everything about the Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader X-Large Beach Tent. Since it can seat 4-6 adults at a time, and has a ton of porch space out front, it’s the perfect beach companion for larger families or friend groups. And despite its size, it’s actually really easy to put up and take down thanks to the unique opening mechanism.
We think you’ll also love the indoor pockets and the front closure—you’ll have space for your belongings and can create instant privacy any time you want it. Since the carry bag has a shoulder strap attached, you’ll have a much easier time carrying it around. We love that for you.
The main thing that might deter you from choosing this beach tent is its size. While it’s great for seating multiple adults, it’s also much larger and heavier in its folded form than most other beach tents. If you’ll have a long walk from the car to the beach or you’re short on storage space in the car and at home, this might not be the best fit.
Overall, we’re really happy with the quality and usability of the Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader X-Large Beach Tent. It has a very roomy interior and porch space, excellent ventilation, and even the option to close it up like a camping tent. What’s not to love?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers really like the Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader X-Large Beach Tent. They love that it has a front closure so they can have privacy at the beach, and the windows do an awesome job of ventilating the interior of the tent. They have no trouble setting it up or taking it down, and the inside is just as roomy as they were expecting. They find the interior storage pockets really convenient.
Buy If…
You have a large family to provide shelter for
Interior storage pockets sound like a good idea
You’d like privacy in the tent occasionally
A quick and easy setup/take down system is a must-have
Don’t Buy If…
You’ll have a long walk from the car to the beach
You’re short on storage space
Open Dimensions: 57” x 99” x 110”
Folded Dimensions: 41” x 8.5” x 8.5”
Weight: 8 lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Capacity: 4-6 people
Porch: Yes
As one of the most affordable beach tents currently available, it was a no-brainer for us to choose the Karvipark Pop-Up Tent as our budget pick this year. Like most other beach tents, it’s both waterproof and UV-resistant, so it won’t have a problem holding up to tons of beach time. It folds down into a compact carrying bag, too, so it won’t take up much room in your car.
We’re also really happy with the ventilation in this tent. It has a large mesh window at the back to make sure the tent doesn’t ever get stuffy. It has a front porch area too that lets you enjoy the sunshine without needing to sit in the sand. Throw in some interior storage pockets for your belongings and you’ve got a pretty well-rounded tent for a great price!
There are a couple of things that we would improve about this tent if we could. The overall build quality isn’t as high as we’d like. If you’ll be setting it up and taking it down pretty frequently, you should be prepared for it to eventually fail. The wires aren’t the best quality. Also, the capacity is pretty small, so it won’t suit more than two adults or three children at a time.
All in all, the Karvipark Pop-Up Tent is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. It doesn’t boast the same quality or capacity as other options, but it’s one of the most affordable beach tents you can find right now. And when it works as designed, it’s also incredibly easy to set up.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Reviewers have mixed feelings about the Karvipark Pop-Up Tent. It’s very easy to open single-handedly, but folding it down is another story. It can be very tricky. And it’s possible that after the first fold-down, things will get damaged and it won’t pop up the same way in the future. It’s spacious enough for small families and is easy to secure to the ground, though. It offers plenty of shade and ventilation, too.
Buy If…
Affordability is a priority
You’d like some built-in storage space for belongings
It needs to be easy to travel with
You’d love great airflow
Don’t Buy If…
You have more than two adults wanting shade at the same time
You’ll be using it quite often
Open Dimensions: 63” x 59.1” x 43.3”
Folded Dimensions: 18” x 18” x 0.8”
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Capacity: 2 adults or 3 children
Porch: Yes
Some beach tents will cost only $40, others will be closer to $140 or more. In general, more expensive beach tents will be larger, more durable, and will have an easier setup and take down process.
Beach tents will come in a variety of sizes. There are kid tents as well as adult tents. Adult tents can accommodate several people depending on what size you get. And the overall dimensions will vary in size as well. You’ll have to think about what you plan to do in the tent (sitting vs laying, board games vs reading, etc.) as well as how many people will be enjoying the beach together.
Many beach tents come with extra fabric out front that acts as a porch—you’ll have more sand-free space to relax in the sun. They’ll vary in size and aren’t a guarantee, so if this sounds like something you want you’ll have to make a point of looking for it.
Most beach tents will be fully waterproof so you won’t have to pack up and leave at the first hint of a rainstorm, but some will only be water-resistant, and some won’t have even that much protection.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.