MEECH LAKE, Que

From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)

  MEECH LAKE is located in Gatineau Park, just across the Ottawa River from
  Ottawa in Quebec.  It has a couple of beach areas that are frequented by
  nudists.  These beaches are not officially CO; but they have existed
  for a number of years, and no one seems to make a fuss.  There is a
  sign which states "Nudity prohibited in Gatineau Park."  People have
  been out swimming when the rangers pulled up in boats, and they were
  politely asked to just go put on some clothes.

  Pick up Highway 5 in Quebec and follow it to the town of Old Chelsea.
  After exiting the highway, turn left and proceed into Gatineau park.
  The road you are on will take you directly to the lake, although some
  park signs may suggest that you take a longer route.  When approaching
  the lake, you may see a small government sign for "O'Brien House".  A
  few yards later is a parking lot for "O'Brien Beach".  This is the lot
  that you want.  Parking is $5.50/day in the summer (1995 prices), with
  summer passes also available ($30.00), but it is limited and does fill
  up.  Alternative parking is hard to find, and cars parked illegally
  tend to disappear.

  The path leading directly to the lake (at the far end of the parking
  lot) leads to O'Brien Beach, a typical textile beach.  The path you
  want crosses the gravel road leading to O'Brien House and proceeds up
  a large hill.  It then runs alongside the road for a few yards before
  turning into the woods.  You will eventually come to a very steep hill
  leading down to the lake.  The gravel on the hill is maintained a bit,
  but you will probably want good shoes for this part.  Also remember that
  you are going to have to come up this hill at the end of the day.  At
  the bottom of the hill, a wooden bridge crosses a small stream.  This
  stream flows between the main lake (on the left) and a smaller sub-lake
  (on the right).  There are CO beaches on both of these lakes.

  The main area used by sun lovers is at the far end of the smaller
  sub-lake, at the ruins of an old mill (the Carbide Wilson Ruins; worth
  exploring).  A few yards past the bridge there is a small path leading
  off to the right.  Though this goes to the place you want, second right
  after the bridge is a better path.  This path is wide enough for vehicles
  (only maintenance traffic is allowed and it is rare), and is much easier
  going.  Since this beach is mostly rock, many people bring air mattresses
  to make things more comfortable.  These are also good for floating around
  in the lagoon and the far end of the small lake.

  The second area that is used by nudists is on the main lake.  After
  crossing the wooden bridge, take the first path to the left rather
  than to the right.  This will lead to a very small sandy beach and a
  small grassy area.  This space will only hold a handful of people, but
  it is a nice place to sit and the entrance to the water is very gradual.
  This is the area I like to take my kids to, and they love to play at the
  water's edge.  This area has only recently been used by nudists and you
  are more likely to encounter clothed people here.  This has never been
  a problem, however.

  Remember that this is real forest area.  You are not going to find toilets
  or a Coke machine.  You should be prepared to clean up after yourself and
  carry out whatever you carried in.  What you will find are some beautiful
  lakes and wilderness to enjoy, naturally.  The stores near the highway
  are a good (but expensive) place to pick-up last minute supplies.
  	[Original from Andrew Patrick <andrew@calvin.dgbt.doc.ca>]