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Walking on the soft sand of the Wreck Beach in Vancouver, with my feet dipped in the icy waters, I could not help but marvel the surreal beauty of this bay.

It was a clear summer day, when eagles and herons glided above our heads and the cumulus clouds gathered like clusters of marshmallows in the sky. I could see a kingfisher in the distance, seemingly waiting to catch its prey. On land, parrots and magpies were swooping above the dense forest, almost as if they were monitoring their territory.

But these exotic birds were not the only thing that drew me to Wreck Beach Vancouver. I had come to experience Canada’s largest clothing-optional beach and get a sense of the beach vibes here.

This nude beach in Vancouver stretches over 7.8 kilometres, and is bordered by the ends of Acadia Beach and Booming Grounds Creek on the northern branch of Fraser River. Wreck Beach has been long known as the only nudist playground.

On Acadia Beach, I walked on rocky little pebbles, which rubbed against my sole like foot massage. Plenty of emerald shrubs lay on the beach’s inland, acting as shade for many of the beachgoers. I had heard that wildlife can be seen here, sea lions were the star celebrities here, but I had barely seen a tail since I got here.

As I continued walking, I was glad for the low tide, since it made a straight pathway for me through the waters to Wreck Beach. I wasn’t surprised to see the place teeming with naked people. Amidst all the activity, there were temporary stands on the shoreline, and they were selling a variety of items, including handicrafts, clothes, jewelry and alcohol.

For once I though this place just can’t be Canada…….I mean with all the liberal hippies and broad-minded locals cherishing their freedom in a full-fledged form. More than just a nude beach in Vancouver, it seemed like a carnival that was running all the time. Though, because of a little conservative mind set of mine I preferred to keep my clothes on.

Wooden planks line the coastal area, forming trails that lead to various sandy spits and isolated patches. I had heard that Trail 7 was a popular place for couples to snuggle up and decided to follow the trail and take a peek. There was no display of affection; instead I found a rather pleasant pocket of sand, with complete tranquility. I had the entire patch to myself, with tall grasses poking out amidst calm and stagnant waters. The sun was melting above the horizon, its orange rays reflected upon the mirror-like water surface.

By dusk, my exploration of one of the most fascinating Vancouver beaches had left me feeling very hungry. I went straight to the Stormin’ Normal restaurant next to Wreck beach, and wolfed down a sumptuous veggie burger. It felt so good that I just could not resist another one before leaving. I washed down my meal with organic fruit juice from Marco’s, that was so refreshing, it turned out to be the perfect accompaniment.

I looked back at the beautiful day I just had on Wreck Beach Vancouver and could not ask for more.

Wyatt Whatley is a travel expert. Visit his website Vancouver Wreck Beach to learn more.