Calgary’s hidden beach, clothing optional

Some people are ditching their swimsuits and shedding their shorts for a sense of freedom in Calgary.

Calgary’s hidden beach, located on the northwest end of Fish Creek Park, is a hideaway labelled as a city escape where clothing is optional.

Forty-nine-year-old Lynai Belanger is a mother of four who loves to ski and ride sports bikes,

However, roughly one year ago, she stumbled onto a new hobby while hanging out with friends.

“It wasn’t something that I sought out or ever thought that I would ever do,” she told CityNews.

“I was a little hesitant, you know. But as clothes started coming off and people were getting in the water, I’m just like: well, I guess I’m doing it.”

Lynai Belanger speaks with CityNews at Fish Creek Park in Calgary on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Tate Laycraft, CityNews image)

Belanger’s first skinny dipping experience made an impression, and shortly after, she became a full-time member of Calgary Nude Recreation.

“It’s really nice to be able to get in the water without bathing suits on and have these wet, soggy, drippy things hanging on you,” she said.

For some people, nudism is a way of life and an ideology tied to their sense of identity. However, Calgary Nude Recreation isn’t a nudist group.

Instead of embracing a lifestyle without clothes, the group puts emphasis on non-sexual naked activity, like going to a movie, playing sports, or going to the beach.

“It’s just very freeing, and as a woman, it’s also very empowering,” Belanger said.

A peeled orange sits on a rock at Fish Creek Park in Calgary on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Tate Laycraft, CityNews image)

Meanwhile, she feels that criticism of the group comes from a misunderstanding.

And while Belanger acknowledges that not everyone can be comfortable with nude activities, the motivation is simple for her.

“The beach is just a nice quiet place to come and sun tan without clothes,” she said.