Location
Canada
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Rock
Best season
July to early September
About Susies Lake
Susies Lake is a small wilderness lake on the western edge of Halifax, the first in the chain of Birch Cove Lakes that runs north-west from the Bayers Lake business park toward Bedford. It is not a sand beach: swimmers use the rocky shoreline along the lake, reached by informal trails through barrens and woodland. The Federation of Canadian Naturists lists it among Nova Scotia's unofficial nude spots and calls it very secluded and lightly used, and local naturists and skinny-dipping groups have hiked in for nude swims for years. Beyond Susies, paddlers and hikers can continue to more remote lakes in the Birch Cove Lakes wilderness, which offers more privacy. There are no facilities of any kind. Opinions differ on how suitable it is: some local naturists avoid it because teenagers and families also swim there, and newer visitors may not know the nude tradition. The area has also been affected by wildfire, so check for closures before going.
Getting there
Two approaches are described. From Highway 102 southbound past exit 2, the FCN says to stop at the first green highway sign and follow the path west toward the Birch Cove Lakes, about 10 minutes to Susies, the first lake. More commonly, start from the Bayers Lake business park behind the Kent Building Supplies store and follow the informal trail into the woods, roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Paths are rough, rocky and unsigned; not wheelchair accessible. Halifax Transit buses serve Bayers Lake.
What visitors say
Accounts describe a quiet, secluded lake where on many afternoons you may be alone or with a handful of skinny-dippers. Not everyone agrees it is a good nude spot: some local naturists report teenagers and families using the lake and the occasional objection to nudity, while others value it as the closest wild swimming spot to the city. Walking further along the lake chain is the usual tip for more privacy.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Susies Lake has no designation and nudity is only informally tolerated. In Nova Scotia, nude bathers have generally not been prosecuted without aggravating behaviour (in 2001 the Crown declined charges against nudists at Crystal Crescent Beach), but a complaint could still bring police attention, so stay discreet.
Naturism at Susies Lake sits under Canada's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Canada public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
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Approx. 44.6590, -63.6887
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 Susies Lake a sand beach?
No. It is a wilderness lake with a rocky shoreline, reached by trail.
How long is the walk?
About 10 to 20 minutes on rough informal trails, from Highway 102 or from behind the Bayers Lake business park.
Is nudity allowed?
It is not designated, but nude swimming has long been tolerated and the FCN lists the lake as an unofficial nude spot. Be discreet, as families and teenagers also visit.
Are there facilities?
None. Bring water and pack out everything you bring in.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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