Recently, Nudist Day made a very brief stop at The Grand Barn, a rustic nudist club in Ontario, Canada. The reason the visit was so short is that it wasn’t necessary to extend it further, as it became abundantly obvious early on that things have not changed much.
Located right by freeway 417, just a few miles from the Quebec border, The Grand Barn looks like a typical farm, no hints as to its true nature, which certainly isn’t farming. I was alone for this visit, and one of the few good things about this club is that it’s open to any comer. I was greeted at a door of the huge barn by Peter, the owner of the property. A jovial and verbose fellow, he at one point asked me if “I liked seeing the naked girls”. That aside reminded me that this is also a club frequented by libertines. I only came here to spend a little time naked on a very hot, humid day, and also to check-out the nudist fair announced on the club’s chaotic, hideous website.
This was on a Monday afternoon, and I seemed to be the only person around. There certainly wasn’t any fair going on here, so all that I could do was roam the vast grounds. On my previous visit, I had foolishly ventured far down the unmaintained trails through the woods at the back of the property, emerging with a severe rash on the length of my legs, thanks to the tall weeds. The rash disappeared by the next day, but it did itch quite a bit! This time, it was impossible to go anywhere except to “Desire Lake” (a pungent pond, really) as the weeds have overtaken most of the land. When I later asked Peter why he didn’t maintain the trails, I got a rather convoluted answer which, if shortened, would resume to “I don’t feel like it”. Even though I tried to avoid walking through the weeds this time, I still managed to get a bit of the same rash on my lower legs!
If you do decide to visit The Grand Barn, bring plenty of bug spray and a machete! Nudist day, however, cannot recommend it as a nudist venue.
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Tags: canada, club, not nudist
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I agree with your comment about The Grand Barn rustic appearance and simplistic back to basics kind of feel. It is the kind of place that encapsulates a very natural feel and keeps to the “o natural” motto. My stay was short, however I felt that it was quite pleasant and I enjoyed the walk through cornfield, along the pond (which is quite stunning even if it isn’t up to the vastness of a lake) and proceeded on through the forest. I must admit the bugs do tend to be a nuisance, but that is expected when roaming through a rather wooded area. The trails in fact were quite maintained as well as I did not have any problems walking and getting some glimpses of mother natures beauty.
The fact that The Grand Barn is open to any was also a deciding factor for a return visit. They hold no judgment there and the people I have met have been kind and welcoming.
I admit they could have more publicly promoted events (which the website unfortunately does not do justice for and is rather chaotic and all over the place), which I hope Peter Riden will take it upon himself to work on such things in the future.
All in all I think that it is a very relaxing and serene campground that is idle for those who want to have a care-free experience like bathing in the sun or swapping stories and songs by the campfire (which is a rather fun time!)
I indeed hope the place wasn’t advertising itself as “nudist”.
There are some places that are clothing optional or even nude that doesn’t meet the principles of the Naturist Society or the AANR which is fine as long as they don’t allow children on their property and they don’t call themselves a nudist or a naturist resort because those words mean specific things.
As long as they aren’t harming an unwilling person or doing something that will harm an unwilling person (like making bombs) and minors aren’t involved then to me I really feel whatever they want to do fine (although if they are using illegal drugs while I might not have a problem I am sure the authorities would) but they must represent themselves accurately so people know what they are getting into before going there and getting into a situation that they might find unexpected and uncomfortable.
That’s all I ask from these places. Don’t misrepresent yourself. You are being unfair to people who might come to your place expecting something different than what you are going to give them. But also, you are hurting real nudist/naturist venues who by confusing the public into thinking that what you do is what goes on at “all nudist/naturist” venues.
If you are a “lifestyle” Swinger type or in the words of this article “libertine” why would it encourage you more to go to this place by it calling itself nudist/naturist then if it just used the term adult nude resort? In fact I would think you would be more encouraged to go because then you will be ensured that this place is indeed for you.
By the way, at least currently Peter Ridden has made it very clear that the Grand Barn isn’t a nudist club. Where did you get the impression that it was?
Did the web site say “Nudist Fair”? Did it actually use the word “Nudist”? If it did shame on Peter!
The Grand Barn clearly states they are a clothing optional, lifestyle resort. For the narrow minded who come expecting scheduled games, nowhere on there site do they advertise that. Before you go trying to hurt someone’s business, maybe you should get your facts straight. Peter and Souz, are the most welcoming, loving, accepting people, you’ll ever find.
As for no minors being allowed on the property. I’d bring my son here in a heart beat. Yes there maybe some who choose an alternative lifestyle. However I have not seen anything in the open, and I’ve been here for over 2 weeks. Just because some have an alternative lifestyle, doesn’t mean they’re rude and push it down our throats.
If you want a real feel for the place, come on the weekend or when there’s a real event going on. Nowhere on earth are you going to feel more welcomed, more accepted, or more free, then at The Grand Barn. Yes it’s rustic, and no there’s no scheduled volleyball games. However the freedom to be yourself, and enjoy nature, by far out weighs a scheduled volleyball game. Besides I’m a hugger, and a kisser. Why would I want to go somewhere that’s going to kick me out, because I showed my husband, friend, or newcomer, a little affection?
The Grand Barn is right into the environment, sustainability, and freedom. They do not partake of illegal drugs, nor do they smoke cigarettes. When arriving at nudist/naturist camps, such as Bare Oaks, a newbie is greeted with nudity immediately. Making the welcome very uncomfortable. At The grand Barn Peter takes great pride in making sure his guest/friends are greeted from a clothed person. Giving newbies a chance to ease themselves into removing their clothes. You have no fear of being kicked out if you don’t take your clothes off.
As for maintaining his property. Peter has 250 acres of nature to upkeep. Why don’t you put yourself in his shoes for a week. Go offer to take Peter’s chores, jobs, and upkeep, and let’s see if you can work your magic. The areas which are used on a regular basis by Peter’s guests, which he calls friends, not guests, are maintained on a regular basis.
The Grand Barn offers great people, fun times, and more importantly freedom to all who seek it. The major rule here is respect! Regardless of your lifestyle, you still must respect others. I love TGB for the freedom offered to us all.
Thank you to the Riden Family, and the whole TGB team. If I want converted nature, I’ll go back to the city.
I still can’t understand why lifestyles people are more often than not rude and aggressive in their comments and emails. To me, that’s a sign of either a hidden agenda or insecurity. In any case, I wrote this article years ago, and I simply related what happened and I stand by what I said — the place was a mess, never mind what happens there! Insinuating I was looking for a posh resort is rather silly — it’s called “Grand Barn” after all! If you’re happy with TGB, then by all means, keep going there!. It’s also silly to suggest I’ve damaged his business at all, since our readers are nudists first and foremost and wouldn’t want to set foot in TGB unless they also happened to be in the lifestyles. I get the feeling that most of the comments posted here were by friends of the owner, yet I’m open minded enough to publish them anyway!