Gay Beach

Gay Beach is listed as a clothing-optional ocean beach in British Columbia, Canada, in the Metro Vancouver Regional District near Electoral Area A. Access is open with no gate, reached on foot by trail from the bluff above, and daylight visits are most practical for the walk down and back up. There is no beachside parking, so park above and allow time to walk down and back up the trail. Public transit reaches the surrounding area, with the final section on foot to the trailhead and then to the sand. The surface is sand with pebbles and stones, and the shoreline is open with little natural shade and strong midday sun in clear weather, so sun protection is needed even on mild days. Summer, especially July to August, is mildest, while winter is cool, wet and windy and less suited to long stays. Late morning to afternoon is usually warmest for swimming and sunbathing, and visits often last a few hours for walking, swimming and sunbathing at an unhurried pace. The water is cool ocean water with tides and waves, and conditions vary by day and with the tide. There is no lifeguard service and swimming is unsupervised, so swim cautiously, stay within comfortable depth, and secure belongings on uneven ground while in the water. No admission fee is generally expected for access. There are no facilities, food services, toilets or showers on the sand, although toilets may be available near trailheads before the walk down. Bring water, food and sun protection, pack out all waste including food packaging, and check posted signs for beach rules and dog rules before settling in. Keep dogs under control where permitted and give other visitors room.