Contributor Review – Christine Penner
Local Expert. Visited 2024
We recently visited Hidden Beach, and as a 35-year-old woman not originally from Calgary, I was eager to check out this spot. After spending time at Weaselhead Flats, I found Hidden Beach to be much easier to access and conveniently close to the city. My friend and I took the bus, and it was a straightforward trip.
Hidden Beach, despite its name, is more of a gravel spot next to Fish Creek. It’s small but big enough for a quick, awkward dunk with your naked body—definitely not for swimming. The water is clean, and we only brought towels, which made laying on the shoreline a bit uncomfortable. I’d recommend bringing a mat or something more substantial to lie on. The creek is also a little heavy on the algae, so water shoes or sandels are a good idea for comfort.
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The turnover rate at Hidden Beach was noticeably higher than at Weaselhead Flats. People were dropping by after work for a quick tan and dip, which added to the dynamic atmosphere. Despite being close to the city, it was still very relaxing. Everyone we encountered was appropriate and friendly, giving off a vibe similar to Wreck Beach in Vancouver (complete with the smell of weed in the air), even though it’s nothing like the coastal beach.
One thing to note is that Hidden Beach really lives up to its name—it’s well-hidden and surprisingly peaceful considering how close it is to high-traffic areas. The trail isn’t apparent when walking on the well-established nearby dirt paths, making it feel nicely secluded. The Glennfield Day Use Areas and associated bike paths have a significant amount of traffic from other people enjoying Fish Creek Park, but this didn’t seem to cause any issues. Calgary Nude Recreation has more information online and organizes events in the area, which can be a great way to meet like-minded people.
Despite it being close to the city, Hidden Beach was still very relaxing. The people here were welcoming, and it was a nice spot to unwind and enjoy nature without leaving the city. However, it does have its downsides—there are no facilities like showers or toilets, even at the car park.
To be honest, I preferred Weaselhead Flats for its more secluded and spacious environment, but I see the appeal of Hidden Beach. It’s incredibly accessible, and if I lived in Calgary, I’d probably come here on weekdays for a quick visit. For a full relaxing day laying on the sand, though, I’d head to Weaselhead Flats on the weekends.
The nude beaches in Alberta are worth recommending. Hidden Beach offers a unique, urban naturist experience that’s perfect for a quick escape without leaving the city. If you’re in Calgary, it’s definitely worth checking out both spots to see which one you prefer.
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