Beach
Wreck Beach
Vancouver, British Columbia, CA
- Clothing optional
- Family oriented
- Officially sanctioned
- Status unknown
Last checked Aug 2026
Wreck Beach, below the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, is one of the largest and most famous clothing-optional beaches in North America, with a naturist history dating back to the 1970s and long-running advocacy from the Wreck Beach Preservation Society. It's a public beach rather than a private resort, known for its informal community of vendors selling food and drinks along the sand during warmer months.
Know before you go
Reaching Wreck Beach means descending (and later climbing back up) a long staircase of several hundred steps from the UBC campus above — wear appropriate footwear and pace yourself, especially on the way back. There's no on-site lodging or formal facilities beyond portable toilets in season, so plan the visit as a day trip and check tide times, since the usable beach width changes significantly with the tide.
Amenities
- Trails
Frequently asked questions
Is clothing required at Wreck Beach?
This location is clothing optional: nudity is permitted, and you are free to stay dressed if you prefer.
Is Wreck Beach family-friendly or adults-only?
Wreck Beach is family oriented and welcomes children accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Is nudity at Wreck Beach officially sanctioned?
Yes — nudity here is officially sanctioned by the operator or the governing authority.
Can I visit Wreck Beach for the day?
Access: Public; stair and trail access. Day access: Yes.
When is the best time to visit Wreck Beach?
Season: Year-round; busiest summer.
Official links
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