About
A pristine beach located at the western tip of the UBC campus. It is celebrated for its natural beauty, secluded feel, and inclusive, bohemian atmosphere.
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Clothing-optional beachVancouver's most famous naturist destination since the 1970s
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Dramatic 500-step descent through old-growth forest canopy
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Unobstructed sunset views across the Strait of Georgia to Bowen and Gulf Islands
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Vibrant vendor culture with locals selling food, fresh-squeezed juice, and crafts on the beach
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Part of Pacific Spirit Regional Park with connecting forest trails
Water & Swimming
Water Type
Ocean
Beach Type
Sandy
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🕊️Free Spirits
- 🌅Sunset Watchers
- 🎓Students
- 🧭Adventure Seekers
The Occasion
- 🏖️Unconventional Beach Day
- 🥁Social Drum Circles
- 🌿Nature Immersion
Beach Info
Park Type
Regional
Managed By
Metro Vancouver (within Pacific Spirit Regional Park)
Admission
Free
Amenities
Not Available
Beach Rules
What to Bring & Insider Tips
Insider Tips
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Trail 6 has ~490 wooden steps with 73m elevation change — descent takes 15-20 min, ascent is significantly harder.
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Bring your own supplies — while summer vendors sell food and drinks, selection is limited and unpredictable.
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Respect the clothing-optional culture — nudity is permitted. Photography of others and staring are not tolerated.
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Check tide tables before visiting — at low tide the beach is expansive with tide pools and shipwreck remnants; at high tide it narrows significantly.
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Parking along NW Marine Drive fills fast on sunny days — UBC campus lots P1 and P2 near Museum of Anthropology are alternatives.
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Off-season (fall/winter/spring) is much quieter — great for peaceful beachcombing and hiking.
What to Bring
Best Seasons
Location
Getting Here
Wreck Beach, SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
🚇 Transit
Wreck Beach is accessible via TransLink bus routes 99 B-Line, 4, and 14. The nearest SkyTrain connection is from the Canada Line at Broadway-City Hall or the Expo/Millennium Lines at Commercial-Broadway, connecting to the 99 B-Line. From the bus stops on NW Marine Drive, visitors will need to walk down a steep trail to reach the beach.
🚗 Parking
Limited free street parking is available on NW Marine Dr but fills up quickly, often by 9 am. Paid parking options include the UBC West Parkade or the surface lot at 6672 NW Marine Dr. Arrive early or consider transit due to high demand for parking.