Protecting the vibe at Hanlan’s Point
A new exclusion zone defends the beach’s naturist culture from noisy party boats and jet skis
The City of Toronto has introduced a new motorized watercraft exclusion zone (MWEZ) off Hanlan’s Point Beach, offering fresh protections to one of Canada’s most iconic nude beaches. The pilot program, created in partnership with PortsToronto and the Toronto Police Services Marine Unit, prohibits personal watercraft, sailboats, and powerboats from approaching within 200 meters of the beach’s shoreline, aiming to enhance swimmer safety and reduce disruptive boat traffic.1
The new initiative, which includes a separate 400-meter “Reduced Noise Zone,” was launched in direct response to years of advocacy by Friends of Hanlan’s, a community group dedicated to preserving the beach’s peaceful and inclusive atmosphere. “Too often, the beach’s clothing-optional status is misunderstood or abused,” the group reportedly said in a public statement, “undermining the respectful, low-key culture the beach depends on”.2
Hanlan’s Point Beach, located on the west side of the Toronto Islands, is not only Toronto’s only official nude beach but also one of the world’s oldest, with nudity reportedly tolerated there since the 1890s. Over time, it also became a refuge for Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community, hosting Canada’s first Pride celebration in 1971. Today, it remains “Canada’s oldest surviving queer space,” according to Friends of Hanlan’s, which has also documented the beach’s history thoroughly.
For years, that culture has been strained by party boats, illegal charters, and an increase in private watercraft—especially during and after the pandemic. “Leisure boaters who raft up close to shore, blast music, and treat the space like a party zone have become a problem,” Friends of Hanlan’s said, adding that this trend threatens both safety and the unique cultural identity of the beach.3
The impact of this initiative could have the potential to reach far beyond Toronto. With sustained grassroots advocacy from Friends of Hanlan’s and active support from city institutions, Hanlan’s Point offers a rare and promising model for how nude beaches around the world can be protected and preserved through thoughtful policy, community input, and cultural recognition. As one group, the Cherry Beach Open Water Swimmers, posted on their Facebook page, “Things just got a lot safer at Hanlan’s Point Beach… this could be a model for other beaches if swimmers speak up”.4 🪐
PortsToronto. (2025, May 9). Motorized watercraft exclusion zone off Hanlan’s Point Beach. https://www.portstoronto.com/media-room/community-notices/motorized-watercraft-exclusion-zone-off-hanlans-point-beach/
Austin, S. (2025, May 9). City’s only clothing-optional beach to get wider berth from motorized boats, jet skis. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/city-s-only-clothing-optional-beach-to-get-wider-berth-from-motorized-boats-jet-skis/article_48c18a18-4fef-4c49-8b77-e495486136ba.html
(Austin, 2025).
Cherry Beach Swimmers. (2025, May 9). Toronto’s first Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone is here [Facebook post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CherryBeachSwimmers/posts/2416877585366210
This is excellent news!
(If only it were possible to set up a creepy guy exclusion zone on the beach itself. I've been there, and the number of guys being creeps was almost overwhelming.)