Five nude beaches across Quebec welcome naturists this summer

Quebec has no officially designated nude beaches, but the province's naturist community has staked out five well-known spots that operate on mutual respect and discretion.

The five active sites are Plage d'Oka (Okapulco) in Oka, Plage du Parc de la Pointe-Taillon in Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, Plage de Boom Défense in Gaspé, Plage de Cap-aux-Oies in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, and Plage du Lac Simon in Lac-Simon. None are government-sanctioned, but Plage d'Oka has become so established that park authorities installed a sign in 2023 identifying its naturist area.

Canada doesn't ban public nudity outright. Section 174 of the Criminal Code includes exceptions for people with a legitimate excuse — swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying nature all qualify. A 1977 legal precedent still holds: swimming nude at a quiet spot in summer is simply part of the pleasure of the season and cannot be considered an offence.

The Fédération québécoise de naturisme defines naturism as living naked in harmony with nature and others in a respectful, family-oriented environment. The federation notes that interest is shifting rather than disappearing. Jean-François Lapointe, former FQN president, said younger Quebecers are gravitating toward private settings — backyard gatherings with friends — rather than public beaches. A 2014 Federation of Canadian Naturists survey found 14% of Quebecers had already tried naturism, and nearly half said they'd be open to it.

If you're curious but hesitant, the FQN offers a guide for newcomers. The key is respect — if you're there, you're expected to respect the space and the people sharing it.