Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach
4
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: University Land Endowments
An area as rich in history as it is in natural beauty, the expansive parkland of the University Land Endowments is protected by the city in cooperation with the University of British Columbia. A large green space studded by rose gardens, Japanese rock gardens, botanic gardens, canopy walks, regional parkland, and hiking trails, the University Land Endowments are a breath of fresh air. Combining a commitment to preserving nature with a similar promise to preserve culture, its valleys are also home to the First Nations heritage museum, the biodiversity museum, and anthropological and memorial exhibitions. From its highest canopies to the sandy shorelines of Wreck Beach, its serenity is preserved by the University buildings that dot it, combining Mother Nature and scholarship.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
290 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
88
Average
32
Poor
12
Terrible
14
Travel25346533585
940 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We have been going to Wreck Beach for years and always enjoy our visits. On occasion there are extra special visits which are even more memorable.
Please respect others privacy, no photos or videos. Also please take your garbage out with you.
Please respect others privacy, no photos or videos. Also please take your garbage out with you.
Written November 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellers360
Vancouver, British Columbia127 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Unique place to visit being the only nude beach in the lower mainland and right on the site of the largest university in the province. Great atmosphere till the cops roll around to kick people off the beach at 10pm. Otherwise, if you got time or around UBC looking for somewhere to lounge around with or without clothes, this is the spot.
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derek J
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Solo
This beach is amazing, however due to more recent popularity some of the beach goers are beginning to disrespect the beach for what it once stood for, and remain clothed. Which to me doesn't really make sense given its a perfect place to do this; hopefully in a judgment free way.
So if you do visit, shed the layers and gain a new sense of confidence.
So if you do visit, shed the layers and gain a new sense of confidence.
Written July 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freedom13904084786
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
There are too many people with cameras and iphones taking pictures of nude people on the beach. Never take pictures of people there should be the mantra. I have seen a tall white guy and short white lady taking pics today of nudists, always tell people to put their cameras and iphone away if they are aiming at nudists.
Written March 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra T
Murrieta, CA1,859 contributions
Aug 2022
Yes, there are almost 500 stairs to get down to the beach(and of course to get back up). The beach is clothing optional which is more common in Europe than North America. There are lots of logs spread out on the beach for people to sit, lean back and drink, play guitar and watch the sunset.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LexGSR
LexGSR195 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
I have traveled to many clothing optional beaches, so that's key context. In general, nude people on a beach bring out a friendly vibe and expressions of delight. Wreck Beach is no different, so my comments below are relative to other beaches, not absolute. If you'll be in Vancouver, and you get good weather, go to Wreck Beach.
Pro:
It's a clothing optional beach. (HUGE)
It's generally clean
The vibe is positive, and often made more so by THC
Very friendly regulars
Little/no riffraff due to difficulty getting there
Con:
It's 475 steps down to the beach
Very limited facilities
No lifeguards
The water is cold (Men, remember George Costanza)
It's 475 steps back up at the end of the day
I usually say that the worst part of going to a nude beach is putting you clothes back on at the end of the day. But at Wreck Beach, those steps...
Pro:
It's a clothing optional beach. (HUGE)
It's generally clean
The vibe is positive, and often made more so by THC
Very friendly regulars
Little/no riffraff due to difficulty getting there
Con:
It's 475 steps down to the beach
Very limited facilities
No lifeguards
The water is cold (Men, remember George Costanza)
It's 475 steps back up at the end of the day
I usually say that the worst part of going to a nude beach is putting you clothes back on at the end of the day. But at Wreck Beach, those steps...
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salsri
London, UK88 contributions
Jul 2022
A lovely beach close to the Universty campus in Vancouver.
After coming down the steep steps I discovered Wreck Beach where the clothing optional signage attracted a group of naturists. There were no facilities, so if you venture down there expect to see sun worshipers seeking an all over tan and take any refreshments you might require. It was quite pleasant experience and with Canada's relaxed laws relating to cannabis sativa I noticed a familiar aroma. However, there was no pressure and it proved a very relaxing afternoon, although if you're looking for golden sands you wil be disappointed.
Oh, and the climb back up the steps is quite a challenge.
After coming down the steep steps I discovered Wreck Beach where the clothing optional signage attracted a group of naturists. There were no facilities, so if you venture down there expect to see sun worshipers seeking an all over tan and take any refreshments you might require. It was quite pleasant experience and with Canada's relaxed laws relating to cannabis sativa I noticed a familiar aroma. However, there was no pressure and it proved a very relaxing afternoon, although if you're looking for golden sands you wil be disappointed.
Oh, and the climb back up the steps is quite a challenge.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
esavino57
Mesa, AZ32 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
It is a beautiful beach, but you have to take hundreds of steps down to the sand and return up those same steps. There is a warning sign about 2/3 of the way down stating that it is a clothing optional beach. My 15 year old grand-daughter was uncomfortable with the nudity, but we were able to find a place away from others to enjoy the water. There were umbrellas for rent, but there are no chairs. Several decent options for food.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chuck g
Olympia, WA21 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
I'm going to miss my yearly visit to this little paradise. I'll miss my Wreck Beach friends and my doses of nudity, that keeps my free spirit afloat. See you next time!
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missvaliant
Vancouver, British columbia960 contributions
Jul 2010
I live in Vancouver and yes folks this is one of the best beaches this city has to offer! The water is clean and as warm as you can get by the ocean. it's secluded so no real perverts come down and if they do most people will tell them to leave etc.. Also if someone tries to take pics.. people will also speak up. It's got its own etiquette that people don't "get"..
I've been coming to this beach for many many years and i feel safe and relaxed.
Many people choose to go full nude but no one cares if you decide to just go topless or simply keep your swim suit on.
the age group is from babies to 80's.. as long as you can climb down the stairs and make your way back up.. you won't have a problem. the hike can be a bit of a challenge so take your time coming back up.
One of the best parts of this beach is that many people come down and sell food and beverages.. so bring some cash if you don't want to haul your own food. its not cheap but it is quite good.
So come check out this beautiful sandy beach, catch one of the most amazing sunsets and keep it clean for the next person to enjoy!
I've been coming to this beach for many many years and i feel safe and relaxed.
Many people choose to go full nude but no one cares if you decide to just go topless or simply keep your swim suit on.
the age group is from babies to 80's.. as long as you can climb down the stairs and make your way back up.. you won't have a problem. the hike can be a bit of a challenge so take your time coming back up.
One of the best parts of this beach is that many people come down and sell food and beverages.. so bring some cash if you don't want to haul your own food. its not cheap but it is quite good.
So come check out this beautiful sandy beach, catch one of the most amazing sunsets and keep it clean for the next person to enjoy!
Written May 12, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I want to check this beach out on my upcoming trip to Vancouver but I’m wondering what the water is like. Do people more just cool off by the shore or can you actually swim and enjoy the water?
Written August 2, 2019
As long as it's summer the water is more than warm enough to swim in.
Written August 7, 2019
_vergara_simon
Vancouver, Canada
Hello ! I've never been to that place for a long time. So , any idea of what activities going on over there ? I'm quite shy. Too shy to go there alone.
Written July 21, 2018
People generally keep to themselves. Some build sand castles. It is like any other beach but no vendors. Some toss a frisbey. You can wear as much or as little as possible but most people will be nude or partially nude.
Written July 22, 2018
I understand Wreck Beach (nude beach) is difficult to access due to some steep stairs. How far is the walk from where you park your car to the beach? And is it truly a nude beach or clothing optional?
Thank you.
Written October 3, 2017
I wouldn't say it's difficult to access - it's just a lot of stairs. And by a lot, like 400.
There's a parking lot down the street from the beach access - it's a paid lot. It's about a ten minute walk.
It's clothing optional. I've been there numerous times and there have always been nude & clothed people there simultaneously.
Written October 12, 2017
carebear7772017
Edmonton, Canada
Is this beach an approprate place to bring young children?
Written April 4, 2017
Very. Great place for children and usually there are children enjoying the water, sand, wind and air.
Written October 4, 2017
Is there a place on the beach that you can go to only be around people who are completely nude? I've been to the beach once not far from the bottom of the stairs and some people are nude and some are half nude and some are fully clothed.
Written June 24, 2016
It is clothing optional not nude. It depends a lot on the day and weather.
Written June 24, 2016
hi, this is a question that came to my head and I was surprised that no website answers the question of where to put the clothes when on the wreck beach. I haven't been to the Wreck beach before. I plan to visit there soon next month and stroll the beach in the nude. If I drive, is it fine to leave them in the car and be naked during the walk to the beach? What do folks who take the public transport do? Are there lockers to rent?
Should I be worried that they can get stolen if I just leave them on the beach and stroll from end to end?
May be I am concerned over nothing and there may a practical solution to it but I rather be prepared than sorry.
Written May 24, 2015
Wreck Beach is a shoreline of Pacific Spirit Park along the Fraser River just before it flows into the Strait of Georgia. There is a jetty about a 1/2 mile away and the river is navigated by many commercial fishing and other marine traffic. My personal opinion is that the waters here are quite polluted as portable toilets are fairly sparce and I suspect that many persons merely use the river for personal hygene. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police regularly publishes notices to motorists not to leave valuables in cars. There are no facilities to store or secure clothing or valuables. I've noticed that many people merely attempt to hide their possessions in remote places. Be aware that the beach is regularly used by persons of questionable character some of whom I believe merely camp on the beach for the summer months, While Wreck Beach is popular with some persons I personally no not frequent the beach on a regular basis.
Written May 25, 2015
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