Location
Canada
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
July to early September
About Prior Lake
Prior Lake is a small lake inside Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal, on the western edge of Greater Victoria on Vancouver Island. Thetis Lake's main beach is a busy clothed swimming area, but Prior Lake, a short way from it within the same park, has been used by nude swimmers and sunbathers since at least the 1970s. The Federation of Canadian Naturists describes Prior Lake as a free nude spot, with secluded coves reached by the trails that run around the lake; naturist listings also mention a small dock used for swimming and sunbathing. The shoreline is a mix of grass and rock rather than sand, and the water is fresh and warmer than the nearby ocean in high summer. It is a local's spot rather than a destination beach: expect a handful of regulars on a sunny weekday, more on summer weekends, and no services at the nude area itself. Clothing is expected on the main Thetis Lake beach and on the busier trails.
Getting there
Thetis Lake Regional Park is reached from Highway 1 west of Victoria: take the exit toward Colwood and the Western Communities and follow the park signs. The Capital Regional District runs a pay parking lot at the main Thetis Lake entrance. From there, trails lead around the lakes to Prior Lake; the approach is on short unpaved forest paths that are not wheelchair accessible. Highway reconstruction has changed the approach to the main entrance in the past, so follow current park signage. Allow 10 to 20 minutes on foot from the lot depending on the cove you choose.
Amenities
Legal context
Prior Lake is not a designated clothing-optional area; nude use is a long-standing local custom. The FCN notes that in July 1978 local officials conceded it would be pointless to enforce laws against nude bathing there. Nudity on the main Thetis Lake beach is not accepted.
Naturism at Prior 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. 48.4763, -123.4669
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at Thetis Lake?
Not on the main Thetis Lake beach. Nude swimming and sunbathing happen at Prior Lake and its coves, by long-standing custom rather than official designation.
Is there parking?
Yes, the regional park has a pay parking lot at the main Thetis Lake entrance, then you walk the trails to Prior Lake.
Are there facilities at the nude area?
No. Bring water and anything else you need; facilities are near the main entrance only.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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