Location
Canada
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to early September
About Port Burwell Beach
Port Burwell sits on the north shore of Lake Erie in Elgin County, Ontario, and Port Burwell Provincial Park fronts it with a long sandy beach west of the village. The park's day-use beach is busy and clothed. The clothing-optional stretch lies beyond the park's western boundary, on privately owned shoreline where the landowner has long allowed nude sunbathing and swimming, on condition that visitors behave. It is a natural sand beach with shallow Lake Erie water that warms up in summer, and no development. There are no toilets, showers or shade on the nude stretch, so visitors bring umbrellas. Biting flies can be bad when the wind blows from the north-west. It is busiest on hot weekends.
Getting there
Drive to Port Burwell Provincial Park and pay the Ontario Parks day-use fee (a 2024 visitor paid the peak rate of $24 per vehicle on a holiday weekend). Park in lot 5 and walk west along the shore for about 15 minutes to the park boundary sign, then another 10 to 15 minutes into the nude zone. The walk is on soft sand, with no boardwalk, and is not wheelchair accessible. There is no public transit to the park.
What visitors say
Regulars describe a relaxed, friendly nude beach with plenty of space once you are past the park boundary, and warm, shallow water. The long walk in, the lack of shade and toilets, and occasional plagues of biting flies are the main complaints. Several reports stress respecting the landowner, since access depends on good behaviour.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity in public is an offence under section 174 of the Criminal Code of Canada, though prosecution needs the Attorney General's consent and is rare. The nude stretch is on private land west of the provincial park, where the owner tolerates naturists; nudity is not permitted inside the park itself, so stay dressed until you are past the boundary.
Naturism at Port Burwell Beach sits under Canada's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Canada public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 42.6428, -80.8057
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
Is the nude beach inside the provincial park?
No. It is on private land just west of the park boundary; the park itself is clothed.
How do I get to the nude section?
Park in lot 5 and walk west along the beach about 25 to 30 minutes in total, past the park boundary sign.
Are there facilities?
Not on the nude stretch. Toilets and parking are in the provincial park, which charges a day-use fee.
Is it legal?
Public nudity is technically an offence in Canada, but charges need the Attorney General's consent; here the landowner tolerates nude use.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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