Two Nude Beaches In Canada Were Ranked Among The World's Best Spots For Baring It All
Looking for a spot where you can even out your tan lines this summer? Look no further.
Two nude beaches in Canada were just ranked among the top 10 nude beaches in the world, and as official clothing-optional spots, they're perfect for those who dare to bare.
One beach has even been named the best in the world for those looking to lay it all out on the sand. If you want to visit for yourself, here's where Canada's only two nude beaches are located and what to know before visiting.
The top 10 urban nude beaches around the world were ranked by Nude Beach Map, a platform that maps clothing-optional beaches around the globe.
The list includes beaches in Europe, the U.S. and Australia, looking at spots that are not only accessible from major urban centres but also "wholeheartedly embrace the culture of nude sunbathing."
Here are the best nude beaches in Canada included in the list:
1. Wreck Beach, Vancouver, B.C.
Vancouver's Wreck Beach was ranked as the best nude beach in the world, beating out beaches in Miami, Spain and Sydney, Australia.
"Canada's largest nude beach feels like it is a million miles away from civilization and stays true to its name – coming here you feel like you’ve been shipwrecked and landed on a nude oasis," says Nude Beach Map.
The beach can be found at the west end of the University of B.C. campus. A trail will take you down 490 steps to the beach, and, while the route is said to be well-maintained, can be a bit difficult and tiring. A map of where to find the trail can be found online.
Admission to the beach is free, and there are often vendors selling snacks and drinks on the beach, although it's a good idea to come prepared with your own supplies if you're planning on spending the day.
"Wreck is the best of both worlds and the reason why it ranks number on the list," says the ranking. "It’s only 25 minutes away from bustling traffic in Downtown Vancouver but it feels like you’re on vacation somewhere else. Eagles soar above the beach and the outlook towards Vancouver Island is completely devoid of buildings or houses."
According to Nude Beach Map, Wreck Beach has a relaxed vibe that's great for newbies to the nude sunbathing scene.
2. Hanlan's Point Beach, Toronto, Ontario
The only other official nude beach in Canada (and the only other Canadian beach in the ranking) can be found in Toronto.
Ranked as the fifth-best nude beach in the world, Hanlan's Point Beach is a slightly under-the-radar beach located on the Toronto Islands.
The beach can be reached by a quick ferry ride or water taxi from Toronto's harbour, the only cost to factor into a visit as admission to the beach is free.
From the dock on the island, the beach is a bit of a trek, although there is a paved path to follow and clearly marked signs for the beach.
The beach is divided into a clothing-optional section and a clothing-mandatory section, so make sure you're on the right side before you strip down.
While there aren't many facilities here, bathrooms are located nearby and some food vendors and restaurants can be found on the island on the way to the beach.
The beach has soft sand and clear water (that also regularly gets Blue Flag status, meaning it's safe to swim in) and makes for a great place to spend a hot day.
Best nude beaches in the world
Here are the top 10 best nude beaches around the world, according to Nude Beach Map:
- Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada
- Haulover Beach, Miami, U.S.
- Platja de la Mar Bella, Barcelona, Spain
- Lady Bay Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto, Canada
- Feringasee Beach, Munich, Germany
- Denny Blaine, Seattle, U.S.
- Brighton Naturist Beach, Brighton, U.K.
- Baker Beach, San Francisco, U.S.
- Bellevue Beach, Copenhagen, Denmark
If you plan on visiting a nude beach, be sure to remember the sunscreen!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
The boardwalk to the beach.
A sign for the clothing-optional section of the beach.