Wreck Beach is one of the best beaches in the Lower Mainland because the people there have a cool chill vibe, it's super clean and BONUS it's a nude beach! Not everybody goes sans clothing, but if you choose to when it's warmer out you won't feel out of place. When it's the off season it's still worth the 400+ steps down to the beach to see the magic read more

Wreck Beach - Wreck Beach - Beaches Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Beautiful beach to check out whenever in the Vancouver area. It is clean and well-kept, and the views are even better. There are several logs at this beach that can serve as benches. Yes, this is a clothing optional beach however I did not notice a lot of people taking off their clothes here at the time I came. My only complaint is the numerous amounts of stairs one has to climb up or walk down to get to Wreck Beach. It can easily tire most people out. My endurance for exercise is on the higher side so this wasn't much of a problem for me but I know it could be for others. read more

See all

This place is like heaven if you're into beautiful beaches. It is spacious and looks out into the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of logs where you can sit. Oh, and it's clothing optional - one of the few places like that around. The people I encountered were friendly and I found the place so serene and relaxing. My main complaint is the stairs - going down was okay, but coming back up was an experience. An experience I am tempted to repeat in the future. read more

No parking, the bathroom is a hole in the ground, and the trail to the beach is pretty steep and difficult to traverse. Was interested in the clothing optional part, but the wife and I noticed guys taking pictures of "some birds" it was pretty uncomfortable, so we just turned around before reaching the bottom. read more

My first nude beach experience and it was awesome I didn't feel weird or awkward at all I wish there were more alcohol available (We went on a Tuesday) There are all shapes, sizes, and ages and I did't feel intimidated at all This was 80% male, and females there were mostly topless Most girls come towards 7 Water is freezing I forgot I was naked within the first ten minutes Didn't get to experience the famous drums (sad face) read more

Great place to come for hiking. Its got a path that muddy this time of year however its quiet and has great spots for photos and views! keep in mind this is a clothing optional beach so don't take photos of people who are exercising their freedoms! other than that great place to checkout summer or fall because of the seasonal changes the hiking changes as well! read more

Wreck Beach - Beaches Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Chill Vibe, but there is this very old white male with a hunchback harrassing people there.

I came here when I was visiting one of my friends at UBC and she forgot to mention to me that this was a nude beach (oops!), but I had an amazing time with my first experience! The beach itself feels very private since the way to get down it is through fairly steep stairs through the woods, so you definitely don't have to worry about people seeing you who are not on the beach. I personally kept my clothes on and a lot of the other beach goers did as well. The people there mind their own business and no one was really staring at anyone else, which was something I was worried might happen. There were some vendors who were there selling beautifully colored and seemingly handmade tapestries and clothing. These are all cash only, so be sure that you have a few dollars if you are interested! Coming from the US, tapestries are normally very expensive but the ones here were very inexpensive and more unique than anything you would find at the stores. It is a beautiful beach that is very peaceful to go to if you want to lay in the sand or read a book or relax with some friends. There was a wide age range, though everyone I saw were clearly adults, so no matter your age feel free to come here - clothing optional! read more

See all

A nice clothing optional beach in the nice big city of Vancouver with very nice scenery and then in the winter it is nice for relaxing walks along the beach. read more

One of the first places I went to when we first moved to Vancouver was Wreck Beach and I fell in love with the care-free anonymity and natural beauty of this haven. The walk down to the beach is a series of what seems like a gazillion steps, through a majestic forest of massive flora. If you haven't heard, it is a clothing-optional beach so get comfortable or get out. The attitude here is...there isn't any attitude! Everyone is overwhelmingly friendly, open and giving. There are vendors selling their wares, clothing, scarves and jewellery along with some of the better food vendors around. A particular gentlemen sells exotic meats in burger and hot dog form, try the kangaroo burger, amazing! There is also a fresh, home-made fry stand with miso gravy, as well as a plethora of less obvious folks selling their drink concoctions, treats and whatever else you think you might enhance your Wreck Beach experience.... For me, there is no better escape in the city than Wreck Beach. read more

Wreck Beach - photo courtesty of Mercedes G. - Beaches Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This is one of the largest swathes of clothing optional beach and is pretty well known amongst locals and is a well kept secret giving its size. Buried around the edge of UBC it's a great place to hang out as long as you're not a perv. The clothing optional culture proves to be incredibly friendly whether you're comfortable to go completely nude or not which makes it an enjoyable environment to be completely care free. read more

If I could unsee somethings (that reminded me more of leather, less of human skin) I've seen at the beach, I probably would. But in general, this clothes optional beach is super fun in the summer time. Yes, it gets SUPER busy, but I really like the welcoming vibes and music here. There are also small booths selling popsicles and some food - pretty impressive considering they carry everything up the stairs and down the stairs. You don't have to be naked. I would say about 30% are full on naked, most people are still in their swim suits. Overall, a nice beach to get tanned and relax. read more

Favourite place in Vancouver. I don't know what more I can say than that! Completely relaxing, culturally diverse and about a million stairs to keep the yahoos out. An excerpt from a piece I wrote on my blog about Wreck: "I frequent a nude beach. But it's not what you think! When most people picture a nude beach, they envision a weirdo hippie swinger commune where love rules and drum circles unite in the sunset. And while I admit, there is that certain element down at my beloved Wreck, its about much more than that. People from all walks of life flock to the edges of UBC to descend the 473 steps to the bottom of a cliff. Wrapping around this steep hillside is a utopic slice of sand, the prettiest you can get in the Lower Mainland and one of the most renowned nude beaches in the world. Hell, it was even nominated to be one of Canada's Seven Wonders! Part of Wreck's allure is that its location prevents a few things: mass crowds of people and development (there is no road access.) However, that doesn't prevent a ragtag group of vendors from setting up shop, hoisting their ware up and down all those stairs just to make it happen. There are people meandering around selling beer, jello shots, marijuana, homemade empanadas, pizza, hot pork buns (the affable Thai fellow's slogan is "would you like to eat my nice, hot buns?,) sarongs, jewelry, palm readings, portraits, and "icy cold organic soft drinks." The vendors, like most of the beachgoers, are in various stages of undress - the most hardcore among them nude but for their fanny packs.... Lining the back of the beach are more vendors, these ones more professionally set up as seasonal "permanent" stalls. Stormin' Norman's Spirit Burgers is a long time favourite, staffed by surly naked French Canadians and featuring exotic meat burgers. There are also Peruvian, Vegan and Greek take-out joints, not to mention a larger naked lady who braves the spluttering of hot oil as she makes french fries and even poutine. Yes, on the beach. Getting buck naked is not mandatory, but it is considered polite to get at least kind of nude. I myself go topless, only going for the full monty about 10% of the time. "Tourists," often from more restrictive cultures/countries can sometimes be seen lining the back of the beach and leering, but the Wreck beach police (a groups of scraggy old hippies who have been down at the beach since the 60's, when Vancouver was referred to as "San Francisco of the North") chase them away. You do not want to piss these old timers off - brandish a camera and they turn into pitbulls. I have been going to Wreck for about 8 years, and in that time have developed a little core crew of friends who also spend 10 months of the year dreaming of the beach. We spend all week holding our breaths and hoping the weather will be at least 25 degrees (Celcius, my yank friends. We're not that crazy) and then Jay makes a vat of sangria, and we wile away the hours gossiping, eating, swimming and even occasionally skim boarding at the water's edge. But it's not the food or illicit drinking that makes it such a draw for me. Rather, it's the calm, laid back attitude of everyone on the beach, the giggling toddlers wandering around, the puppies playing in the water and the tattooed hipsters catching sidelong glances of their naked crushes. It's this weird feeling of community that keeps all of us trudging down (and back up) those brutal stairs. Gazing out at the water, with no visible buildings or landmass in sight, just forest and sand and waves, I remarked to my best friend Xstina "it's like the apocalyse has happened and we're all stranded here on this beach and we don't care because it is awesome..." Ok, maybe that was the vendor beer talking, but I stand by it." read more

I've lived on/near sandy beaches my whole life and visited them (the free ones) around the world. This beach takes the cake--it's the most liberal and non-judgmental I've ever seen.. I love it even though I keep my bikini on. It's a great place to bring your mom, your new date, your grandma, or if you're a straight guy, that girl (friend) with the huge rack that you're just dying to see. Of course, I am also a big fan of awkward moments. So my advice may not be the best. The parking situation is definitely a problem so try to carpool. Also if you are leaving in the middle of the day, be kind and pass down that paid parking slip (sorry City of Vancouver) to the car that takes your spot. I heard beachgoers used to sell crazy drugs here, but now all that's being sold is cold beer and cocktails. By naked ladies and men, of course. Far left (south) side is the gay area, I believe, but if you're gay, you probably already knew that. read more

Wreck beach is where people get naked and do stuff people with clothes do. They play volleyball, drink beer, strum a guitar, bang some drums, or go swimming. And it's also a place some people go as voyeur freaks waiting for a very rare perfect set of tits and hiding their boners in their sweat pants. And then other people go there to fuck semi-discretely in the bushes. Whatever you go to the beach for don't fall down the stairs, unless you're a very rotund person. There are several hundred of them. Don't think about climbing back up them when you leave or they'll stress you out. The clothing optional beach stretches for a few kilometers... So if you don't like being naked in public, you can be naked in private too, but I guess it takes the thrill out of skinny dipping if you do it alone. The people are nice, the beer is expensive if you dont bring your own, and of course it is! Where's the nearest liquor store?!?. Ask one of the regulars what to do when the cops come by for pour outs... They also want you to put out fires! Laugh at, or with, the one guy who tries to get his friends naked by running around naked. There's always one of them. And most importantly, enjoy the view of endless ocean, the friendly patrons, etc etc. Here, life's a beach. read more

From time to time it seems like a bus-tour drops off groups, fully dressed, with big sun-visors, umbrellas, and cameras. There's a souvenir/snack cart at the top of trail 6 stairs if you forgot to bring anything. The beach below is where you will find friendly, knowledgeable, food & beverage vendors, and other paraphernalia (clothes too)? You can keep to yourself, laze, read, people watch. It's a safe beach for the most part, with regulars, locals, and oh tourists. See that person holding a phone in your direction? You're in their picture! Cameras these days come in all forms. If you're coming to only-look, don't be a creep. Go to one of many other nearby nice beaches in Vancouver. Anyone visiting do the right thing, try to blend in, take some/all clothes off! It's less crowded and more rocky as you walk away in either direction.The entire hike/walk end to end about 2 hours or more. Lots of big rocks throughout the hike so keep your shoes on. Most of the less crowded stretch away from the main beach is like the old Planet of the Apes movie, when Charlton Heston's character comes across a buried statue of Liberty realizing he's still on earth. Stick close to the main Wreck Beach at trail-6 with the vendors, for the best Wreck experience. read more

TOP OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's why I'm going there... Feel so good to DO NOT have to wear a bra... No worries... Peoples are doing their own things... No one's going to looks at your ''tatas'' or somewhere else... Peoples are going to look at you right in the eyes. Also they is so many hiding spot at Wreck... So you can lay on your beach towel without be worry... Give-it a shot today!! read more

Despite all of my complaining every time my friends convince me to trap myself down that dizzyingly endless trail of stairs to a big shadeless expanse of beach like any other, it isn't that bad. Wreck is a laid back beach where everyone is respected no matter how many or how few clothes you choose to wear. The beach itself is just a beach. The mountains are nice, but you can go almost anywhere in BC for that scenery. There are no rocky tidal pools, no neat places to explore, just a big sandy beach. (I find a big swath of sand pretty dull having grown up on an island.) The only thing that saves Wreck is that it IS a nude beach. A big open well-known nude beach where anyone can go and do beachy things. There is a sense of taboo that isn't kitsch in this self-governing community - it feels outside of the city, despite the occasional pass of the city police. That in itself is pretty special. And that is what deserves 4 stars. You'll still find me under a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and at the very least a bikini, if not an entire outfit (I love fashion far too much to go without) and scowling through the stairs. I'll likely also mutter to myself about all the damn bongos playing the same beat for HOURS. But in the end the good outweighs the bad. (But seriously, get as far away from the drum circles as you can. That shit is annoying.) read more

Let's be very clear about one thing: I hate the beach. I hate getting sand in things, or the "do I wreck my feet on this blistering sand or get weighed down with my shoes on" debate (oh, I also hate flip flops). I hate climbing over people to find a spot to plunk my already over it ass. I hate people climbing over me, because no matter how much you try and be delicate - you're getting sand EVERYWHERE. I hate the feel of seaweed, finding parking and climbing large stairs. I hate the beach. So when I tell you that I love Wreck, please understand - this is a forbidden love. Because of the aforementioned, I don't frequent the beach a lot, but when I do, I wouldn't even consider somewhere other then this happy nudey hangout. I grew up coming here and a big part of me waxes nostalgic for the 5pm pizza bugle, cheap beer vendors and that fabulous man in a bow tie selling long island ice teas. I wish this era had stuck around long enough for me to be old enough - because although it seemed you could get anything under the sun at good ol' wreck, the place never felt like a "party". It was the most respectful shenanigans that ever there were and i'm sad it's lost a bit of that luster. But what its kept is a friendly community of folks who will happily talk your ear off, but only if invited to; the only rock free/seaweed minimal beach for a swim and overall, a pleasant place to strip down (or not) on a summer day. Wreck, I hate to love you, but I do. read more

I finally made it to Wreck Beach. I have lived in the lower mainland my entire life and had never been. I think I was really worried I would feel pressured to get naked if I went and would be scoffed at if I didn't conform to the nudist way of life. This was not the case. It's definitely not an easy area to get to, unless you live by UBC, enjoy public transit, or wearing a helmet and riding your bike in those fancy new bike lanes. For a diva like me, the only way to get there is by car, or I would consider a rickshaw if I could find someone fast enough to take me. Street parking is usually impossible on a sunny day, but there are a few pay parking lots close by where you can leave your car (make sure there's nothing valuable in it cuz there's no way you'll A. hear your car alarm, or B. be able to make it up all those stairs in time to catch the bastard who broke in). The beach is beautiful, there are no rocks to scratch your feet as you wallow into the water (which you may not want to swim in, as I'm sure everyone pees in it - cuz the bathrooms there are nasty! But we'll get to that later). Yes, there are a lot of old hippy nudists who sell tie-dyed blankets and whatnot and believe in keeping the nude beach nude, but none of them will really bother you or force their opinions on you. Everyone there is very peaceful and chill (and possibly on drugs) and if you're lucky you will be too. If you find someone selling "merch" or freezies, you should definitely make friend with them and my advice to you is to support your local independent entrepreneurs (the Bailey's freezies are to die for). Don't forget to be sun smart! Since you may or may not be exposing some of your most tender areas that are possibly also the most sun sensitive (since they are probably covered 80% of the time, or 25% depending on what you do for work) its a good idea to keep the spray-on sunblock close by for re-application. I recommend the spray-on sunscreen, just incase someone needs a little help reaching an area they may not be able to that you may not feel comfortable rubbing lotion into (onto?). There are a few vendors who sell food down there but I personally did not check them out but I believe they are cash only, so if you plan on spending the day bring some coin, or be like me and pack a lunch. I do this not only because I am a broke-ass but also because I am a picky eater, so I don't want to walk all the way up those stairs, put all my clothes back on and then find somewhere to grab grub. Bathrooms.... ooooh dear god the bathrooms. If you have to do a number two, please for the love of god do it before you get there. The bathrooms are really more like outhouses and you can smell them from a mile away. All I can say is take a deep breath before you go and don't breathe while you are in there. You could DIE from that smell. It smells like someone did anyways. All in all, you should check out this beach, its a staple in the west coast chillaxed culture and a landmark in Vancouver. You don't HAVE to get naked, but being naked there is what keeps the beach a nude beach. Did I get naked? Well, you'll just have to find me there and see for yourself ;) read more

I appreciate the concept and the hidden-ness. I've had moments in the past, innocent naked moments with past boyfriends here. The truth is only some people are naked. People come here 'cause it's a good part of the beach away from the common busy family time sections. Because it is near college area you are going to get some D-bags who feel they own the beach, this happens all the time. Some people prefer to me naked, especially to get even tans. I've never seen anyone do anything X-rated here. As Mathieu said, it's where you do regular people beach stuff, just naked. A few of my girlfriends are models but hate going to tanning salons, therefore, this is the only place that they can be topless and get some natural vitamin D in them all while playing Badminton. I've never really seen perverts that just come here to gawk. Realistically there is nothing to gawk as the times that I've been here it's been mostly seniors who do nothing more than confirm that gravity is not kind as age passes. The stairs going up and down are a workout in itself. I've been here many times clothes 'cause it is such a peaceful beach section in general. Sometimes we all just need to get away from something. read more

It is only fitting that my 500th Yelp review pay tribute to one of the most exhilarating days of my life, spent on Wreck Beach. As my boyfriend and I descended the never-ending wooden staircase away from the edge of the University of British Columbia campus and toward the bustling shore, time rewound and the world's purity restored, gently spitting us into the year 1968 or so. First stop - the hot dog tent, where I scarfed a frank filled with jalapeño and cheddar. While I walked and chewed the dog, men and women of all ages - some fully clothed, some topless, some in the complete buff - wandered around me. No matter where I turned, views of ocean, mountain or woods mellowed me, intensified by the live music. One woman dominated a gender-bending version of "Cocaine." Families frolicked in the water; friends conversed on beached logs; ladies tried on sarongs for sale. Aaron, the "mayor" of Wreck Beach, knew we were tourists per our blinding, porcelain skin. "I've gotta say," he gestured toward me, "I'm glad you're down with the nudity." "Piece of advice man," he turned to my boxer-sporting boyfriend--- "Free yourself." read more

Wreck is my #1 beach in Vancouver for lounging around. Yeah it can be a pain to get to, but the B-Line does go straight to UBC and then its only a 10 minute stroll. Or you can be an exercise rock star and cycle there. The view is pretty spectacular, and I'm not talking about the the nude beach part ;) Oh yeah its also a nude beach. I like that clothing is optional. No one's ever been rude to me while I've been in any state of dress. They finally got washrooms just off the beach so you don't have to trek all the way up those crazy stairs anymore! They are outhouses so be prepared for the smell! Since this beach isn't technically run by anyone its best for enjoying drinks and other "treats" you may want to purchase from one of the many vendors strolling about. I've only ever come to Wreck for sun bathing and hangouts and not to swim, but from what other people have said, perhaps its not the best swimming beach? read more

From the top of the stairs of trail 6, you are 473 steps from the most interesting, relaxed beach in the world. I go to wreck beach to lie in the sun and soak up that good ol' vitamin D that as animals we all crave like nothing else. I also go to wreck beach for 2 main reasons: 1) There is no pretention 2) being naked on the beach is liberating. It is a unique piece of culture from Vancouver that you wont find anywhere else in the world. Some would call it Hipppy culture, but anyone is welcome to join in on the good times. There are food vendors galore (sausages, poutine, empanadas, sandwiches, truffles etc.), drink vendors, sun dresses from India for sale, massages, haircuts, artists who will draw you on the beach and psychics. Most of whom stroll up and down the beach all day to serve you. WOW! It actually surprizes me at how few people have reviewed Wreck beach on yelp. I think this may be because most people would rather keep it more of a secret than a public place. It truely is a treasure. A diamond in the rough when it comes to beaches in Vancouver. I do have a few complaints about the beach, but I will not let it affect my rating, because i'm willing to push these things aside. Firstly, their is a sewage pipe released into the ocean just west of the beach, leaving the beach unusable every now and then when the e-coli levels get too high. What a turn off! but hey, us dirty apes like to poop and pee everywhere like the next animal, marking our scent on anything we can. Second complaint is the RCMP officers patroling the beach. I know they are there for our safety, but they do ruin a great party when they spot your beer and write you up a nasty ticket for drinking in public. Make sure to have a proper hiding mechanism to ensure you don't get dinged. I like to dig a hole under a log and place my beer in the hole, and cover up with a shirt or bag. That way the beer stays cool in the wet cold sand, and my day doesn't get ruined. Happy beaching! read more

I almost don't want to write about how awesome this beach is because once i write on here about it, i find that somehow 5 star yelp locations get sort of ruined. Hopefully the 480 steps, and the fact that it's on the edge of UBC may deter you. Oh and parking here sucks, and pay lots are often full. Wreck beach is also HUGE, and has little shade, so depending on the time of day definitely bring your own. If you don't like nudists then don't come here either because there are lots of naked people. There are all sorts of people here, and tons of families and screaming kids. Am i making this attractive to you yet? Also i wouldn't swim in the ocean either, our sewage gets pumped (it is treated), into the georgia straight and it slowly seeps back in towards us, also complimented by the industry and the polluted fraser river combination, not making me mentally or physically the safest place to swim. The fact that it's at the end of the city, a more challenging place to get to make it all the more amazing. You can sit here for 2 hours and even with the noise of airplanes, you feel rejuvenated and when you leave you crave that open space, and weirdness of people wanted the same thing.. nature. Soak it up kids. read more

Wreck Beach - early june morning 2011 - Beaches Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I wish that everyone can play nice with each other down here but they can't. I was enjoying some music that someone was playing on their IPOD but some asshole who felt the need to be "politicly correct" went over and told them to turn their music off! So they turned their music volume down instead. I was kinda dancing to it still and the asshole who didn't like the music told me that me dancing to the music after he asked them to turn it OFF was not helping the situation. Are we living in a mennonite community where we are not allowed to dance? Come on! He was only speaking for himself in the first place as others were enjoying the house music beats too. Then the asshole went over to some young boys and snatched their bag of chips away from them. Why? Cuz they were enjoying the music too! One of the boys had enuff of this asshole and the next thing I know is that they are full on scrapping it out! Fucks sakes! I liked coming to the beach but people who act like they own the beach piss me off! The asshole who felt the need to open his big, fat mouth and be a party pooper got his ass kicked (which he did NOT deserve) and then it ruined the vibe for the rest of my stay at the beach that I left. i don't need this bullshit at the beach. I'll go to Crescent beach in Surrey from now on. read more

Anywhere I can expose my genitals without fear of persecution is A-OK in my books. Anywhere I can do so while enjoying an exotic meat burger, doubly so. Best beach in Vancouver, easily. read more

It takes a mini Grouse Grind to get to this hidden gem but it's totally worth it!!! Huffing and puffing is a small price to pay for such a beautiful piece of Vancouver. If a guy on crutches can do it (twice) so can you! What? A beach where people actually clean up after themselves? Unheard of! Arriving at 11am on a Sunday morning was glorious. The beach was still empty, the tide out and the sun peaking through the clouds. Sigh. No matter what time of day I get here, the beach is a ghost town compared to English Bay. Now, I absolutely love Wreck but it's not for everyone. Yes - people walk around naked and 9/10 are dudes...at least all the times I've gone. but don't be stressed to de-cloth with tears rolling down your cheeks the minute you hit sand because this beach is "clothing optional" meaning you can keep your garments on, if you so please. Yes - there are crooners singing to the beat of their own guitar. Some may find this annoying but I love it. Makes me feel like I'm not in Vancouver and somewhere far. read more

Pros: One of the most beautiful beaches. Cons: Men in only Tshirts with their cocks out. New Pro: Bathrooms! New Con (Pro?): Drug and alcohol use there seems to have skyrocketed since I last went. I'm just here to get my tits out buddy, I don't want to smoke speed with you. read more

Great news I discovered the other day--the empanada folks are back! In other Wreck Beach news, things are still amazing. This trip (one among more than I care to say), we got given a...rolled herbal cigarette by an Anthropology professor visiting from the prairies. She was at least 45 and amazing. It's this type of stuff that keeps me coming back. Wreck has a solid culture around it, with "regulars," some of whom have been coming for longer than I've been alive. One feels very protected, appreciated, and welcomed, especially if one has never been to a clothing-optional beach before ("one" was me). And note...I did say clothing OPTIONAL, which is what you can tell your straight-edge friends who don't want to show off their junk. There's food and wares to be purchased, as well as roving entrepreneurs peddling a wide variety of substances. There is nothing nicer than feeling the sun on every inch of your body (or every inch you're comfortable baring)...just be sure to bring sunscreen ;) read more

I finally had a chance to visit the famous Wreck Beach that keeps appearing on world's best lists. My first impression of the beach is that it's super chill. People are just hanging out, having a good time in the buff and there's nothing wrong with that. If only other cities had a place like this where people can even those tanlines out without being judged/arrested, that would be great please. I guess I don't have kids (yet) so I have to say my favourite part was that there are very few kids running around so my time there was quite relaxing. Not sure about the massages so perhaps that will have to happen next time. One woman was advertising an hour massage for $50 or $1 per minute with a minimum 20 minutes. Probably not covered by your benefits. There was also food and clothing (go figure) for sale so make sure to bring some cash. And for the pervies, don't waste your time. The naked man to woman ratio is probably 10:1. read more

I don't know where to begin on this emotional roller coaster: being shocked that people break their bottles on the sand--being disgusted at the site of the old man who gave us the full backside view of his flabby butt as he bent down to pick up the broken pieces of glass-- being thankful that he bent down and picked up the broken glass--being anxious as he almost stepped in more glass behind him. I guess all I can say is thank you to the old fart who was cleaning up the beach... Trekking down the (how many stairs?) to the beach, it feels like you're entering a whole other world. I veered right and copped a squat away from the crowds...had some peaceful time and watched the sun set...ah, heaven! And then came the climb back up the stairs...although, after the Grouse Grind, this is like a walk in the park - oh wait, it is! read more

The beach is beautiful. Its very natural with rocky mountainous scenery on one side and the pacific blue on the other. I was there in end of February so it was quite cold. I also happened to walk along the full length of the beach during the early hours of the morning so there weren't many people around (actually only a group of people at the far end). Everything was going quite well. I crossed this rocky spot, got to the sandier side of the beach and started my shell collection. Then this man approached me and at first, I thought he was just going to say hi and move on. But he got really chatty and after a while let me know that he was going to take off his clothes. Thats fine with me - after all its a clothing-optional beach. But things got weird when he started to suggest I should do the same as well. Did I mention it was February and cold? Well I wasn't interested and then I decided it was time to leave this short awkward conversation. But he was adamant on tagging along as he proceeded to take off his clothes and tried to talk me into it. It was really one of those unfortunate incidents. And a creepy one. In the end, it got so uncomfortable that I was forced to leave. By sharing this story, I wanted to bring to everyone's attention the issue of feeling comfortable in this beach and more importantly, safety concerns. As a nudist or non-nudist, getting harassed like this should not be part of the experience - especially given that this was my first and only visit. To the frequent visitors, I really hope you do something to improve the culture and create a more positive, peaceful environment. read more

Wreck Beach has been rated as one of top nude beaches in the world. This was my first time going to such a place even though I've driven past it for over a thousand times. Interestingly, Wreck Beach is the only nude beach in the world located on a university campus. After going down the very steep Trail 6 which is the most popular way to get to Wreck, I entered main part of the beach. The sand was filled with broken up driftwood, seashells, and rocks. It was a hot sunny day and the sand was sticky like glue. It's not the place one should go barefoot, unless you like getting pricked by something. I walked to the left and there was an area filled with vendors selling tie dye apparel, hot dogs, freshly made coconut juice and there was a massage station. One quarter of the vendors weren't wearing any clothes. There was a very hippie feel in the area for sure. I was surprised that I didn't encounter anyone playing bongo drums or people playing hackie sack. However, I almost got hit by someone throwing a frisbee. I went back right and past the bottom of trail 6. This area of Wreck Beach is more rocky and rugged. There are lots of large rocks and small rocks, and some are very sharp. You'll have to wear shoes or sandals if you're planning to walk in this area. Since there's a cliff in this area, you can get some shade if you don't like the sun. If you're into clothing optional beaches, Wreck Beach is okay. The sand isn't very pure, as there are lots of sharp objects and lots of chunks of natural debris. I wouldn't call Wreck stunning or even a gem, but it's just another beach in Vancouver which happens to be clothing optional. There is free street parking along N.W. Marine Drive starting starting at Totem Park Residence and going as far north to The Museum of Anthropology. Don't expect to find a free parking spot on N.W. Marine Drive because that's where a lot of the starving students and cheapo staff/faculty of UBC park. The nearest pay parkade is West Parkade which on 2140 Lower Mall - I never had a problem finding a parking spot. read more

Culture shock is available in your own city. Just head on down to Wreck Beach and you will find a whole naked world you might never had known existed. No matter how many different nude beaches I've visited all over the world, one thing is always common. Naked old men. They just love to show off their loose skin and old balls. I even saw one doing what appeared to be a geriatric version of yoga at Wreck. It's hard to look, but hard to look away. There is also a strange atmosphere in the sense that people come walking along wearing a t-shirt (naked from the waist down) and offer to sell you drugs. One guy was even selling homemade pot brownies. If he goes out in public naked, I imagine he is also in the buff while he's cooking at home ... I took a pass. Aside from the curly grays and drug pushers, Wreck is a truly beautiful spot. It's in a cove so that you can imagine that you are no longer in the city. All you can see is the water and the steep hills covered in trees. In the shoulder season, it's pretty relaxing. But when it's packed, it's a bit much. read more

A little rocky but a beautiful place to go sit and relax. Walked down the steps behind the universities museum of anthropology and came upon this little wonder read more

Wreck Beach - Beaches Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

I visited this clothing-optional, sanity-negligible beach last summer, and despite it one of the most perfect stretches of sand in greater Vancouver, I am just not hippie enough to enjoy this scene. One woman (clearly three sheets to wind) was wandering about, lecturing people on the subject of nipples; one paranoid couple kept on thinking we were taking pictures of them (we weren't); Santa Claus in a birthday suit lingered uncomfortably near at our beach blanket until our patent disinterest drove him off. After an hour of this crowd we packed our stuff away and went off for a hike instead. The natural beauty is immense here, so I suspect I'd like this place a lot more off-season, when sunbathing becomes less practical. As it was: "Where every prospect pleases..." read more

Wreck Beach is our lovely waterfront city's most famous beach, I'd wager, all because of it's subtitle as Vancouver's nude beach. I love the folks at Wreck Beach, being that the atmosphere is far more relaxed here than any of BC's other sandy shores. Expect plenty of vendors selling all manner of yummy eats and small to large crowds, depending on how warm the day is. Despite Wreck Beach being on the doorstep of UBC, thankfully it's not overrun by students. Do go here to have fewer tan lines, relax, and enjoy seclusion of this beach protected by thick slopes of forest. Don't go here to be a weirdo. Thank you. read more

Family Portrait Day! So much fun! People are nice and only few people would stare. Sand is soft and water the perfect temperature. Nothing beats the feeling of freedom. Love it! Trail 6 seems to be the main gateway to the beach. It's a long stair way. If you walk all the way through the rocky area along the beach, where Trail 4 and Trail 3 come in, you can find more shade and less crowded area. It's rocky there but there's enough sand to put down a beach towel. read more

this is the best beach in Canada. NAKED - need I say more? the food stands are great Stormin Normans is Tops! I recommend everyone go. read more