Wreck Beach - Nudist Paradise in Vancouver B.C.

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Wreck Beach Guide

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For everything you need to know to get to Wreck and have fun, continue to explore the WBC pages.

About     Activities     Boating     Directions     Maps     Parking     Tides     Trails     Vendors     Weather     What to Bring

What you need to know about Wreck Beach

SPRING beaching can be surprising sunny many days each month, coolish to warm and wonderfully exciting when the first real main beach days hit.  Often just before May long weekend is when Trail 6 beach is finally hospitable for actual full on sunbathing by more than just the local die hards. SUMMER beaching is mostly gloriously sunny, frequently killer hot and packed with lots of colorful people and vendors,  live music abounding and fun galore.  FALL and WINTER beaching is selectively and unexpectedly sunny here and there. wildly exhilarating, usually windy. oftentimes raining, wet, sometimes bitterly cold or snowy with fabulous lightening storms on occasion.

  • Garbage: What you pack in you must pack out! 

  • Recyclable cans/plastic bottles may be left on the beach loose for bottle pickers.  Do not leave glass as it tends to get broken.

  • Toilets: 4 just before the base of Trail 6 plus 2 at trail top. Outside urinals for both men and women just south of Trail 6 base.

  • Water facilities: No running water to speak of other than the small natural creeks and salty ocean.

  • Telephones: Public phone at the top of Trail 6, none on beach, but these days everyone has a cell phone.  

  • Emergency: Beach community will usually lend a cell phone.  If you cannot make it back up the trail due to injury - Call 911 & they will send medics or hydrofoil.  Charge for emergency service is very steep.

  • Radios/ghetto blasters need headphones or you may get asked to turn it off as most like peace & quiet on the beach.  Enjoy live music instead.

  • Cameras: Respect others right to privacy. Not recommended unless you want it confiscated or the film, camera or memory stick destroyed.  Local community beachgoers keep a close eye for suspicious bags or packs that carry hidden cameras. 

  • Camping: No camping allowed on the beach.

  • Dogs  - Not allowed March 1 to September 30 on the beaches.  If you bring your dog, clean it's mess, provide water and shade.  Please leash them as loose dogs kill baby seals and nesting birds. A dog's sensitive feet pads may burn on the hot sand so walk by the water.  Parks Board fines of at least $100 for dogs. 

  • Fires - Officially there are no fires on beach.  During hot summer months, fires are an extreme hazard to local trees.  Please do not set the beach furniture on fire as we have to lean up against or lie in that sooty mess the next day and all summer long. Parks Board is diligent about issuing hefty fines for fires.

More Beach Info

  • Local Tides

  • Ocean & Shore Inhabitants

  • Weather & Webcams 

  • Lost and Found - Keys often left hanging on the metal signpost at the base of Trail 6 if found on the beach or occasionally at the top as well.  Other options for lost and found include the WBPS Wreck Beach Preservation Society and the Parks Board or Metro Vancouver 

    What to bring

    LIGHT BEACH GEAR: Pretend you are going on an excursion away from it all and plan to bring lots of cash, then show up and have a great time as most things are available to purchase during high summer.  Bring basics like a sheet or towel, sunscreen, water, light snacks and a plastic bag for your garbage. Break out of your shell and bare it all like the locals.

    FULL ON BEACH GEAR: Plan ahead. The key is light, compact and easily portable or you'll be groaning on the 473 stairs back up Trail 6 at the end of the day. Bring coins for parking and cash for any other purchases.  Useful to consider: Back pack, small soft portable cooler with ice, snacks, water, beverages, plastic grocery bag for garbage, beach sheet or towel, suntan lotion, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, windbreaker, long pants as it cools towards sunset, runners for the trail, thongs for the beach, small fanny pack for valuables, kleenex in case toilets are out, damp washcloth in ziplock for hands, pen or paper, musical instruments, percussion, drums to jam.

  

Wreck Beach Map

Getting to Wreck Beach

Directions to Wreck Beach Trail 6 main beach

FROM DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER:  Take Burrard St. South, go west or right on 4th AVENUE:  Head west on 4th Avenue, follow all the way to UBC till the road turns into N.W Marine Drive and you pass the Museum of Anthropology. At some point along here the road then turns into SW Marine Drive. Watch for vertical UBC signpost "Gate 6" at University Blvd. and you will have found TRAIL 6 TO WRECK BEACH. A well marked spot, it is by far the easiest, most accessible set of 473 stairs down for those who dare.  On the W side of Marine Drive look for 6 yellow and green garbage/recycle bins, a big directional map,  bike rack area and 2 outdoor parks toilets marking the top of the trail.

 

Parking

FREE ON THE STREET available 6am-11pm daily for UBC students and beachgoers.  Park along the street in noted spaces on SW  to NW Marine Drive from the Anthropology Museum at Trail 4 all the way down to SW Marine Drive and Trail 7.  Free parking is at premium here, so check signs s they tow religiously. Drop gear and friends at Trail 6 top, then park.  

PARKADE for Trail 6 or 7 access: Open 24 hrs a day from 7am until 7am next day.  M-F $1.75 for 30 mins. or $14 day. AFTER 5pm park for $6.50 flat rate til 7am. Go east on University Blvd from SW Marine Drive and make your first right to see the parkade. This lot is the closest to Trail 6 UBC off University Blvd.  Attendant or automated machine to take cash or credit card.

LOONIE LOT for Trail 6 or 7 access: Located at the P noted by Trail 7 on above map, approximately 2 blocks S past Trail 6 on SW Marine Drove. Hours  7am-10pm daily. Small lot of about 70 spaces, this is a better priced alternative for the weekdays especially rather than the parkade prices and a mere 25 cents less on weekends..$2 hr. or $6.25 a day max. til 10pm that day.  

PARKADE for Trail 4 or 5 access: Open 24 hrs a day from 7am until 7am next day.  M-F $1.75 for 30 mins. or $14 day. AFTER 5pm park for $6.50 flat rate til 7am. Watch for parkade entrance right by the Museum of Anthropology on  SW Marine Drive as shown on maps. Attendant or automated machine to take cash or credit card.

 

Motorboats & Boating Etiquette

Up until the summer of 2003, boats were allowed to anchor in at the beach amongst the swimmers.  Finally, after much protest from all the beachgoers about the gasoline, fumes, noise and danger to swimmers we were granted some form of immunity from motorboats in the main beach area. as is enforced in all other public beaches.  Marked by big white buoys, the swimming area is the whole length of Wreck Beach at Trail 6 and motorboats are asked to anchor behind the buoys or behind the breakwater of rocks.  The Coast Guard now actively enforces and fines any motorboats ignoring this fact.  It is no problem to bring in your kayaks, canoes or sailboats if they are not motorized.  Please be very careful of the many submerged rocks that lie hidden just below the water surface as the tide comes in.  Keep a close eye on your boat as the tides are quite dramatic at Wreck Beach.  Many a boat has gone adrift or has been anchored out so far as to leave the owners swimming to it later in the day.

 

Please be considerate of Wreck Beach Community

Toxic fumes from running engines or cranked up tunes sends two kinds of unwanted pollution to those wanting to enjoy a day on the beach with live music and fresh air.  Wreck Beacher's are known to stand as community and report party boats who ignore these simple considerations.  We want to enjoy our time out, just like you do.

About Wreck Beach Products and Services

There are a multitude of services and products available on Wreck Beach in the summer months May - September and include food, beverages, massage, jewelry, art, carvings, T-shirts, sarongs, beach sheets, assorted clothing and more. Unlike any other location, Wreck Beach community has aligned with the Parks and Health Board to bring you their wares. Licensed vendors have to pass food safe and are regularly checked for cleanliness. Fixed stands offer familiar products or services in regular locations and wandering vendors offer their wares as they walk through the crowd sharing their often quirky by-lines.  Some are legally licensed and some are not. If you are concerned, just ask them to show their vendors license.. Whatever you choose to indulge in, be conscious of others personal values and right to comfortable enjoyment on the beach with their families and small children.

What it Costs for a Day on the Beach... Food ranges from $1 - $8 on average for item or  plate.  Beverages $2 - $5.  Beach sheets $15-$20, sarongs from $7.50 -$10.  Clothing $5 & up.  Massage $1.25 minute. Jewelry ranges $2 - $50. Vendors take American $ at par or with exchange depending on individual.  Bring enough cash for everything you need as you will find plenty to spend it on.  As you may well know, it is illegal to bring, buy or sell alcohol on the beach and thus if caught, the RCMP will have you pour it out or fine you. If you must indulge, at least play it smart, be discreet and don't leave your empty cans or bottles beside you or anybody else while you party blindly without thinking, or you can count on getting busted!

Beach Activities... Skim Boarding - Swimming - Body Surfing - Body Boarding - Beach Volleyball - Badminton - Hula Hooping - Frisbee - Dancing - Music - Drumming - Singing - There is a net and a volleyball available and brought down by a regular beacher for those who wish to play.  Many musicians frequent the beach on any given day including our resident Rekkerz (beach north) and the acoustic accoutrements of User and Alonzo (beach central) plus  many other single artists and talents.  Feel free to join in the jamming, singing and drumming that occurs in many areas on the beach and goes into the evening with sunsets "Salute to the Sun".  Bring instruments, voice, percussion, drums and join others at Trail 6.

Trails and Other Nature Spots to Explore

Standing at the bottom of Trail 6 as you face the ocean & head right or north...  

  • About 2 blocks down to the north, you will find a slightly hidden Trail 5 (now closed) which is a steeper path with high steps leading up to Marine Drive.  

  • Further exploration around the point will lead you to Jericho Beach & Spanish Banks.  Check  tides first or you may arrive at the beach easily but may be wading in the ocean or scaling the cliffside to return if it changes.

Standing at the bottom of Trail 6 as you face the ocean and head left or south...

  • Just near the back of the main beach is what is known as vendors row where merchandise, various kinds of food, refreshments & healing massage can be found.

  • On a good day when the tide is way out, walk about 1 hour all the way out to the end of rock jetty to what I am told is a fabulous secluded sandy beach area.  Lovers often go there for privacy.  However, do make sure to return long before the tide comes in as otherwise you will be scaling only the high rocks and risk injury.  Running shoes a must for this journey.

  • At the very back of the beach just to the left or south of the bottom of Trail 6 is a pathway winding behind the mud flats to a secluded beach area known as the Oasis and is a beautiful walk to Trail 7 which comes out by the Loonie lot on Marine Drive.  It is about 4-8 blocks long and is right up against the cliff edge leading slightly into the forest within. The trails in this area are particularly beautiful and you will feel as though you have walked into a tropical paradise.  Small sandy alcoves, overgrown bush carved out to walk through, amazing vistas of the ocean perched on a log at waters edge, waterfalls, cliff top trails & lots of flora and fauna.  It is slightly sandy, narrow and somewhat rocky in places with wonderful little cubbyholes and natural windbreak areas for more private or quiet time.  Be aware, it is also an area that is mostly frequented by the gay male community as it is noted for its privacy.

VENDORS ROW at Trail 6

Food and beverage vendors work diligently to bring you tasty beach treats, as much of their wares are hauled up and down the 473 stair trail daily.  Feel grateful to pay the vending prices asked as this hard working community is extremely committed to their tasks, laboring long and hard in the hot sun to provide your leisure needs.  Lineup below is according to where they hang out beginning at the bottom of Trail 6 near the back of the main beach and heading full beach length south towards the rock jetty and rose garden area. Not all beach vendors are noted.

  • Bruce & Mari - (Look for the first colorful fabrics you see blowing in the wind at beach north just a few steps past Trail 6 base)  These two make a trip to India and Nepal most every year and bring back a huge selection of inexpensive handmade cotton, rayon or silk products. such as beach blankets, sarongs, dresses, skirts, purses and hats.  They also have a great collection of very cheap but funky jewelry along with beads, charms, Indian idols, bells and more to outfit most of us for the summer in vibrant whimsical style.  .

  • David - (Check out the second colorful fabric stand you see blowing in the wind a little further along) David also makes his journeys across the world to India to bring us often unique specialty beach blankets, sarongs and decadent sterling silver jewelry along with the less expensive stylish array of clothing items as well.

  • Lucy's Empanadas - (Look for the big sign and the woven colorful hat and peddle pushers Lucy wears.)  Homemade empanadas both vegetarian and meat, plus pita bread sandwiches are fresh made and available throughout the day. Food is usually sold out early.

  • Stormin' Norman's Spirit Grill - (Look for the big green parachute beach central) Here you will find the longest running vendor on Wreck Beach who has been serving up food on Wreck Beach now for more than 27 years.  Unfortunately VCH in their limited wisdom, has cut back the menu greatly from his wild meat burgers he was famous for, however he still serves up hot dogs, veggie burgers, smokies and sometimes corn on the cob in season. Stack the burger with your favorite raw veggies, sauces and condiments.  Pop, juice, water, sarongs and Wreck Beach postcards are also sold.  A strong minded frenchman, Normand can be anything from prickly to personable on any given day, so to encourage his sunny side, only buy from him when it shows, rather than ingest food with unwanted anger in it. Normand is ready early for lunch and stays for the dinner rush most sunny summer days all week long. 

  • Oasis for Healing, First Aid, beach gear and jewelry  - (Look for the pink flamingos beach central near the back of the beach).  The Oasis is open May-September most weekends and often regular weekdays for energy healing, massage and First Aid basics throughout the summer months.  There is nothing like retail therapy on the beach as Oasis offers umbrella rentals as well as assorted products such as feather earrings and other jewelry, and sometimes beach wear, blankets and more. Enjoy a glorious massage or hands on healing on the beach on a beautiful sunny day. Take relaxation of the body-mind-spirit to a whole other level with the sounds the waves, beach musicians and eagles flying overhead.. Even short healing sessions offer huge relaxation results in this atmosphere.

  • Monty's Stir Fry - (Just past beach central after Taco Dog)  Monty has been on the beach selling food for several years. The food is tasty enough however the portions are small and the garlic, flavor and spices are all bottled or dried.  Monty would do better to charge an extra $1.50 and make plate size portions with more veggies. real flavors and true veggie plates.

  • Sandwiches - (Look for the big open log flowerbed with 2 umbrellas beach south up near the rock jetty).  Great sandwiches from vegetarian to sliced meat, cheese or tuna plus pop & water.  Always the freshest, he shops every morning daily. makes it fresh on the spot and usually leaves early afternoon as he sells out daily.  A gentle spirit, this kind and generous man is known to always have a smiling face, putting lots of love into his incredibly tasty sandwiches.

  • Other vendors - Many ever changing vendors sell everything imaginable on Wreck Beach.  If they don't have a permanent location in vendors row, then they walk the beach with a pack, cooler or basket and advertise their wares.  Most food and drink sells out quick in the summer months, so get it while you can.

Continue exploring www.wreckbeachcanada.com for lots of great info about our world famous nudist paradise.