On the north shore of Lake of Two Mountains, Oka Park is many things. It is a destination for hikers, bird watchers, cyclists, and campers. But the key attraction here is the swimming beach stretching over at least 5 kilometres of natural sand. While the park might be relatively well known to many Montrealers, what they might not know is about what can be found on the beach’s wilder, eastern fringe. Nor might they realize how easy it is to get here from the city, even by bicycle.
Many people come on summer days to swim and picnic and laze, all this within sight of Montreal Island; Cap St. Jacques Park is only about 4km away across the lake.
The 24 square kilometre park has restaurants, a boutique, an ice cream stand, volleyball courts, changing rooms, showers, and lifeguards perched in chairs surveying swimmers. Rentals include canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bicycles. There are also hundreds of campsites here in a forest of oak and pine.
Lake of Two Mountains is on the Ottawa River system and has relatively clean water. Samples from the swimming beach are tested regularly and the results are posted at the front gate of the park.
Oka Beach at Oka Park provides a delightful mix of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and a unique clothing-optional experience. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach day or a more adventurous outing, Oka Beach has it all. So, pack your sun hats for women and head to Oka Beach for a memorable day by the lake.
Mobs of people can be found on the main beach, but walking east from the Littoral Visitors’ Centre, the crowds thin out quickly as the beach becomes more rustic. There are no more lifeguards; only signs warning people that they are swimming at their own risk.
Soon, you arrive where clothing is optional; welcome to Montreal’s nude beach. Different kinds of people come here from those with chiselled bodies to big bellies. Judging from the lack of tan lines on many people, they must be regulars on this beach. There can be a wide age range among the nudists and men generally outnumber the women. Fully-clothed park personnel patrol the area, but seem to have no problems keeping it clean.
“Nothing beats a swim here on a hot day,” Linda from NDG told us. “It’s not a long drive from Montreal, but feels far away. And this is the only public place where I can go topless.”
Getting there by car: from Montreal, go north on Highway 13 and west on Highway 640 to Highway 344 West, following signs for Oka Park.
By bicycle: it is a 100km+ round trip from Montreal, but you can bring bikes on the AMT train outside of rush hour for no additional charge (after paying the regular fare). From the Two Mountains AMT station, a 15km clearly-sign-posted bike path leads to Oka Park. You can even make a round trip of it, taking the ferry from Oka across to Hudson and coming back via the Vaudreuil AMT train.
Oka National (Quebec) Park
Entrance fee for adults: $8.50; 17 & under: free
Vehicle parking starts at $9/day (check website for updated prices)
Campsites from $30.25/night (check website for updated prices)
2020 Ch, d’Oka, Oka, J0N 1E0
1 800-665-6527
www.sepaq.com/pq/oka
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