It may not feel like it just yet, but summer is right around the corner and that means beach time can't be far behind. Now, Canada may not be thought of as a beach destination for some travellers right now but locals will tell you otherwise.
The water may not be clear blue and the clouds may interrupt your sunbathing but with the incredibly high temperatures and unbearable humidity levels experienced in July and August, the beach really is the place to be. While it's no secret where to find Canada's best beaches, this list has a slightly different focus.
This list is for those of you who enjoy a beach experience with head-to-toe tanning and complete avoidance of tan lines. For those who haven't caught on yet, this list is all about nude beaches. When it comes to the legality of nude beaches, according to Canadian law it is unlawful to be nude in a public place, or dressed in a way to offend public decency. This law also applies to private places, such as your own backyard, where you may be exposed to public view.
That being said, this law is not aimed towards the activity of being nude on a secluded beach and authorities have accepted the use of certain clothing-optional public beaches. In other cases, established naturist groups have taken the responsibility for maintaining and operating these clothing-optional beaches and are also accountable for the behaviour of the patrons using these beaches.
There are dozens of nude beaches across the country, though only a handful of them are legally recognized as clothing-optional beaches. Many others are unofficially recognized as clothing-optional beaches where authorities do not arrest nude sunbathers.
So, now that you know that you won't be getting arrested for public indecency... here's where you'll want to go.
Canada's Best Nude Beaches. Slideshow test follows for mobile readers.
Canada's Best Nude Beaches
Crystal Crescent Beach, Nova Scotia
Known as Halifax's formal nude ocean beach, Crystal Crescent is located in the aptly-named Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park which is close to Sambro, Nova Scotia. The beach offers great scenery and can get quite busy on weekends with up to 300 visitors.
Oka Park, Quebec
Referred to locally as Okapulco, this beach is one the shore of the Lac des Deux Montagnes, and is on of the best known nude beaches in Quebec. The beach offers a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere naturists have frequented the area for over 20 years.
Hanlan's Point Beach, Ontario
Located on the Toronto Island, the southern portion of Hanlan's Beach has been officially designated as a sandy, clothing-optional beach for 14 years. The beach is maintained by the City of Toronto's Parks Department and rules are enforced so that only a designated beach portion is clothing-optional and clothes must be worn everywhere else.
Beaconia Beach, Manitoba
On the southeastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, you will find Beaconia Beach. The beach is often visited by clothed families, so it is recommended that naturists walk about 15 minutes south of the parking lot prior to undressing.
Patricia Beach, Manitoba
This beach is located within a provincial park, and is recognized as a clothing optional beach on both weekdays and weekends. That being said, tourists are recommended to walk further north on weekends to avoid commotion with local residents or the RCMP.
Paradise Beach, Saskatchewan
Located on the Saskatchewan River, Paradise Beach is a well recognized clothing-optional beach despite does not have an association to advocate for naturalists. Also worth noting is the beach is patrolled by local police to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere.
Wreck Beach, British Columbia
As the second largest clothing-optional beach in North America, Wreck Beach receives over 100,000 annual visitors. The beach is located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park on the shore of the Georgia Strait and the north arm of the Fraser River.
CORRECTION: An earlier version listed Blooming Point Beach and Kelly's Beach as informal nude beaches. The story has since been updated.