Oka National Park — Attraction in Oka

We have loved vacationing at your campsite with our family for a couple of years, and this time we came for a weekend together with another family, renting two adjacent sites, 5 on one site and 4 on another. On the first day of our stay, two of your rangers visited us to check the setup of our tents, tarps, and tables. They didn't find any issues and reminded us that playing music is not allowed in the park, also warning that the park is quiet after 11 PM. This was just a polite reminder as we had not violated any rules, after which they left.

The next day after lunch, another ranger arrived and demanded that we move one of our tents because it was on fallen dry leaves, which supposedly harms the environment. I remind you that the day before, no issues were raised about this! We moved the tent as requested. However, around 8 PM, this ranger returned in a very unfriendly manner and insisted that our table was also on vegetation and we must immediately move it. To our surprise, we pointed out that there was nothing under the table but dry soil. She then changed her reason and declared that we had crossed the site boundary and must move the table by... 50 centimeters! When we asked how she determined the site boundaries so precisely, she replied that they were marked with yellow markers on the ground. When we questioned why the fire pit was outside her marked boundaries, she struggled to explain and finally said that our site was special... During her visit, we were having dinner under a small rain shelter over our table. According to the weather forecast they expected rain and storm, and all the sites around us turned out to be empty. We told the ranger that there was a rain and storm warning, and if we moved the table, half of it would end up in the rain, and we wouldn't be able to finish dinner, but she continued to demand that we move the table by 50 centimeters... Only after she couldn't justify why the fire pit was outside her marked boundaries did she leave...

Shortly after, another ranger appeared and rudely demanded that the neighboring family, with whom we rented the adjacent site and were dining together, immediately move 2 meters towards their own site, despite all the closest sites around ours being completely empty. In a rude manner, he also demanded that we 'be quiet,' despite us not making any noise when asked. We were very disturbed and upset by this completely unjustified bias against us. We weren't making noise, breaking any park rules, or disturbing our neighbors. It felt like, for some reason that day, the rangers targeted us for outright bullying! I want to say that our entire group very often vacations at camp sites, and we were never tortured with complaints like we were here. This has never happened...

This is my first time coming back to this beach in over a decade. As I have 2 dogs, I checked the website to see if I could bring my dogs to the beach. It shows limited access

“NATIONAL PARKS

Since May 17, 2019, dogs are allowed in all Québec national parks, except in the Anticosti and Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé national parks. However, dogs are only authorized in certain places.”

So after doing countless research, it didn’t say we CANNOT bring our dogs to the beach. At the entrance where we paid for parking also mentioned that dogs need to be on leash at all times.

Very misleading information. So after we settled down and were starting our bbq on Sunday July 4th and 2 security guards came around 11:45am and told us we can’t have dogs at the beach.

Firstly- it was 2 security guards - 1 tall and 1 short and big with sunglasses. The short and big was speaking to us in French - very rude and telling us to leave the park or he will call Sépaq and they will direct us out.

Secondly - I responded by saying “but I saw on the website that dogs are allowed” and his response was “on parle on francais ici”. I felt discriminated as I am an asian Canadian born montreal and just responded in English.

Next what happened was worst - that short and fat security guard wouldn’t listen to my father who spoke fluent French and just told us to leave as he does not want to listen to us. He goes and tells his friend - the tall one that he will explode if we keep trying to defend ourselves. We just wanted to know what options were available but he was just negative and walking away from us furiously.

I’ve never felt this way for living in my own hometown. This security guard was racist, impolite, incorporative and definitely discriminated to us as an Asian family.

I hope National Park/ SÉPAQ does not tolerant this kind of behaviour and will take action to this...

OKA Beach, nestled along the scenic shores, presents a unique blend of family-friendly and nudist sections, catering to a diverse crowd seeking sun-soaked relaxation. The family area is a haven for those with children, featuring soft sands and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for building sandcastles or enjoying a leisurely swim. The beachgoers here create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing a communal appreciation for the sun and surf.

However, it's crucial for parents to exercise caution when venturing near the nudist section. While the nudist area is clearly demarcated, some families may find it necessary to set clear boundaries to ensure a comfortable experience for all. Communication is key, and a respectful coexistence between different beachgoers is typically observed, making the transition between the two areas smooth and unintrusive.

The picturesque surroundings of OKA Beach contribute to its allure, with lush greenery and a refreshing breeze providing a tranquil backdrop. Families can relish in the beauty of nature while enjoying the amenities offered in the family section, such as shaded picnic areas and well-maintained facilities. The beach management's efforts to maintain cleanliness and order contribute to an overall positive experience.

In conclusion, OKA Beach offers a diverse and inclusive environment, making it suitable for various preferences. Families can appreciate the family-friendly section's amenities and atmosphere, while those seeking a clothing-optional experience can comfortably enjoy the designated nudist area. With proper communication and mutual respect, OKA Beach stands as a versatile destination where everyone can find their own slice of...