Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

North America's largest clothing-optional beach lies adjacent to the University of British Columbia in West Vancouver within Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Wreck Beach stretches for 7.8 kilometers around Point Gray, which was traditionally used by the Musqueam. Views from the beach look north to Bowan Island and south to the North Arm of the Fraser River. For years, industry had polluted the ocean here, but it's now safe to swim in thanks in part to efforts by the Wreck Beach Preservation Society, whose official mandate is "to preserve Wreck Beach, and its foreshore and forests, in as nearly a natural state as possible." The society's motto is "Body acceptance is the idea – Nude recreation is the way." The beach is easily accessible from Vancouver, but it's a steep 477 steps down Trail 6 to the beach to get to the most popular area, which isn't visible from the road. Limited restroom facilities are available, but there are portable toilets at the base of Trail 6.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Wide sandy beach. Great views.

Cons

Limited amenities. Crowded.

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Nearby Adventures

Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia
Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia
Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Bowen Island not Bowan Island
Point Grey not Point Gray
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