Wreck Beach is Vancouver’s famous clothing-optional beach, and it’s long been a gathering place for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Located on the western edge of the University of British Columbia campus, it first became popular with counterculture crowds in the 1960s. By the 1970s and 80s, gay men began to carve out their own space along the sand, turning one stretch of Wreck into a recognised gay beach. Today, it remains a cornerstone of queer summer life in Vancouver, mixing LGBTQ+ locals, students, nudists, and curious visitors.
What It’s Like
The gay section of Wreck Beach is lively and social, with plenty of guys sunbathing nude, swimming, and hanging out through the afternoon. It’s less commercial than many city beaches — you won’t find bars or deck chairs here — but part of its charm is the grassroots feel. Beach vendors roam with coolers selling drinks and snacks, while musicians and performers sometimes provide entertainment. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and open, whether you’re there to tan, swim, or meet new people.
How It Became the Gay Beach
Over the years, LGBTQ+ beachgoers gravitated towards the northern part of Wreck, slightly away from the main stairs and family areas. Word of mouth and Vancouver’s queer community solidified this stretch as the city’s de facto gay beach. Its clothing-optional status also gave gay men a unique space for freedom and expression, something rare at the time. That legacy still defines the beach today.
Getting There
Wreck Beach sits at the bottom of a steep, wooded bluff on the UBC campus. The main access is via Trail 6, a long set of wooden steps leading down from the end of NW Marine Drive. Be prepared for a bit of a workout, as the climb back up is steep. The nearest transit stop is UBC Bus Loop; from there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the stairs. Cycling is also popular, with bike racks near the trailhead.
Plan Your Visit
Bring everything you need — towels, sunscreen, water, and snacks — as amenities are minimal. Summer weekends are the busiest, especially for the gay section, which is easy to find once you hit the sand. As Canada’s first and largest clothing-optional beach, Wreck offers a unique mix of natural beauty, counterculture history, and LGBTQ+ community.
Book from a selection of the best gay-friendly hotels in Vancouver to enjoy the full Wreck Beach experience.
