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Wreck Beach
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9 reviews for Wreck Beach
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
