by Randy M.
Although most people wouldn't consider Halifax to be a place where one would find a nude beach, Halifax's Crystal Crescent Beach is rivaled in Canada only by Vancouver's Wreck Beach.
Located at the edge of Sambro, a short drive from Halifax, Crystal Crescent Beach is located on Crown lands and therefore protected from developers for the time being. The beach itself is actually a series of three crescent-shaped beaches, the first two being textile only, while the third and beyond are completely clothing-optional.
Past the third beach, the trail continues for several miles along the headlands, over rocks and through the brush and wilderness. It is an ideal place for people who like to go hiking and camping in the nude. The water is cold, even at the height of summer, but the days can be so hot that you have no choice but to at least get in the water and splash around.
The beach itself has seen its share of controversy, and a few years back was the target of a court case brought on by passersby who "stumbled" upon the beach and were appalled at the lack of attire. Luckily for all of us, a very progressive judge threw the case out of court, insisting that the beach was far enough beyond the "public" beaches, and the beach-goers were hurting nobody by being nude.
The beach is small, but by far the most alluring, with a deep crescent of sand ending at a wall of boulders. The lagoon in protected from big waves by a shoal about 50 feet offshore and when the tide is out, it forms its own tidal pool. It's perfect for children and non-swimmers alike at low tide since the water is only about three feet deep in the lagoon. At high tide, the water reaches depths of up to eight feet.
There is ample free parking at the beach but no facilities whatsoever. Park at the furthest parking lot along the dirt road and follow the path past the second beach, up and over the small hills until you see the small crescent below. You can be completely nude anywhere from the third beach out along the headlands.
Be very careful entering the water from the rocks along the coast. It is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Restrict your water activities to the beach. There is no lifeguard on duty.