Location
Canada
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
July to September
About Brunswick Beach
Brunswick Beach is a small residential beach on the east shore of Howe Sound, just north of the village of Lions Bay along the Sea-to-Sky Highway between West Vancouver and Squamish. The clothed public beach, about 150 m long, faces the Sound on one side of Brunswick Point. The nude beach is on the other side: walk east from the public beach and climb over a rock groin roughly 1.5 m high, and a stretch of about 300 m beyond it is used clothing-optional. It has been used this way for more than 40 years and is listed by the Federation of Canadian Naturists as one of British Columbia's unofficial nude beaches. The beach is a mix of sand, pebbles and rock, backed by forest and houses, with cold, clear Howe Sound water and views across the Sound. It is far smaller and quieter than Wreck Beach: visitors describe a mellow mix of nude couples and clothed families. The surrounding homes are close, and residents are quick to complain about noise or people lingering after dark, so low-key behaviour matters here more than at most beaches. There are no facilities.
Getting there
Drive Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky) north from Horseshoe Bay past Lions Bay; Brunswick Beach is about 1.6 km north of the village. Trails lead down toward Brunswick Point. Parking is the main problem: it is very limited, on residential streets, and restrictions are enforced, so arrive early or have a plan B. Expect a steep forest path and a scramble over a rock groin; not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Reports describe a relaxed, low-key beach with a long clothing-optional tradition, shared by nude couples and clothed families without much friction. The biggest complaint by far is parking, which is scarce and policed, and several reviewers suggest Wreck Beach or Crescent Rock Beach as easier alternatives for that reason. Visitors also warn that local residents will react to noise or late stays.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Canada's Criminal Code (s. 174) makes nudity in a public place an offence, but a prosecution needs the consent of the provincial Attorney General, which is why tolerated beaches exist. Only Wreck Beach and Hanlan's Point are officially clothing-optional (FCN, 2026); Brunswick Beach has no designation. The beach sits in a residential area where neighbours have complained about noise and after-hours use.
Naturism at Brunswick Beach sits under Canada's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Canada public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 49.4692, -123.2408
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Brunswick Beach an official nude beach?
No. It is an unofficial clothing-optional beach, used that way for decades; BC's only official one is Wreck Beach.
Where is the nude section?
East of the 150 m clothed public beach: cross the rock groin (about 1.5 m high) and the next 300 m or so is clothing-optional.
Where can I park?
Parking is very limited on residential streets near the beach and restrictions are enforced. Arrive early.
Are there facilities?
No. Bring water and food and take your rubbish home.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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