WRECK BEACH, BC

From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)

  WRECK BEACH--University of British Columbia campus, Marine Drive.  The
  main beach is often rather crowded but not oppressively so.  Definitely
  worth a visit or several!  When crowded, the atmosphere is quite festive.
  On cooler days, and especially during the week, it is more subdued.  Food
  and drink (and many other items) are amply available, including a wide
  selection of beer despite the fact that its sale and consumption are
  illegal here.  The sand on much of Wreck Beach *other than* the main
  beach area has been washed away; all that's left are round, fist-sized
  rocks.  They won't cut your feet or anything, but you might twist your
  ankle walking on them if you're not careful.  And of course, they're
  terrible for sunbathing on.  This is not to say that there aren't spots
  of wonderful sunbathing sand; but these tend to be in little alcoves,
  surrounded by boulders or logs.  Nice and private, though; however,
  there may not be room to stretch out, and overhanging trees, etc. may
  cast shadows.

  The main beach is at trail/gate 6 (near the intersection of Northwest
  Marine Drive and University Boulevard, directly opposite Place Vanier
  Residence).  You can pick up one of UBC's glossy, colourful visitors'
  maps; and the trails to Wreck Beach are indicated.  Park in the visitor
  (pay) lot.  On weekends, some staff parking lots are available (free)
  to the public; read the signs.  Go down the steps, a little steep but
  no big deal, past the official-looking signs informing visitors that
  clothing is optional (the signs on the way back request that you wear
  clothing beyond this point).

  Heading west from Spanish Banks Beach to a point below the cliffs takes
  you to the limit of the Wreck Beach CO area.  This is, by far, the most
  accessible part of Wreck Beach; as the road in this area is almost at
  sea level.  Just where NW Marine Drive starts uphill to the UBC campus
  there is a small parking lot at the roadside.  From this lot follow the
  trail west along the beach.  A short walk takes you across a tiny bridge
  to the CO section.  It should be marked by signs.  It is possible to
  walk all the way to Trail 6 from here, but it is quite a long distance
  under the cover of trees.  This beach suffers from being in the shade
  all morning.  Note: if the parking lot is full, there is usually ample
  parking back by the textile beach.

  There is a more secluded, smaller (especially at high tide), and very
  rocky area at trail/gate 4 known as Tower Beach.  It is mostly couples
  here.  No food or drink is available.  It is near the intersection of NW
  Marine Drive and West Mall (yes, that's the name of the road).  Trail 4
  begins behind the Museum of Anthropology.  Like trail 6, it is steep and
  tiring to climb back up.  The Towers area is immediately at the foot of
  the trail and extends to the left.  Not a great place if you want to
  swim, but for those of you who go solely for sunbathing it's probably
  OK if you want a quiet place.
  	[Original from Robert Paolino <rpaolino@polisci.pol.umn.edu>,
  	Keith Lim <chil@sfu.ca>,
  	and Bill Arnett <Bill_Arnett@mindlink.bc.ca>]