The nude beach at Crystal Crescent is located within Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park. It is the third of three sandy beaches in the park, and the only one to permit nudity.
Directions
From the Armdale Rotary in Halifax at the head of the Northwest Arm, drive south on route 349 for 2.6 km (1.6 mi.) and turn right on the Old Sambro Road (Route 306). Proceed on the Old Sambro Road for 18.1 km (11.2 mi.) through Harrietsfield and Williamswood to Sambro. At the STOP sign turn right toward Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park. Drive for 2.4 km (1.5 mi.) following signs for the Park. In the Park, go to the last parking area, walk down the hill to the beach and follow the boardwalk and main trail to the right for about 15 minutes to Mackerel Cove.
Beach Etiquette
- Please keep the beach area clean and pristine. Take all of your garbage with you when you leave.
- Help to preserve the dunes by using the trails and paths provided.
- Respect the privacy of others by keeping a comfortable distance.
- Nudity is permitted on the beach area only. Please cover up if you leave it. Always respect hikers using the trails behind the beach – they may not be comfortable with nudity.
- This is a public beach. Lewd behavior is not permitted. Sexual activity of any kind is forbidden – and illegal
- Please don’t photograph anyone without his/her permission. Never take photographs of children!
- We come to the beach to enjoy peace and quiet and the company of other naturists. Loud music, excessive consumption of alcohol, offensive behavior, and activities that disturb others’ enjoyment of the beach are never welcome and may be illegal in a Provincial Park.
FAQ/Legal
Q: Is nudity legal at Crystal Crescent beach?
A: In 2001, four individuals were arrested for being nude at the beach. Prosecution required the consent of the provincial director of public prosecutions. Read his statement below.
| “Following a careful study of the facts and policies of the other jurisdictions dealing with this issue, I’ve declined to grant consent to prosecute”, Mr. Herschorn said. “Citizens should not face a criminal conviction for conduct of this type without aggravating factors, such as aggressive exhibitionism, or lewd or indecent acts. According to the police investigation, none of these aggravating factors were present.” |
Q: Who uses the beach?
A: Anyone. It is a public beach that has been used by naturists for decades. It is well known and well used. All are welcome as long as they respect the rights of others.
Q: What happens on a nude beach?
A: The same things that happen on any other beach – normal people engaged in doing normal beach things, except people are nude.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Read more FAQs on the FCN web site.
Webcam
There is a webcam in nearby Sambro Harbour that gives an indication of the weather at the beach.
https://www.novascotiawebcams.com/en/webcams/sambro-harbour/