Location
Canada
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Three Mile Beach
Three Mile Beach lies on the east shore of Okanagan Lake, off Naramata Road a few kilometres north of central Penticton. Alongside the public park beach used by families, a secluded strip of shoreline at its end has been used for nude sunbathing for decades; naturists say the tradition goes back to at least the 1950s. The lake water is clear and warm in high summer, and the Okanagan's hot, dry climate gives a long swimming season. The beach's status became contested from 2015: the owner of the adjacent waterfront property fenced off the traditional nude area, posted no-trespassing signs and hired security, since in BC private land can extend to the high-water mark. Nudists then moved onto the public section, prompting complaints from neighbours and families, demands for an anti-nudity bylaw, and a counter-petition from naturists asking for an official clothing-optional designation. Penticton council asked staff to look at signage or landscaping to separate uses, but no designation was made. Expect a small, mostly local crowd and check current signage before undressing.
Getting there
From downtown Penticton, head north-east on Naramata Road along the east side of Okanagan Lake to the Three Mile Beach park access. There is a small parking area at the park. The traditional nude area is at the end of the beach beyond the public section; access across the neighbouring private land has been blocked since 2015, so stay on public shore below the high-water mark. No direct public transport; cycling from town along Naramata Road is possible.
What visitors say
Long-time users describe a relaxed local nude spot with lake views, used for generations. Since the fencing dispute, reports are mixed: naturists complain of lost space, while some neighbours and families complain about nudity on the public section and allege inappropriate behaviour. Visitors are advised to keep well away from the family area and respect the private-property boundary.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no clothing-optional designation. Since 2015 the traditional nude strip has been fenced by an adjacent landowner, complaints have gone to the RCMP and council, and in 2015 council directed staff to investigate signage or landscaping to separate clothed and nude use. Nudity on the public family beach is likely to draw complaints; check current City of Penticton signage.
Naturism at Three Mile Beach 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.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. 49.5386, -119.5747
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 Three Mile Beach an official nude beach?
No. It has a long informal history of nude use, but Penticton has never designated it clothing-optional and its status has been disputed since 2015.
Where is the nude section?
Traditionally at the secluded end of the beach next to private waterfront land, which an owner fenced in 2015. Stay on public shore and away from the family beach.
Is there parking?
Yes, a small lot at the Three Mile Beach park off Naramata Road.
Is it family friendly?
The public park beach is, but nudity there has caused complaints; the nude area is adults-oriented.
Sources
- Daily Hive - Nudists start petition to save clothing-optional Okanagan beach
- Penticton Western News - Fight continues over fate of nude beach in Penticton
- Penticton Western News - Penticton investigates creating a nudist beach
- CBC - Right to bare all dispute at Three Mile Beach in Penticton
- Huffington Post - Penticton beach nude (2015)
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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