Blackburn Lake
Long Harbour, British Columbia, Canada
Restrooms
Not AvailableNo
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableNo
Parking
AvailableYes - limited on the side of highway
Nudity Policy
NOT REQUIREDNudity not required
The Good
- Easy Access: Situated near Ganges, the lake is just a short walk or bike ride from town.
- Pristine Freshwater Experience: The water remains in excellent condition, ideal for swimming. Its non-motorized policy ensures a quiet and peaceful environment.
- Clothing-Optional Guaranteed: This lake is renowned as a nudist spot, where most visitors opt to experience nature without clothes. Feel free to join in!
- Secluded Scenery: The dock, tucked away from the main road, is the sole access point to the water for swimmers. Enjoy undisturbed tranquility with no other visitors along the lake's shore.
The Bad
- Limited Dock Space: The absence of sandy or grassy areas means that visitors have only the wooden dock to lounge on, which might become uncomfortable and crowded during peak times.
- Primarily a Local Spot: While the location is mainly visited by islanders, newcomers are still welcome. Just be mindful that as a newcomer, you might feel a tad out of place in a setting where everyone is familiar with each other.
- Parking Challenges: Nearby roadside parking is limited and fills up quickly. The closer parking area can be accessed through a short, rugged dirt path. While we observed some small cars there, they likely belonged to locals adept at maneuvering around the significant potholes.
The Naked Truth
Salt Spring Island may be compact, but it boasts a unique feature: a dedicated nude lake. While the dock can get crowded and sometimes feels like a local's exclusive spot, the breathtaking scenery and invigorating freshwater make the short journey from Ganges worthwhile. With such a picturesque spot available, there's little need for other dedicated nude beaches or lakes on the island.
Insider Tip
Bring a thick blanket or towel to lay on. The wooden dock can get uncomfortable very quickly!
Who's Here
Mostly older islanders and visitors in the know
Beach Surface
Wooden wharf access only
Access Difficulty
Easy
Photos
Our Visit
Matt & Megan
Nude Beach Map. Visited 2023
While BC's mainland is renowned for its nude beaches, Blackburn Lake on Salt Spring Island was more of a whispered legend for us. Unsure if its nude-friendly reputation still held, we took a brief 5-minute drive from the town of Ganges on a warm weekend, packing shorts and bikinis as a backup.
Matt & Megan
Nude Beach Map. Visited 2023
While BC's mainland is renowned for its nude beaches, Blackburn Lake on Salt Spring Island was more of a whispered legend for us. Unsure if its nude-friendly reputation still held, we took a brief 5-minute drive from the town of Ganges on a warm weekend, packing shorts and bikinis as a backup.
To our delight, Blackburn Lake remains a haven for naturists. Most visitors were comfortably au naturel, and it was evident that this was a tight-knit community. Everyone seemed to know each other, and while we were the only 'off-islanders', the atmosphere was more indifferent than unwelcoming. Unlike the lively Wreck Beach in Vancouver, Blackburn Lake is a serene spot to lounge on the dock and take a refreshing dip. During our visit, the majority of the locals appeared to be in their late 50s, and we learned from them that we were the only heterosexual couple present.
Access to the lake is only via the dock, as the surrounding area is the Blackburn Nature Reserve—a sanctuary for wildlife and birds. We thought there might be a patch of grass or sand to lie on but there is essentially zero other places to lay your towel. This limited access ensures the spot never feels overcrowded. The lake itself is expansive and pleasantly warm in the late summer. Its history of hosting island swimming races attests to its breadth and depth.
Our initial attempt to reach Blackburn Lake led us down Blackburn Rd, logically enough. We mistakenly thought the lake conservancy parking was the spot to be, but that only leads to the nature reserve. We wanted an all over tan and the correct parking is adjacent to the dock on the bustling Fulford-Ganges Rd. While you might spot locals' cars here or further down the dirt road leading to the dock, we'd advise against driving down due to the massive potholes. Navigating them seems second nature to the locals, but others might not be as fortunate.
Overall, local hotspot Blackburn Lake is a must-visit. There's an unparalleled joy in swimming naked in a freshwater lake, especially in this region. If you're planning a weekend visit, come prepared with a comfortable towel or blanket—the dock can be hard on the butt after a while! Also, remember that the tall trees can shade the area during early mornings and late afternoons. Dive in and enjoy!
Map
Getting There
Reach the lake by taking the Fulford-Ganges Rd. On busy summer days, you'll see cars parked along the road or might spot a narrow dirt path leading to the dock. Parking on this dirt road isn't advisable because of significant potholes – though adept locals in compact cars sometimes opt to park there. The lake is a brief 5-minute drive from Ganges and is also easily reachable by bicycle.
Recommended Accommodation
There are no nearby clothing optional accommodations (although you can definitely find cabins that have A LOT of privacy!).
Salt Spring Island has a wide variety of options that don't include huge chain hotels.
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