Location
Canada
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to September
About McCrae Lake
McCrae Lake (often spelled Macrae Lake) is a long, narrow lake in the McCrae Lake Conservation Reserve on the eastern edge of Georgian Bay, about two hours north of Toronto just off Highway 400/69 near Crooked Bay. It is not a beach in the usual sense: naturists come by canoe or kayak and use the granite shoreline campsites and small rocky points scattered along the lake and on its islands. Because the lake is cut off from Georgian Bay by a set of falls and a rocky portage, motorboats cannot get in, which is what has kept it a quiet nude spot for many years according to the Federation of Canadian Naturists. The shoreline is Canadian Shield rock and pine woodland. The falls area at the portage is popular for a dip. The Federation recommends treating it as a camping trip of a couple of days rather than an afternoon visit. There is a lot of space, but summer weekends draw plenty of paddlers, so arriving early helps if you want a good site.
Getting there
From Toronto take Highway 400 north onto Highway 69 and turn onto Georgian Bay Road at the service station, then right into the access parking. There is an upper lot and a lower lot; the road down can be rough. From the lower lot a path through the woods (about 5 minutes) reaches the put-in. Paddle past the waterway to your left and portage over the rocks into the lake, about 10 minutes and somewhat challenging for novices. No fee was charged according to the Federation of Canadian Naturists. Not wheelchair accessible.
Amenities
Legal context
McCrae Lake is Crown land in a conservation reserve; nudity there is customary, not designated. The Federation of Canadian Naturists lists it among Canada's unofficial nude beaches; no enforcement problems were reported in the sources found (checked 2026).
Naturism at McCrae Lake sits under Canada's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Canada public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 44.9306, -79.8027
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Canada
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the nude areas of McCrae Lake?
By canoe or kayak from the Georgian Bay Road access off Highway 69, with a short rocky portage into the lake. Nude use is at shoreline and island campsites.
Can motorboats reach it?
No. The falls and portage keep motorboats out, which is why it stays quiet.
Is there a fee?
The Federation of Canadian Naturists says no fee was charged as it is public land, but check current conservation reserve rules for camping.
Is it busy?
There is plenty of space, but summer weekends are busy; arrive early to claim a campsite.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…