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WreckBeachCanada.com
Everything you need to know about our world famous Vancouver BC Nudist Paradise |
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An opportunity for the amazing Wreck Beach Community to express their Creativity, Playfulness, Entertainment and Love with everyone. |
Wreck Beach TrailsWhich trail should you choose? There are many trails down as well as paths along the waterfront to get you to the world famous, natural, clothing optional Wreck Beach. Each trail is unique in its own way and offers the adventuresome spirit varied sights along the journey and different challenges in getting there. The beauty of this beach is the seclusion, which also means it may take perseverance to make your way to it, so it's not for everyone. Listed below are lots of trail or path possibilities with clear awareness of what to expect with any given choice. Enjoy your day at the beach!
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Wreck Beach
Basics
Photo by www.CraigMutchPhoto.com |
Trails
down to Wreck Beach
Trails along the waterfront to Wreck Beach
What to expect at the bottom of the Wreck Beach trails
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When the sun shines there are many licensed vendors on main beach Trail 6 selling food, drinks, clothing, jewelry, massage, beach blankets and more. Take plenty of cash, as much of what you'll want is there on any given sunny day. Check the weather...On late starting sunny days, partly cloudy, cloudy or rainy days, vendors are not guaranteed, so plan accordingly and bring everything you will need to enjoy your time on the beach. It's a long way up if you forget something! Check the tides before you take a walk along the waterfront or down the trails to get to Wreck, so you don't get stranded somewhere mid journey, or get your gear washed away when you go for a leisurely stroll. High tide means just that, as sometimes there is no beach to walk on in various places along the waterfront, nor dry beach left at the foot of some trails. Rest assured, if your destination is main beach Trail 6, there is always plenty of expansive sandy space to enjoy there year round even at high tide. Expect to be entertained summer months June-September with the mardi-gras flavored crowd.
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Two abandoned light towers mark this beach area. For more info, directions and pics please see this link until this section is updated further. If anyone wishes to share insights on this route please contact us so we can add the info here. |
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Just behind the Anthropology Museum lies this trail. If anyone has insights, photos or videos about this route please contact us so we can add the info here. |
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Now closed, Trail 5 is longer marked on park maps. Due to its treacherous nature in many areas, the GVRD and Metro Vancouver Parks Board have officially closed this trail as it can be very dangerous, especially for the unprepared novice wearing improper climbing shoes. There are no stairs whatsoever on this trail, it is strictly a natural and very steep path worn down by the locals through the years. It is halfway between Trail 4 and Trail 6 and is located a short walk behind the long yellow metal gate off the west side of the road on Marine Drive just north around the bend past Trail 6. Trail 5 is not recommended as sometimes grabbing branches or tree roots on the eroding path is the only way to get yourself up or down. It should never be attempted when it has been raining or wet, as it is extremely slippery and muddy and should also be avoided if it is dark, or if you are inebriated, sun stroked or carrying gear of any kind. The trail is bordered by steep drop offs in places and losing your balance could be the end of you off the edge. You may not get found for awhile if you do fall and get hurt unless your cell phone is glued to your butt, so keep this in mind and choose the easier trails. One of the other reasons the parks has closed this trail, is because damage to the loose sandy path and foliage is significant, as exposed tree roots and broken branches are quickly eroding this ecosystem. The winter hangout for Wreck Beach die hards is situated at the bottom of Trail 5, as it is sheltered from the colder seasonal winds during the day. People often walk by in their parkas in the winter months and look incredulously at the nudist specialists in attendance, naked and armed with reflective metallic backdrops for tanning in the cooler seasons all year round. This spot gets very hot in the summertime months, so it tends to be secluded, deserted and often gets overgrown, as most people hang out on the main beach in the summer. This hangout is accessed more easily and safely via Trail 6 by heading a couple of blocks to the right or north once you reach the base of the main beach trail. It is identified by the large rocky area with the natural log seating surrounded by many blackberry bushes and the slightly hidden entrance to Trail 5 right beside it. There is some sandy beach here as well as water access, although the beach for the most part is filled with lots of big boulders and stones. A few creative souls try their hand at balancing stones just south of this area so if you pass by, give the stones a wide berth and be conscious not to touch them so they don't land on your toes when you wander past. Make sure to check the tide tables or you may arrive at Trail 5 beach easily but may be wading in the ocean or scaling the Cliffside if you are caught in this particular spot at high tide. Further exploration around the point heading north will eventually lead you to Spanish Banks and then Jericho Beach. Tide awareness is essential, as it is at least a 1hr walk and many parts of the beach that direction are partly or fully covered at high tide. |
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Easily located at Gate 6 at the end of University Boulevard partway between NW and SW Marine Drive. For perspective on where Trail 6 is exactly, see the Pacific Spirit Regional Parks Trails Map. Trail access is made obvious by the six yellow and green garbage cans situated at the top of Trail 6, along with bicycle racks storage, two single restroom stalls and often a mobile ice cream/refreshment stand which is usually there June-September. Also known as 'Main Beach' when people talk about Wreck Beach, they are often referring to Trail 6, which is considered the main beach area. This is one of the best maintained trails with 473 well kept and placed stairs down to the largest width and length expanse of sandy beach area in the stretch of waterfront known as Wreck Beach. Here you will a huge stretch of beach where many of Wrecks famous Community hangs out as well as other areas in either direction that offer slightly sandy or rock scattered spots with wonderful little cubbyholes and natural windbreak areas for more quiet and private time. If you want the choice of being in the midst of the famous Wreck Beach Community with its full on Mardi Gras flavored crowd, or wish a quiet spot to hang out alone or explore some trails, then this trail down offers many options. You can always walk further along one direction or the other and explore a whole new perspective of Wreck Beach. When the sun shines, Trail 6 main beach area offers licensed vendors during the summer months from June 1st to October 1st and is the only part of Wreck Beach that does. Vendors sell everything from food and refreshments to massage, clothing, sarongs, jewelry, beach blankets, umbrella rentals, art, yoga classes and more, so there is lots to experience! Bring plenty of cash when it's a sunny Wreck Beach day, as much of what you will want is there. PLEASE NOTE...On late starting sunny days, partly cloudy, cloudy or rainy days, vendors are not guaranteed, so plan accordingly and bring all you need to enjoy your time on the beach. It's a long way up if you forget something! Infamous Wreck Beach Community Spirit and a huge sandy beach area is waiting for you here, although be prepared, as it can be packed with sometimes 6000-10,000 people on any given weekend day during the summer. Feel free to join the daily "better than TV reality show" party in full swing with plenty of live music, jamming, hula hooping, volleyball, skim boarding, body surfing, Frisbee and socializing at its best (and sometimes craziest). If you come down alone, you will always find old or new friends and people to hang out with if you make the effort, as Wreck is known for its community spirit. If you are new on the beach and do choose to get naked, you might find it easier to integrate into some native Wreck Beach circles than others. "Textiles" are what native Wreck Beacher's affectionately call those wearing clothes. Alcohol is forbidden in public parks and on Wreck Beach, although it usually finds it's way here and certainly accounts for some of the louder and occasionally more ridiculous "reality show" displays of human silliness. If you do choose to bring down alcohol, be wise and keep it low key, as the RCMP patrol the beach at least once or twice daily, ticketing, confiscating and dumping your openly displayed goods. No point in being the example of stupidity by leaving your cans and bottles laying right beside you and having your day ruined by well meaning officials who happen by and catch you off guard. Fines can be steep, sometimes arrests are made and on occasion, you may be asked to leave the beach, escorted by police. Just for your information...the RCMP cannot search your bags or coolers without just cause (liquor cans or a bong by or near your blanket is certainly just) unless you give them permission, or leave bags unattended. When your belongings are unattended, the police jump at the chance to consider it abandoned and will often rifle through your stuff since no one is there to say otherwise, even if there are no liquor containers to be seen by your stuff. Be aware...every single day in the summer months, many are caught and openly chastised for their unconscious, open display of the forbidden alcohol. The police teach us to stay awake and be more conscious, so play smart, pay attention and enjoy your time on the beach without incident. Everyone's responsible for their own garbage, so whatever your drink choices, please be considerate, store all your cans and bottles in a plastic bag and take them back up the trail with you. There are many can pickers who make their living collecting returnable refundables' off the beach, so watch for them and lighten your load. Do not throw them in the water or the forest so they become litter. Wreck Beachers' pride themselves in keeping this beautiful environment clean. Bottom of Trail 6 - what to expect heading Left or South Bottom of Trail 6 - what to expect heading Right or North |
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Trail 6 main beach from the S end looking N (old photo) Trail 6 to Wreck (photo by Hollywood) Trail 6 Right 1 block from base of trail looking NW |
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A beautiful and scenic trail down, this journey is quite enjoyable as the trail is currently fairly well maintained. It used to be considered the old Wreck Beach trail but has now had new handrails and better stairs added. This beach section is set quite apart from the main beach most people frequent and may not be as desirable a destination for some. There is no real ocean access here, as the surrounding marshy mudflats border the treed and sandy beach areas. There is street parking near the top of this trail if you want to park nearby, however do look at the signs closely in this area. You will feel as though you have entered a tropical paradise when you arrive as you explore the natural beauty of the shoreline trails, small waterfalls, creeks and local foliage here. The estuary area to the north or right at the bottom of the trail is affectionately known as "The Oasis." A beautiful and more private spot, this wonderful gem in our midst boasts many secluded little alcoves with pure white sand like icing sugar with magical forest viewpoints where you can picnic or hang out. There is no real swim-able access to the water in this area unless you want to brave the deep mudflats. There is however lot's of shade available under the trees, as you are right up on the shoreline where you can enjoy numerous small creeks and a couple of mini waterfalls. On a hot summer day, this area shares a welcome coolness and dampness if desired. Frequented by a mostly gay male community, you can expect sometimes controversial antics and an abundance of colorful human wildlife along this beach area. Many couples also enjoy the seclusion and beauty this area offers so don't let this fact scare you off. If you are on a family oriented journey with children in tow, this area is definitely a bit lacking and perhaps inappropriate to hang out in. Best to make your way to the main beach or one of the other suggested spots and trails where there is easy swimming access and no mud flats to wade through. Much like quicksand, you can sink a foot or more into the mudflats here, so be careful as it can sometimes be treacherous. If you still choose to, you can cross the mud flats near the grassy area seen behind the main beach and will likely want to wash up in the ocean or nearby creek afterwards. It is not recommended that you walk in the mudflats barefoot, as it can be very toxic, especially if you have any open wounds or cuts. Crossing the mud flats is definitely not recommended for small children, pets or less adventuresome spirits due to the risk it involves. There are no licensed vendors in this area, so make sure you bring everything you need if you plan to spend the day here. Always make sure to take away everything you bring down as this "Oasis" is only kept clean by the community that enjoys it. Absolutely no fires or BBQ's of any kind are ever allowed in this area due to the close proximity of the surrounding forest. If you want to access main beach once you reach the base of this trail, allow for an additional 20 minutes to reach beach central (Trail 6 as in the above photos), by heading to the right or northwest when you arrive at the bottom. Make your way as far down as you can go on the well marked shoreline trail for the easiest access to the main beach. When you want to head back up Trail 7 off the main beach, you can find it by entering through the cave-like treed overhang which is just a few steps south of the base of Trail 6. Enjoy the gay community and want to connect more with new or old friends? Another favorite spot for the more publicly behaved gay community, is near the far SW end of main beach Trail 6 as you head towards the rock jetty. Walk that way and you will find more like minded others out front just as you pass Abduls Sandwich Stand situated at the back in "vendors row." Abdul makes incredibly good, fresh sandwiches but is often sold out by early afternoon. |
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Trails along the waterfront... From Spanish Banks or Jericho Beach Walking along the shoreline can be a great experience from either of these locations if you start early in the day and check that the tides are safely out for the duration of your excursion or walk to and from. As some of the beach walking is tide sensitive, you may get stranded and have to find your way through the local shoreline brush at high tide if your timing is off, so please check the tide tables first. Wear good walking runners or hiking boots as you will go from sand to logs to rocks in different locations. It is not a good idea to pack along your bicycle for the walk on the beach. Yes, I know it sounds crazy, yet many people are seen doing just that with great regrets afterwards. If your destination is main beach at Trail 6 it will take at least an hour to arrive, before you can relax and hang out with the crowd that congregates there. This is a great journey if you follow the well marked path due west from Jericho Beach or Spanish Banks for about 30 minutes. As the shoreline turns south, the trail becomes broken. For the next hour or so you will walk on the beach or sometimes on a trail along the brush filled shoreline. There are always lots of great spots to stop and enjoy along the way, so let the journey inspire you to be in the moment. Planning to stop along the way or explore this journey slowly? Backpack with a blanket, lotion and refreshments or food as there are no vendors until you reach the main beach area. Once you pass two abandoned graffitied World War II light towers you will round a headland and eventually some time later, come upon the main beach area known as Trail 6. |
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What to expect at the bottom of the Wreck Beach trails... Standing base of Trail 6 facing the ocean walking right or north... There are plenty of picturesque and more secluded spots right up against the forest edge along this narrower beach space, with wonderful little cubbyholes and naturally created windbreaks for more private, quiet time. As you walk along you will pass a sand beach area with many random logs thrown about and traverse into more sandy pebble strewn waterfront here and there as you go further north up the beach. There is a raised and sheltered area which gets a lot of winter traffic from the beach die hards year round about 2 blocks beyond the main beach area. It is protected from the elements and often escapes the bristling winter winds that usually plague the main beach. As early as February and as late as November (sometimes every month), a few or plenty Wreck Beach "regulars" may be found here. In the early spring on warmer days, this spot may host as many as 50 people playing music, jamming and socializing until the sun sets and the cold creeps in. See Trail 5 for more info on this area. Immediately north of this raised area is a now closed path known as Trail 5, with a slightly hidden access. There are absolutely no stairs on this challenging trail that leads up to (SW/NW) Marine Drive just a ways south of the Anthropology Museum and the parkade lot there. Further exploration around the point heading north will eventually lead you to Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach. Be prepared to check the Tide Tables first or you may arrive at Wreck Beach easily but may be wading in the ocean, scaling the cliffside or climbing an unknown trail on your return if it changes.
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Standing base of Trail 6 facing the ocean walking left or south... "Vendors Row" is at the back of the main beach and runs in a fairly straight line from the base of Trail 6 stairs to the beginning of the rock jetty. Here on sunny days, you can find lots of different merchandise, various kinds of food, refreshments and even massage and yoga classes. Explore the shoreline trails along the forest edge behind the mud flats at the back of main beach. The trails here are particularly beautiful and you will feel as though you have walked into a tropical paradise. With small white sandy alcoves, overgrown brush carved out to walk through, waterfalls, creeks, amazing vistas of the ocean perched on logs at waters edge, cliff top trails and lots of flora and fauna, it is a captivating journey. See Trail 7 notes for more info on what to expect on this particular journey. There is a fabulous, secluded sandy beach to enjoy if you walk all the way to the end of the rock jetty on a good day when the tide is way out. Lovers and others like to go there for exclusive privacy, but must be extremely motivated as it is at least an hour each way and the beach may disappear completely at high tides along with the easy path back. Be sure to consider you may have to return atop the rock jetty if the tide does come in before you return, so good running shoes are a must. Absolutely check tide tables before you venture that way and tell someone you are going to be safe. Several enclosed Washroom stalls lie just a few steps up the stairs here if you need to use the facilities. There is also a woman's' outdoor squat facility (behind small wood log wall) and men's' urinal (grey plastic "spaceship") at both ends of the main beach. Although many people are seen peeing in the rushes where the tide comes in, it is very bad taste to do any other business anywhere but in the washrooms. The GVRD can and will ticket if you are caught doing anything in public on the beach. Also see Getting There for more possibilities...
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Think of this as
your website...so if we missed anything let
us know! This co-creative endeavor is a massive project, so we welcome all your ideas, photos, videos, musical expressions, artistic endeavors, healing arts, love letters, stories, newsletter contributions and anything fun that is Wreck Beach related worth sharing. As the collection of your contributions comes together, we will sift, sort and blend it into an ever-evolving expression of inspiration for everyone. Within each page on the links above, you will see an index filled with ideas of how it may be developed. Some of these hold lofty goals and include long term plans, as our attitude is, "Hold the Vision Clear and See Who and What Shows Up." So as we gain momentum to facilitate the process with your generous donations, physically, financially, spiritually and creatively, this loving community project will come together. If you feel motivated to participate by co-creating any of the areas noted on the site, by all means let us know, as there is lot's to do and we are happy to give credit as long as we have final edit! We so look forward to your support in whatever way that looks, as YOU are one of the many special pieces that makes Wreck Beach Community what it is. So don't be shy, start brainstorming and send in your ideas as soon as possible. We welcome your contributions. With much Love...Hollywood. |
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