COBC: Clothing-optional Opportunities in B.C. (and beyond)
Copyright ©1991-2011 --- Page updated: 2011 Jun 2
"British Columbia's best guide to nudist clubs and clothing-optional beaches."

Welcome to COBC

Copyright Notice
Disclaimers
Privacy Policy
Nudity and the Law

COBC news

Announcements
News
Calendar of Events
Recent Updates

Areas Listed

Vancouver area
Fraser Valley
Lion's Bay to Whistler
Vancouver Island
Gulf Islands / Sunshine Coast
Okanagan
Shuswap
West Kootenays
East Kootenays
Northern BC

Canada
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Atlantic Provinces

U.S.A
Pacific Northwest
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
Oregon
Washington

Around the World
Mexico
Carribean
Europe
Australia

Resources

Organisations
References
Photo Album
Movie Reference
Links
Contact COBC

Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast.

Locations Listed.
Usage changes over time. I encourage you to use discretion in locating and using the locations listed.

Southern Gulf Islands.

SALTSPRING ISLAND: Walkers Hook Point --- Water Access only. [Photo] [WikiMapia] (GPS: N48 53.515 W123 29.56)
Located on the northeast coast of the island, the beach at Walkers Hook Point has been clothing optional for decades. The owner of the adjacent property does not allow the public on his land, so there is no road access to this beach. However the beach is not on his land so he has no control over it. Everything below the high tide line is public property, just as it is everywhere else in BC.
By all accounts, Walkers Hook is a fantastic beach---large and sandy---that is completely hidden from from the view of houses and roads. The nearby aquaculture facility isn't visible from the Hook itself - and has no effect on the water quality in the area either. - Their fish are in tanks, not pens. [Last info, Kelly, Sept 2006]
Directions:  Access is strictly by boat. On most maps you can see Walkers Hook in Trincomally Channel on the east side of Salt Spring island, but it isn't usually marked. It really does look like a hook sticking out from a long straight shore, due east of St. Mary Lake. The beach is on the south side of the hook. Take care to avoid Atkins Reef (which should be completly obvious by looking at a chart of the area). [Barnacle Bill, Jun 2004]
If you are travelling by kayak or canoe, check a map for places to put in---there are several just a short trip (10-20 minutes) away. And experienced paddlers can travel there in a reasonable time from Fernwood, Long Harbour, Ganges, or even from Galiano Island. [Kelly, Sept 2006]
Caution: Walkers Hook is a very exposed location [no pun intended], open to winds from the south and wash from passing marine traffic in Trincomally Channel. If one is anchoring, this can be worrying. And if in a small boat, there is the journrey home after a day on a beautiful beach. Watching the weather is important in this area.
Update: "Just a little update on this wonderful beach. Since I am a boater, I have been to this beach many times---most recently in Sept 2003. Of the three visits at this time, there were nude bathers on two of the three days, including myself. I strolled the entire beach enjoying unusually warm weather. It was wonderful! On my third visit, there were no nude bathers present but several clothed individuals including a lady who struck up a conversation with me. She had lived on Salt Spring for over twenty years and said Walkers Hook has 'always been' a C.O. beach. My question was, what about those times when there might be a mix of people, including children. Her response was 'Oh well. They all seem to blend in.'  Apparently there is a aquaculture facility planned for the adjacent land but this shouldn't cause a concern. I was 'observed' by three workers from the group with no results. Walkers Hook is a fantastic beach and there are NO houses within the viewing area!" [W.C., Sept 2003]"
Update: "Just got back from Walkers Hook. Two kayakers were leaving when I arrived. I had the beach to myself for the three and a half hours I was there. It was a beautiful day. I think when I was there a couple of weeks ago, on the evening of a stat. holiday there were probably less than a dozen people there." [Kelly, Sept 2006]

SALTSPRING ISLAND: Blackburn Lake.
"Blackburn, midway between Fulford and Ganges, is a wonderful lake with a dock which is mostly used nude. The access is off the main road. This dock is on a par with the north end of Lost Lake in Whistler, but is more private." [D.P., Oct 1999]
"Blackburn Lake was recommended to us by the owner of a hostel we stayed at, about 5 minutes' walk from the lake. On our way there we weren't sure of how to find it , so my wife asked a woman walking down the road if she were headed for Blackburn Lake... She was, and we found it. It was a mix of clothed, nude, and topfree. No gawkers. It's only 100m or so off the main road from Ganges to Fulford Harbour. It has a small dock that got very crowded. Lovely warm water. Beautiful small lake. Some people came just to sun or swim for a few minutes after work. A lot of regulars." [O.G., Aug 2002]
I came across this RCMP press release of note because the police merely requested discretion: "2000-06-17 15:29 A report was received of nude sunbathers at Blackburn Lake on Saturday afternoon. An officer attended and spoke to a number of persons who were requested to use some discretion when children were present in the area."

SALTSPRING ISLAND: Weston Lake.
"Weston lake gets some nude use, but access is not easy. There was a dock there, but it was taken out. If you head to the water at the point where you first see the lake, you can get to the water where people leave their boats. There is a small grassy area for sunbathing. Many of the private docks on that lake are nude-use." [D.P., Oct 1999]
There used to even be a bed and breakfast that allowed nude use of their dock, but apparently the B&B is no longer in operation.

SALTSPRING ISLAND: Maxwell Lake --- No access.
"Some people go to Lake Maxwell, but the water works folks don't want anyone there, nude or not." [D.P., Oct 1999]

SALTSPRING ISLAND: Fulford Harbour.
"At the entrance to Fulford Harbour, there are several very isolated beaches on Native reserve land. All are welcome, but no fires or camping. I don't get down there as much as I'd like to and I don't know how much nude use they get. Directions: Access is from Menhinick Drive or Morningside Drive. There is a nice trail from both ends that goes along the water past several beaches. " [D.P., Nov 1999]

NORTH PENDER ISLAND: Roe Lake.
"Roe Lake in the Malahat Properties is a relatively recent provincial-park acquisition, one that delighted many Pender Islanders as it protects their last natural lake from development. A 215-hectare forest surrounds this warm and very private little lake. There's not a sign of civilization as you slip into the water.
Directions: "This is a quieter swimming hole than Hague Lake on Cortes Island because it's lesser known. To get there, you turn right on Otter Bay Road, coming from the ferry, and pass the lovely property called Roesland. Take a right turn uphill on Shingle Bay Road and park at the top of the hill. (After your dip, you might like to continue on this old road. It'll take you down to Shingle Bay, where there's a pretty little public park.) There's no sign, but you'll see an old road heading uphill on the left. A five-minute walk is all that's left.
"This lake gets full marks for privacy and natural beauty, but I've put it last because there's no beach area or easy access into the water. Also, the shallow lake isn't very clear. It's very warm, however. Which would you rather have?" [Cherie Thiessen, Beautiful B.C. Traveller magazine, Summer 1997.]

MAYNE ISLAND: Campbell Bay.
"In the summer time, Mayne Island becomes even more exciting. You can swim at the clothing optional beach at Campbell Bay (surf shoes recommended)..." [Lyle Osterlund with Sheena McDonald, "The Rain on Mayne" (pg. 14), Westcoast Backpackers News, Dec 1999 (Millenium Edition)]
Comment: "I haven't been to Mayne for some years now, although I have been meaning to return. When I was there before, I did see some unclad people sunning on the rocks adjacent to Campbell Bay and did manage to go informal on the beach after the textiles had left for the day. However, everyone on the sand beach during the day was suited and I saw no evidence of any clothing optional area." [R.M., Dec 1999]
Comment: "Cambell Bay Beach is still active but it is somewhat questionable due to its proximity to a very popular clothed beach. I have heard stories of a couple of confrontations, although I personally have never had any problems." [B.W., July 2001]

GALIANO ISLAND: Georgeson Bay. [Photo] [Map]
Georgeson Bay is about a 5 minute drive from the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay. It is very quiet, with a beautiful scenic view of Active Pass and a nice sandy beach. A Wreck Beach style trail in Bluffs Park leads you on a 15 minute walk to the beach. There is a sign at the top of trail stating quite clearly that it is a clothing-optional beach. [B.W., July 2001]
Directions: From the ferry dock follow Sturdies Bay Road, turn left on Georgeson Bay Road, left again on Bluff Road, and park in Bluffs Park.

GABRIOLA ISLAND: Silva Bay.
There are several places you can go nude on the quiet beaches on Gabriola Island. The best is perhaps at the south end of the island by Silva Bay. This place is good on a hot day with low or medium tide or for a weekend of camping. From the ferry landing it's about 8 kilometres (a half-hour bike ride). For a weekend or long day this is a great spot. The ferry costs about $5.00 (return) and leaves from downtown Nanaimo.
Directions: From the ferry, turn right on South Road, heading north on the east coast. Just after South Road turns into North Road, about two blocks north of the Silva Bay Marina and two kilometres from the Provincial Park, turn right onto Marvin Road and head east toward the water. At the end, there is a very steep public trail to the beach, some 15 metres below. There is also an easier (and well used) trail that cuts across about 15 metres of private land. The trail goes down to some very large rocks on the beach which you will have to walk over for about 100 metres. At the end there is a very large gravel beach. On the beach, go south and stay on the inside inlet (Lily Bay). Don't go north because there are houses. At the end of the first bay there is an island which you can only walk to on a low or medium tide.
Camping: At the top of the hill facing the beach there is a camping platform about 7 metres square. And on the island in the first bay there is another platform about the same size situated on the beach. The beach is loaded with clams and oysters and is very private. The hills have arburtus trees spread through the grass. This is a very nice, private area. If you stay on the north side of this little island there is no problem. There is a shack on the south end and a view shacks across the inlet. But if you stay in the camping areas, you should have no problem. [D.G., July 2001]

RUXTON ISLAND: Herring Bay. (GPS: N49 5.208 W123 43.056)
There are two small islands off the northwest end of Ruxton Island. They are unnamed. Alongside these islands, opposite the pass coming into Herring Bay, is Long Point. This point has been fairly recently legally named after Ted Long, who is no longer with us. The two small islands are connected to Ruxton Island at low tide. It is quite common to see nude use on both of the small islands, as well as on the point with the marker. Plus, of course, on many of the boats which come into the bay. Topfree use is also common around the bay. [K.E. June 2008]
Directions: Ruxton Island is south of DeCourcey Island, west of Valdez Island, north of Pylades Island, and about 3 1/2 miles east of Yellow Point on Vancouver Island.

THETIS ISLAND: Cufra Cliffs B&B.
According to their ad in Going Natural, "Come to a beautiful self-contained cabin with sweeping mountain views, a hot-tub on the west-facing cliff, and just a short drive from the waterfront, on this very peaceful, friendlyGulf Island. Clothing optional - only one unit, very private, and owners are FCN members" [Last info, July 2006]

Northern Gulf Islands.

HORNBY ISLAND: Little Tribune Bay. [6 Photos] (GPS: N49 31.25 W124 38.517)
With dramatic "hoodoo" rock formations and a fabulous white sand beach, Tribune Bay boasts one of the best beaches in the Gulf Islands and has even been voted one of the five best beaches in Canada. The main beach in Tribune Bay Provincial Park is well used and is NOT clothing-optional, but with a short walk around the southern point you will find Little Tribune. Little Trib has been clothing-optional for many years. The sandy beach provides great swimming since it's shallowness and southern exposure warm the water to almost tropical temperatures. The beach is popular with both locals and visitors.
Directions: Once on the island, Tribune Bay Provincial Park is easy to find. Park there and walk down the beach and around the southern point. No camping is not permitted in the park, but is available within walking distance at Tribune Bay Campground (privately owned), located on Sheilds Rd. Also in walking distance are a Co-Op store and other shops. No food or drink is available in the park, so you will need to bring your own.
Alternatively, you turn right at the last intersection before the park and then left onto Little Tribune Bay Road. There is a small parking lot at the end, right by the beach.
Comment: The clothing-optional status of this beach is well supported in the mainstream, such as this article by Vanisle Tourism, which says "Tribune Bay Provincial Park is one of the best places to swim in the Gulf Islands. The bay is covered with limestone and the shallow water allows the sun to heat the limestone making it a great place to swim. The water goes way out when the tide is low, making it a great place for young children. If you travel around the southern most point of Tribune Bay you will find "Little" Tribune Bay, where locals and visitors bath in the nude. Tribune Bay also has exotic looking rocks that have been erroded over the years making them quite spectacular. There is no camping at Tribune Bay. " [Apr 2010, copyright 2007.]
Comment: "My wife & I have beeen going there for 7 years. It is a fantastic beach---very sandy with shallow water that goes out for ever. Totally C.O. with a very laid back atmosphere. We were there most recently summer of '99 and its never been better. Made us feel like we were in Greece again." [D&N, June 2000]
Comment: "My wife and I spent just over a week on Hornby Island in August 2001.  The weather was glorious for 7 straight days. Some days about 150+ people on the beach and not even close to being crowded, almost everyone nude too - a great place to relax, read, play beach or water games, even nude water skiing. Really laid back. Defenitely going back, hopefully for the Hornby Island Music Festival which is held annually the first week in August." [GrampaC, Apr 2002]
Comment: "There are numerous beaches on Hornby Island used nude on a casual basis as the general attitude of the whole area is pretty laid back. LTB is the best, though, and the only formal nude beach." [R.F., June 2002]
Comment: "My wife has been raving about the beach to everyone; it truly is wonderful. We WILL be back!" [O.G., Aug 2002]

DENMAN ISLAND: Tree Island / Shady Island. (GPS: N49 37.116 W124 51.036)
Shady Island Marine Provincial Park is located at the north end of Denman Island and includes the Seal Islets and Shady Island (which is known to locals as Tree Island). At low tide is accessible on foot from Denman Island, but most people get there by kayak or other boats from Union Bay on Vancouver Island. The island has a pit toilet, but no drinking water. Wilderness camping is permitted, but fires are not.
"There are two beaches on the island. Nude use of the north-western beach seems to be increasing (with some contribution by the author). This is the easiest anchoring place on the side facing Comox (about 5 miles away). During the week nude use will not likely cause much comment or objection. I would suggest discretion on long weekends as lots of children and non-regulars are likely to be there and some might object. Nude sunbathing on boats also seems to be quite common." [R.W., Aug 2010]
Directions (by foot): Take Northwest Road and Gladstone Way, then follow the shore for 2.8km to Longbeak Point at the northern tip of the island. Walk another 1.0km across the sand flats, heading for the stand of trees that mark the island. Check the tide charts to make sure the tide will be less than 8ft. Anything over 10ft and you will be swimming.
Directions (from Union Bay):The closest boat launch is at Union Bay, 4.5 km southwest of Tree Island, 12km south of Courtenay/Comox, and 7km north of the Buckley Bay ferry terminal on Hwy 19A (GPS: N49 35.055 W124 53.125). Many people kayak from here, but if you plan to anchor a larger boat, make sure you check your marine charts for depth and tides. Otherwise, you may be beached for a long time.
Comment: "I made 4 trips to tree island last summer and with the exception of one camper coming out of the water nude when I arrived the first time, the only free styler was myself. Whether weekdays or weekend, the island gets heavy useage by boaters, but you can find a few spots away from the crowd if you aren't worried about textiles invading you. Twice I swam in the presence of textiles after asking them if they had any objections, none had." [W.B. Oct 2001]
Comment: "There are numerous beaches on Denman Island used nude on a casual basis as the general attitude of the whole area is pretty laid back." [R.F., June 2002]

LASQUETI ISLAND: Spring Bay.
Almost any beach that you can get to on Lasqueti is a CO beach. Spring Bay just happens to be the best and most accessible. It is well used by the locals. There is no public transportation on the island so the best way around is by bicycle or hitchhiking. There are no campsites but there are a few bed and breakfast places. Some people do rent out their homes by the week.
Directions: To get to Lasqueti Island, take the passenger-only ferry from Qualicum Beach, just north of Nanaimo. Spring Bay is about 6 km north from the ferry landing at False Bay. [Last info 1998.]

CORTES ISLAND: Hague Lake.
"We have been to Cortes Island 2 or 3 different years and been impressed with [Manson's Landing ?] Provincial Park [or perhaps Hague Lake Regional Park], situated on a lake in the middle of the island. There is a nude area within the park that is very accessible. There were no hassles when we were there. It was well established for nude use.
Directions: Cortes Island, near Desolation Sound, is accessed from Campbell River by ferry. Take the ferry to Quadra Island; then from Quadra to Cortes. Follow the signs toward Smelt Bay, but just before the turn to Manson's Landing Provincial Marine Park, park in the lot for Hague Lake. The lake is very nice with a white sandy beach. The nude area was just 300m to the left of the main beach around a point---a rock outcrop with good sunning area and great swimming. Another route follows a path directly from the road. Camping is available at Smelt Bay Provincial Park, about 5 km away." Some swimmers complain about "swimmers itch", which can be fended off by an application of oil before swimming. [Originally submitted by Gerry, last info 2001.]
Comment: "Visited Hague Lake in August. The morning crowd consisted of one other nude couple. Went back in afternoon and there were about 15 nudists on the rocks or in the water with the same number of textiles at the beach 100 yards away." [W.B. Oct 2001]

CORTES ISLAND: Hollyhock Retreat. [Photo]
According to the Hollyhock website "Swimsuits are optional in the hot tubs and at the beach. Please choose what is most comfortable. The setting is one of personal sanctuary and respect."
Comment: The beach is probably public property. One reader submitted this: "There is a great clothing-optional beach on Cortes Island providing you don't mind being in full view of the luncheon crowd at the Hollyhock Retreat. Access is through the retreat but you can also get to it by walking the beach. Non-nude couples (some with children) were present with people practising Tai-Chi in the nude while others--nude and clothed--were walking the beach, sunning, or swimming. Once over a few yards of rocks, the beach is great. There is also a large grassed area for sunning--albeit it is on Retreat property. Fairly heavy marine traffic passes the area so it may not be suitable for the bashful." [W.B. Oct 2001]

QUADRA ISLAND: Village Bay trail.
"We spent a few days on Quadra Island. At the information booth or at any tourist stop there is a listing of the top ten hikes on the island prepared by the Sierra Club. We chose one that was long and labelled "moderate" that started mid-way up the island and went to Village Bay. We were the only ones on the trail all day. Although the water was real cold, we could strip and look for shells and play along the rocky sea shore. Watch the mosquitos though. The trails that are more toward the tourist areas should probably be avoided. The islanders seem pretty laid back so my bet is during the fall season, you could probably get away with a lot more." [Mike M., July 1999]

SAVARY ISLAND: South Beach. (GPS: N49 56.65 W124 46.183)
"Savary Island is located in the Strait of Georgia, northwest of Powell River and 6 km (4 miles) offshore from Lund. ... Savary Island and the Copeland Islands Provincial Marine Park are only accessible by private boat and water taxi from Lund, or by charter airline. Savary Island is not serviced by a public ferry, so transportation is limited. If you do have a boat, kayak, or canoe, the First or Second Beaches on the island's north side are the easiest to reach. "
"Savary offers vast beaches and terrific swimming in clear, warm waters on the north shore; big rollers and great surfing on the south. South Beach is the island's clothing optional beach, which is popular with day trippers who boat over to the island. The tides moving from the north and south of the Georgia Strait meet just north of Savary, causing little water movement, creating wonderful sun-baked warm waters."
"Savary Island has no campground, but does have a few bed and breakfasts." (I don't know if camping is allowed.)
"Beautiful hiking trails are found everywhere on Savary Island - shady woodland trails bordered by tall lacy ferns."
Directions: "From Lund, kayakers can see the white sandy beaches on Savary beckoning in the distance while the Copeland Islands (or Raggeds as they are also known locally) lie out of sight to the north. To reach Savary, paddle south from Lund along the peninsula's shoreline to the closest point to Savary, then paddle west for 30 minutes, or about 1 mile (1.6 km)."
[Source: VancouverIsland.com, Mar 2002]
In a 1996 article in the Seattle PI, Paul Joseph Brown wrote: "It's also known as a naked-person area," he added, steering us toward a favorite anchorage -- a nude beach."
Comment: "I am reading on your clothing optional opportunities website a listing for South Beach Savary Island. I have been there many times and have never seen anybody there tanning in the buff. South Beach is a great place to camp on the other hand. People just camp on the beach and as long as you do not light a fire on the beach, nobody will bother you. While the place and the people seem cool enough to skinny dip, I have never seen it there in all the times that I have camped there and will conclude that this is not part of the culture. Otherwise, the place has a very Wreck Beach feel to it despite the clothing. And the place is magical all on its own. Perhaps one might be able to find a secluded beach on the island where nobody will bother you." [Peter, July 2008]

Sunshine Coast.

SUNSHINE COAST: General.
"The Sunshine Coast also has an abundance of lovely beaches; many of them are secluded. If you like sunbathing au naturel, you're in luck." [Source: BC Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, 2002.]

SECHELT: Silverstone Beach. (GPS: N49 28.122 W123 46.842)
"There is a great spot just north of Sechelt on the coast highway--an area now designated Silverstone Beach. The beach is lower than the highway so there are no issues from above. It's a very tranquil spot, perfect for a skinnydip and tan. There is a house just down the beach, but the inhabitants don't mind people being nude. The area does get some families on the beach, but most often it is vacant. It has long been an area where nude and topless bathing has occured, however it tends to be discreet and respectful if local families are around. I have talked to some of the other C.O. users and this seems to be how most people operate. I would appreciate if you would include this info on your website, as I believe increased co use would be beneficial to the beach. The only thing this beach is not good for is strolling up and down, as it is not very long." [Anonymous, July 2010]
Directions: Drive north from Sechelt on BC 101 to Norwest Bay Road (6013 B.C, 101, Sechelt, BC). Park right by the intersection and cross the highway to the water. The trail down is only 15-20 meters.

NELSON ISLAND: Sunray Beach. (GPS: unknown)
Boat access only! Sunray Beach is a 5km (?) boatride from Pender Harbour. "A lovely shingle beach exists about 250m west of the old Fleetwood Gravel Company loading conveyor which has been abandoned for years but is shown on charts of the area. The beach gets the sun all day long with plenty of privacy to sunbathe and swim. The main beach (Sunray) is approximately 250m further west towards Cape Cockburn and we've used it for sunbathing when the crowds are minimal. On busy days there can be families with young children but they tend to favour the east end of the main beach. There's always lots of driftwood to get comfy behind if privacy is an issue. We use our boat deck if it's too crowded on the beach." [robbrig51(hotmail.com), Nov 2010]
Directions: The closest launching ramp is at Madeira Park (Approx GPS: N49 37.114 W124 1.285) in the Pender Harbour area, which is north of Sechelt on BC 101. Once on the water, head west and follow the south shore of Nelson Island until you come to the old loading conveyor.

EARL'S COVE: Waugh Lake.
Situated right on the highway, tourists often stop to take a dip in Waugh Lake. The locals do the same...except without the clothing. I'm told it's the easiest way to tell the difference between the locals and the tourists!
Directions: As you hop ferries and drive Hwy 101 up the Sunshine Coast, Earl's Cove is best known as the spot you say goodbye to the Sechelt Peninsula and catch the ferry to Saltery Bay (on route to Powel River). Head east from Earl's Cove toward Egmont. When you reach Waugh Lake, simply park at the edge of the road, strip off, and dive in! (Waiting for a break in traffic shouldn't take long!) [Source: A former local, 1997.]

DESOLATION SOUND: Grace Harbour. (GPS: N50 2.7 W124 45.167)
"Small tender tie up in Grace Harbour. A great 10 minute walk to the very warm lake. Nudity is tolerated by most at the lake and at the tender tie up. We have walked up to the lake naked for years with no complaints." [Doug, Mar 2010]
Directions (by boat): Grace Harbour is at the southern tip of Gifford Penninula in Malaspina Inlet.

DESOLATION SOUND: Prideaux Haven. (GPS: N50 8.567 W124 41.033)
"No discussion of skinny-dipping holes can leave out Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park, though it's accessible only by boat. Surprisingly warm water can be found here close to the junction of the major tidal streams, up to 24 C! In the height of summer, Prideaux Haven is jammed with boats, with little room to anchor let alone skinny-dip, but in late spring or early fall I love it here. After anchoring, you can take your dinghy and disappear into one of the many little tidal coves for some serious intertidal exploration and skinny-dipping. There are many places in Desolation Sound to bare your soul and body, but here the water is soupy warm and a beautiful colour, perhaps because of the shell bottom, and the boulders ensure privacy. Be sure to wear aquashoes, as spiky crustaceans can be plentiful depending on the tide, and don't sit down without looking!" [Cherie Thiessen, Beautiful B.C. Traveller magazine, Summer 1997.]
Comment: "We did make it to Prideaux Haven but found no one skinny dipping, lots of boats and people. I imagine that in the fall (September and later, when its a lot less crowded) that discrete skinny dipping does take place. The water would be warm and sailors are pretty laid back anyway." [Mike M., July 1999]

DESOLATION SOUND: Pendrell Sound. (GPS: N50 12.523 W124 44.769)
"I would recommend Pendrell Sound, known as the warmest water north of Mexico, as a possible site. Just after entering the sound there is a small cove on the north side that would be just right for one boat. There is another anchorage much further up but it is well used." [Mike M., July 1999]

DESOLATION SOUND: Galley Bay. (GPS: N50 4.118 W124 47.249)
"There is a small cove near an old commune site on the Gifford Peninsula called Galley Bay. It was almost empty when we were there - only one obnoxious power boat with loud music - and this was high season. I'm sure that in quieter seasons this would be a perfect place to be nude." [Mike M., July 1999]

SECRET COVE: Thormanby Island -- Unlikely?
According to a 1999 July 11 advertisement for Lord Jim's Resort Hotel, you can "go naked on the sands of stunning Thormanby Island." For the more adventurous, the end of the road to Smuggler's Cove park has a place where a kayak can be put in the water for a paddle to Thormanby Island. There are also lots of places to rent kayaks on the coast.
Update: "I have gone to Thormanby Island since I was a kid. It is a very busy beach, in front of waterfront cabins. There are many families who use this beach and use the waterfront cabins and it would be extremely inappropriate for people to go nude. Please remove Thormanby Island from your site." [L.P. Jun 2006]
Editor's Comment: I've never been to Thormanby, but it does indeed appear to be a popular place. While nudism is a wonderful experience for families, the reality is that popular beaches usually aren't an appropriate place to practice nudism. Perhaps there are hidden beaches on Thormanby where nudism is popular. Lord Jim's no longer exists (it's now called Rockwater Secret Cove Resort) so inquiring about the ad is no longer possible. [June 2006]