Photo by Rick Fearman / 2005

Photo by Judy Williams / 1979

Where else in North America – let alone in the world – can you spend spring mornings skiing powder snow, and then, spend the afternoons sunning your bare buns, but at Wreck Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

This 7.8 kilometers long, wilderness-like beach, which follows a promontory below an emerald-green forested, 200-foot high cliff system magnificently weathered to beauty, is Canada's first and largest, legal, clothing-optional beach and is a Mecca to visitors from around the world!

Over 500,000 visitors annually find their way down the many sylvan trails to the glistening sands and sparkling waters where the mighty Fraser River waters mingle with those of the Strait of Georgia and English Bay. Eagles, kingfishers, Pileatted woodpeckers and escaped exotic domestics such as parrots, lovebirds and magpies compliment the stately Great Blue herons as they scout the shallow beach waters in search of fish. The largest heronry in the Vancouver area is found in the upland forests behind Wreck Beach for these magnificent birds.

On a glorious summer weekend, literally, over 14,000 visitors can flock to the beach which stretches from the Musqueam Reserve to Spanish Banks West. Vendors' Row, which stretches down the middle of the beach below Trail 6, offers such wonders as exotic paraeos from the South Seas to exquisite hand-crafted jewelry and glass boxes.

If you're hungry, Lucy's Peruvian empanada's, Stormin' Norman's buffalo burgers, Abduhl's Dagwood-type fresh ham and cheese or tuna sandwiches will more than sate your appetite! Liquid refreshments go down well on scorchingly-hot days and whether you crave the icy cold wonder of Marco's organic fruit juices and pops or Joseph's blended fresh fruit smoothies – you don't have to go thirsty!

Whatever you need from Wreck Beach – soothing silence to a carnival atmosphere, or replenishment of your soul – is yours for the seeking depending on what section or "personality" of the beach you choose.