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16 reviews for Wreck Beach
All Reviews
Wreck Beach
8/16/2010
1 Check-in Here
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."
Listed in: My Very Favourites
Wreck Beach
8/17/2010
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.)
Wreck Beach
8/15/2010
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!
Wreck Beach
8/29/2010
Wreck beach is definitely a huge culture shock, being a kid from northern BC and never being to Vancouver. I went to Wreck in late July of this year with a cousin of mine who is very familiar with it. The long walk down to the beach went pretty easy, unfortunately a few steps from the bottom I twisted my ankle pretty bad. As soon as we got there I looked around at what was being sold and bought some clothes and a drink. I found my cousin and sat, I was immediately brought ice for my ankle from someone I had never met before, and throughout the day had people bringing me ice making sure I was okay.
I thought it would be kind of awkward being around a lot of totally nude people, but I've never felt so welcome or relaxed anywhere in my life. I really can't describe Wreck beach, it was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life. I was by myself a lot of the time but it didn't matter because I always had someone to talk to.Not once did I see someone being innappropriate, everyone I met was very respectful. When I got home and was trying to describe Wreck to people, I searched articles and reviews on Google, and nothing even comes close to describing the unreal vibe and the amazing people at the beach.
Vancouver and Wreck beach have made a huge impression on me, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone, you'll be impressed!
Wreck Beach
Once I figured out just where it was, then got my summer-clad butt down that monster stairwell... Wow what a cool and relaxing place. Hard to believe I am still in Vancouver. Everyone although mostly nude, seemed totally respectful of everyone's space. I've not had a more enjoyable beach/ocean visit than today. Frolicking in the refreshing surf, sun basking... Awesome
Wreck Beach
7/23/2009
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!
Listed in: Off the Beaten Tourist Path, One Can Be Just As Fun!, Now That's A View!, The Great Vancouver Outdoors, What To Do On a Weekday…
Wreck Beach
7/12/2009
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.
Wreck Beach
11/26/2009
Stunningly beautiful. The copious amounts of dead tree barks on the shore adds dramatic charm to the scenery. The hike to the shoreline can be a bit of the chore, but the journey is nice and worth it. I especially like the sense of seclusion and the lack of crowds. It's a great place to take a deep clean breath and enjoy nature.
Wreck Beach
1/25/2010
10 Check-ins Here
I think this is one of vancouvers best beaches! So sandy, serene, and secluded during the off season, it's the perfect place to go relax and ponder. Sure there may be some nudists but it's a free community. Just get ready for the stairs back up.
Wreck Beach
12/4/2008
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.
Wreck Beach
11/28/2008
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.
Wreck Beach
8/21/2008
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.
Wreck Beach
9/25/2008
1 photo
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.
Wreck Beach
11/26/2008
Famous Wreck Beach, satisfying all Vancouver's naked needs. Yes, this is the nude beach. Nudists and semi-nudists rejoice. The beach has a section where you simply must bare it all, else wise you'll find the clothed intermingling with the wild.
This location was a favourite spot for beach parties in high school. Many, many stairs lead the way down to the beach. Such grueling physical demands ensured the lack of any police presence. Mind you those selfsame stairs were arduous for the drunken climb to civilization.
The beauty is picturesque, but I'm of the mindset that a day at the beach should be as the saying suggests: no work. Not a billion stairs. However the scenery is great and the characters colourful. I fondly remember a friend of mine being chased by a homeless man labeling himself "The Raven" and uttering incoherent rants about his "coven".
Fun times had by all.
Another undeniable selling point of Wreck is the vendors. We all know that police officers hate fun, it's apart of who they are. The RCMP would outlaw dancing if they ever got the chance. At risk of losing calories they remain at the top of the stairs, and so a veritable market thrives on the beach. You can buy anything.
Bring cash and suspend modesty. Wreck is a great day.
Wreck Beach
8/30/2008
The best way to get to Wreck Beach is the entrance right off Place Vanier Residences on the the west side of UBC. While the beach technically wraps around farther, it's inaccessible at high tide, and not great for exploring.
In addition to being clothes-optional, the beach also seems to be irony-optional, since there are a number of naked guys wandering around selling hot dogs. All the same, it has a family-friendly atmosphere, and you wouldn't feel out of place with or without a bathing suit.
Wreck Beach
11/7/2008
One of my favorite beaches in Vancouver, and for good reason too. It's located on campus, and it's one of the more pristine and beautiful beaches, with great views of the ocean. It's truly representative of what Vancouver is all about.
You can park along SW Marine Dr., but it gets really crowded during the school year and at peak hours. Park on campus and walk there. Be prepared to walk down a few steps. Have fun and remember, it's clothing optional!
