Central (Quebec) Region Beaches

MEECH LAKE (Gatineau Park, Hull)

A sandy beach, on a north-east section of Meech Lake, surrounded by superb scenery, and in the shade of majestic pine trees. Ideal for swimming. Naturists and textiles mix with complete tolerance.

From Ottawa, take Hwy. 5 north through Hull, as far as exit 12 for Gatineau Park. Turn left towards the park and continue 6 km (3.7 mi.) further to the parking lot for O'Brien Beach on Meech Lake. This beach is exclusively textile. From the parking lot, find the path (No. 36) which heads north towards the wooded area at the right of the changing cabins. After a 10-minute walk you will cross a small bridge over a narrow part of the lake. Textiles and naturists sometimes bathe upstream from this bridge. Continue past the bridge, to where the path divides, and take the left fork to the sandy beach.

LAC DES TOUTES NUES (Val d'Or-north-west of Montréal)

50 meters of clean beach on a lake fed by non-polluted spring water. This 95% naturist beach has been in existence for more than 15 years. It is used mainly by single people, but by families also. It is possible to camp with a tent or trailer.

From Val d'Or go east on Hwy. 117 for 23 km (14.3 mi.). Take the third small road on the right off the exit lane, going behind the gravel pit, then 3 km (1.9 mi.) into the woods. The site itself is accessible by car, with a 30-car parking lot 500 m (0.3 mi.) from the lake.

OKA PARK (Laurentides, Montreal)

Located within Oka Park&emdash;just a stone's throw from Montréal&emdash;this beach on the shore of the Lac des Deux Montagnes, with its pleasant and peaceful atmosphere, is one of the best known in Québec. Visited for over twenty years by naturists, this site has seen considerable growth in use in the last few years. Naturists are tolerated by the park authorities and by the Sûreté du Québec (in spite of signs prohibiting nudism). This beach is visited mostly by couples and singles. In good weather, more than 300 naturists take advantage of this delightful spot. (However, there are no services, so you have to provide in advance for what you will need.)

From Montréal, take Autoroute 15 North, then Autoroute 640 West through Saint-Eustache. From the Ottawa direction, take Autoroute 40, then the ferry from Como. You may also get to Oka beach by boat. From the entrance to the park, head for the beach area. There is a parking lot nearby. From the extreme east side of the public beach, i.e. on the left looking at the water, take the path that runs alongside the lake, and a 2.5 km (1.5 mi.) walk will bring you to Oka's "other beach."

THE TADOUSSAC DUNES (Tadoussac, Saguenay River mouth)

An area of dramatic natural beauty with a long sandy beach, backed by great dunes. You may sunbathe nude on the sand or on the large rocks by the water's edge.

From Tadoussac, take the road to the great dunes, and continue about 5 km (3 mi.) to the Information Centre. Here you can park. Take the steps leading down to the beach.

PLAGE DE BOOM DÉFENCE (Gaspé)

An idyllic place, with a view of the Forillon National Park on one side, and the town of Gaspé on the other. The beach is a long gently curved spit of sand with the sea on either side. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and much used by naturists.

From the town of Gaspé, take Autoroute 132 (towards Percé) for about 6 km (3.7 mi.), and turn left on a small street, rue Alexander. Follow this for about 1 km (0.6 mi.) to the parking lot near the beach. Walk past the textile section, and wade across the shallow river.