9/03

My husband and I went to Point Pelee, Ontario last weekend to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Following our long walk through the woods and finding a spot to spread our blanket, I removed my shorts and top only to have on my string bikini. After a bit, I removed my top. The warmth of the sun felt so nice. People began to walk by and at first I turned to lay on my front, but after a while, I didn't worry about this new found freedom. One park ranger came by, but he just told us to have a great afternoon and we did. The only drawback were the biting flies. That was a hassle, however we would return, but earlier in the summer when they aren't supposed to be as bad.

--Tonya, Troy Michigan

8/02

My boyfriend and I just returned from Point Pelee. I was topless all day long and we had no problems at all. One of the park employees simply told us "hello," while other people just passed by. Certainly some stared, but I guess that is to be expected. All of the beaches there have signs posted that say, "Proper clothing required," but our assumption is that women being topless is proper, and that the sign just means everyone has to have on a bathing suit bottom, which I did. Anyway, we hiked, walked on the beach, etc. and it was a pleasant day. No controversy to report whatsoever.

--Andrea, Florida

11/99

Point Pelee, Ontario is the southern most point in Canada and juts out into Lake Erie. My old boyfriend Jason and I went there a few years back on a bicycle hike, intending to go to the beach. When we got to the parking lot, I shed my bike pants and shirt at the bike lock-up place, but wrapped a towel around my top until we got to the beach. I knew topfree was legal in Ontario and was eager to take advantage of the changes in the laws.

There were biting flies on the beach, so we decided to rent a canoe and explore the swamps instead. Amazingly there were no flies in the swamp, just on the beach.

After we left the dock, I unwrapped the towel and wore just my thong bottom. It was sunny but a little cool, so the sun felt nice on my skin. We must have past fifteen or twenty other boats, and nobody seemed to mind my openness at all. Everyone just waved or said "hi".

Two women who were together in another boat stopped to ask about my being topfree, and Jason admitted that he loved the look. Upon hearing this, both took off their bikini tops.

The female dock attendant . . . told us that we should feel free to explore the park dressed like we were since topfree is legal everyplace in the park and is not against national park policy.

--Traci, Ohio