Location
Canada
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September
About Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County, Ontario, protects some of the largest freshwater dunes in the world, on a bar between Lake Ontario and West Lake. It has three main beaches: Outlet Beach on East Lake, Sandbanks Beach facing Lake Ontario, and Dunes Beach on West Lake. Nude sunbathing is not permitted by the park, and signs warn against it. For many years, however, the far western end of the western section of the Lake Ontario beach has been used unofficially by nude sunbathers and swimmers, a few hundred metres past the busiest areas, and naturists also turn up discreetly around the quieter dune areas early in the day and outside peak season. The beach is broad fine sand with shallow water that warms up in summer. The park is very busy in summer, so nude use is easier early in the day and outside peak season.
Getting there
Drive to the park from Picton; there is no public transport. Pay the Ontario Parks day-use fee at the gate or in advance. Park in the lot serving the western section of the Lake Ontario beach and walk west along the sand for a few hundred metres to the far western end. The walk is on soft sand and not wheelchair-friendly. The dunes are fragile, so stay on marked paths.
What visitors say
Guides and visitors agree that the far western end is where the few nude sunbathers go, and that it is tolerated rather than allowed. They stress discretion: clothed visitors walk through, and staff can ask people to dress. The beach and water are widely praised, but the park's popularity means crowds on summer weekends.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Ontario Parks does not allow nudity at Sandbanks, and signs warn against it. Public nudity is also an offence under section 174 of the Criminal Code of Canada, though charges need the Attorney General's consent. Nude use at the western end is unofficial and depends on discretion; cover up if asked by staff.
Naturism at Sandbanks Provincial Park 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. 43.9063, -77.2503
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 Sandbanks a nude beach?
No. Nudity is not permitted and signs warn against it, but the far western end of the western beach has been used unofficially for years.
Where do naturists go?
To the far western end of the Lake Ontario beach, a few hundred metres west of the parking lot, and occasionally the quieter dune areas early in the day.
Do I need to pay?
Yes. Ontario Parks charges a day-use fee per vehicle.
Is there public transport?
No, you need a car or bicycle.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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