Wreck Beach

North America's largest clothing-optional beach lies adjacent to the University of British Columbia in West Vancouver within Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Wreck Beach stretches for 7.8 kilometers around Point Gray, which was traditionally used by the Musqueam. Views from the beach look north to Bowan Island and south to the North Arm of the Fraser River. For years, industry had polluted the ocean here, but it's now safe to swim in thanks in part to efforts by the Wreck Beach Preservation Society, whose official mandate is "to preserve Wreck Beach, and its foreshore and forests, in as nearly a natural state as possible." The society's motto is "Body acceptance is the idea – Nude recreation is the way." The beach is easily accessible from Vancouver, but it's a steep 477 steps down Trail 6 to the beach to get to the most popular area, which isn't visible from the road. Limited restroom facilities are available, but there are portable toilets at the base of Trail 6.