Restrooms
AvailableYes - Rustic compostable toilets are available at the start of Trail 36 next to the parking lot.
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableNo
Parking
AvailableYes - P11 O'Brien Lot. Daily from 5 am - 9:30 pm. Paid lot ($16/day).
Nudity Policy
OPTIONALNudity is optional but not officially recognised
The Good
- Close to Ottawa: Located just 20 minutes from downtown, Meech Lake offers one of the most accessible naturist escapes for residents of the capital region.
Natural and quiet: The nude areas sit deep in the woods, far from the family beaches, surrounded by pine forest and clear, refreshing water. The hike to the spots makes it feel remote and private. - The Basin: Hike along Trail 36 from the parking lot, cross the footbridge and go up the hill. Turn right at the Trail 36b marker. Just before the ruins, veer right and go above the dam to find a large shallow cove where you can sit nude along the shoreline. This is a more mixed naturist space, frequented by both straight and queer visitors.
- The Landing: After crossing the footbridge and going up the hill, turn left before the Trail 36b turnoff and head down the unmarked trail to find a small grassy area and cliffs. This area is mostly frequented by gay men.
- Beautiful water: The lake is clean and calm, perfect for swimming or floating. Most visitors bring air mattresses or blankets since there’s little soft sand.
The Bad
- No sand or facilities: The nude sections are rocky, uneven, and remote. You’ll need a thick towel and supplies for the day.
- Unofficial status: Nudity isn’t officially recognized by the National Capital Commission (NCC). Visitors should remain discreet and respectful. While rare, NCC officers have occasionally issued warnings or checked IDs when responding to unrelated calls.
- Limited space: Flat spots are scarce, especially on weekends. It’s best to arrive early to claim a comfortable area.
- Seasonal bugs: Depending on recent rain, there can be some bugs. Bring your bugspray to avoid any bites.
The Naked Truth
Meech Lake's hidden coves are Ottawa's oldest naturist and queer spaces, dating back before the 1970s. Despite five decades of attempted erasure by park authorities, these spots continue to thrive as discreet, long-standing gathering places for naturists and nudists.
The combination of forest trails, crystal-clear water, and proximity to the city makes this Ottawa's most unique urban nude retreat. They are quiet, simple, and beautifully natural - but visitors must respect the surroundings and behave responsibly to keep them that way.
Insider Tip
Arrive early in the day to secure parking at P11 O'Brien. Follow Trail 36 through the forest, across the bridge, and up the hill until you reach the fork; go left (unmarked) for a more social, gay-friendly area, or right (Trail 36b) for a more mixed crowd. Bring plenty of water, bug spray, and a soft mat for the rocks.
Who's Here
Locals, naturists, gay men, and mixed groups of visitors from Ottawa and Gatineau.
Beach Surface
Rocky shoreline, grassy areas, and some forest ground with scattered flat spots for sunbathing.
Access Difficulty
Moderate: 20 minute forest hike from P11 O’Brien parking lot; uneven terrain.
Photos
Our Visit
Discover the beauty and freedom of Meech Lake Nude Coves, a stunning nude beach destination.
Discover the beauty and freedom of Meech Lake Nude Coves, a stunning nude beach destination.
Map
Getting There
Meech Lake is located in Gatineau Park, about 20 minutes north of downtown Ottawa.
By Car: Take Highway 5 north to Chemin Meech Lake Road and follow signs to O’Brien Beach. Park at the main lot (daily parking fee). From there, walk along Trail 36 for about 20 minutes, crossing the footbridge and going up the hill to reach the turnoffs for the naturist coves. Google Maps "P11 O'Brien" for exact lot location.
By Bike: Gatineau Park is a popular cycling destination. Use the same directions as above and lock your bike next to P11.
By Public Transport: The NCC provides a free shuttle service six days a week from spring to fall. The closest stop is the Camp Fortune stop. From there it's a 40 minute (2.5km) walk down to the Trail 36 trailhead at P11.
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