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Locations Listed.
Usage changes over time. I encourage you to use discretion in
locating and using the locations listed.
- Whistler.
- WHISTLER VILLAGE: Lost Lake. <<< Updated. (2010-08)
- Pemberton.
- PEMBERTON: Meager Creek Hot Springs. <<< Updated. (2010-07)
- PEMBERTON: Pebble Creek Hot Springs. <<< New. (2010-04)
- PEMBERTON: Skookumchuck Hot Springs (St. Agnes' Well).
- PEMBERTON: Sloquet Creek Hot Springs.
- BIRKEN: Birken Lakeside Resort. <<< Updated. (2009-10)
- Lions Bay.
- LIONS BAY: Brunswick Beach.
- LIONS BAY: Brunswick Beach Bares -- No longer exists.
- LIONS BAY: Alberta Bay Naturist Community (ABNC).
Whistler.
WHISTLER VILLAGE: Lost
Lake. [Photo]
[Photo]
The north end of Lost Lake has had nude use for years. Floating docks
provide space to lay your towel. The docks can be reached by a 20
minute walk or 10 minute bicycle ride along trails that lead through
the trees. Follow the trail west from the village to the main beach,
then carry on for another 5 minutes until you reach the docks.
[Last info 2010]
Directions: Head from car park 3 in Whistler onto Lost Lake
loop. A 5 to10 minute bike trip will bring you to a grass park and
beach. Turn right and head along the trail. You'll see the pier in
the distance (not the Rafts!!!), Walk down a steep enbankment to the
pier!
Update: "The clothing-optional jetty was still alive and well
in July 2006. Coming from nudist-friendly Germany, and warned by our
daughter not to attempt to bathe naked in Canada, we were pleasantly
surprised to discover this opportunity in such splendid surroundings.
All ages, both sexes, no hassle. Great." [Escoville, Aug
2006]
Update: "Last year I sent a glowing report about Lost Lake.
There again several times this year. Nothing has changed, except that
the dock has been robustly refurbished. This is my favourite
freshwater bathing place, anywhere. Period." [Escoville, Jul
2007]
Comment: "I discovered Lost lake last summer (June '04), while
cycling in Whistler, It's the first time I skinny-dipped and
sunbathed naked in public! There were about 20 people there on the
pier. A lot of people stop and look and walk on. Some came down to
the pier and had a swim. From talking to the locals, the pier will
always be au naturel and open and I'm glad! " [skinnydip8888rc,
Mar 2005]
Comment: "We spent two wonderful afternoons on the dock with many others.
The atmosphere is fun and relaxed. The views? Spectacular. We were
downhill mountain biking and could see the lake from the chair lifts all morning
and by 3:00 each day we knew we would be on the dock, naked in the sun! What
a fantastic way to end a day of mountain biking. The locals were friendly,
an odd mix of clothed and nude visitors but, nevertheless, a great place to
relax and have a few cold ones. The water was clear, cool and refreshing. Bring
a mesh bag and 10-15m of light rope, place some rocks in the bag, and lower
your drinks. The water is extremely cold down there and keeps your bevvies nice
and chilled. Just remember to tie it off to the dock. We witnessed a
fella lose his brand new iPhone to the depths. Locals say its over 15m deep
at that point." [barbienken69 at hotmail.com,
Jul 2010]
Pemberton.
PEMBERTON: Meager
Creek Hot Springs. (GPS: N50
34.65 W123 27.633)
Located approxiamately 70 km west of Pemberton, these are the largest springs
in BC and the best-known of the undeveloped springs. Because of this they can
become crowded with rowdy teenagers on weekends.
> "The hot springs are now operated by Lil'wat Nation (the original users)
(under the guidance of Ministry of Tourism, Sports and the Arts) as it is in
their traditional territory. The springs are now open from 8am to 8pm 7 days
a week. PLEASE NO DOGS or Coastal Health Authority will shut it down!!!! It is
still only $5.00, which some seem to think is too much--hmmm almost a million
dollars to open it and some think they shouldn't have to pay a measly $5 to keep
it going--go figure! Parking is .3km from the pools and there is now a toilet
at the car park after that long drive so people wont have to go in the bushes
leaving **** and toilet paper scattered all over. Although there is a bear-proof
garbage container at the pools, there is no vehicle access to the area so the
heavy bags of garbage have to be carried out. Please take out what you bring
in. It is a magical place and hopefully it won't be ruined be those few or
the masses." [larry.mil
ler@lilwat.ca, Lil'wat Business Corporations,
July 2008]
> In 1996, Meager Creek was closed to all public access due to
health and safety issues. All tubs and pools were drained. But the
springs were quietly reopened with one major change: camping was
restricted to the junction of Meager Creek and the Lillooet River.
Somewhere along the way, camping was again allowed right at the
springs, but recently the access road has been closed because of
washouts. Now you must walk from the junction of the Creek and the
River. Signs are still posted warning that the springs are not safe
due to pollution.
> In 2000, the site underwent some development. There are now
three Japanese-style rock soaker pools which are regularly drained and
cleaned by the BC forest service. There is an outhouse on site and a
changing room to keep your clothes dry. Unfortunately, the springs
are only open until 8pm and the only camping allowed is 8km away at
Upper
Lillooet Campground.
> The 30 campsites are $10/night, which includes one person's
access to Meager hot springs. If you have others with you they will still have
to pay $5 for access to the hot springs. NO DOGS are allowed at the hot springs
or the health authority will shut it down!
Update: According to the BC Forestry website "Site
Closed. Meager Creek hot springs are closed until further notice. Capricorn
Creek washed out the road, no access. Expected opening date, end of June 2010." [Apr
2010]
Update: "Meager Creek Hot Springs
will open on Monday July 4!!! The bridge is now in. Fees are changing so beware!!
I believe the fees for the Springs will be either $6 or $9. The fee
at the campground will now be $15 per vehicle." [J.C., 4 Jul 2010]
Update: "Bridge has been repaired
BUT the hot springs have not been re-opened." [Pemberton visitors center:
604 894-6175, 13 Jul 2010]
Directions: After Whistler, heading north on Hwy. 99, you will come
to the town of Pemberton. At the T-junction, by
the Petro-Can gas station, turn left and head into Pemberton, over the railway
tracks and into town. Here you will find another T-junction with an ESSO gas
station on the left side, a Grocery Store on the right, and a bank straight
ahead.
Turn right at the ESSO station (last chance for gas) and follow the
paved road for about 2km until you come to a stop sign at a T-intersection
and turn left. Drive 22 km on Pemberton Meadows road. At 22 km watch for
the sign on your right to turn right for Bralorne, Goldbridge and Meager Creek
Hot Springs. After another 1 km you will cross over the Lillooett river where
the pavement ends. Here you begin your 40 km of dirt road travel. Be careful
of the many large rocks on the road and falling from the mountainsides. At
8.5 km, take the left fork. (If you go right,
you end up in Bralorne/Gold Bridge.) Some 26 km further up this road you will
come to the Upper Lillooett Campsite. A further .7 km from the campground
is the left turn and final 7 km stretch to the hot springs. Again be careful
of large rocks or even slide debris. You will soon come to the bridge to cross
back over the Lilloeet River and (eventually) the creek and finally comes to
the parking lot close to the the springs.
Details: A $5 day use fee applies.
Children under 12 and under are free. Access is by 45 km of rough road suitable
for two-wheel drive vehicles. No vehicle access in winter. Accessible approximately
May 15. This site is now walk-in day use only (300 metres) from 8am
to 8pm in Summer and 8am to 6pm in the Fall. Vehicles must use
parking lot on north side of Meager Creek bridge.
Comment: "My wife and I visited on the September long weekend.
When we first got there everyone was in a bathing suit. As soon as my
wife and I went nude in the lower pool, the rest of the pool soon
shed their suits as well. All in all it was a pleasant weekend."
[J.Z., Sept 2000]
Comment: An article titled "Funding
secured for new bridge across Meager Creek" appeared in the
Whistler Question 2005 Mar 18.
Note: Check the Squamish
Forest District website (dead link) to get updated on the condition of
the road. Look for "Upper Lillooet/Meager Creek" near the bottom of the
page. (604) 898-2100.
Link: Jack
Christie article in the Georgia Strait newspaper.
PEMBERTON: Pebble
Creek Hot Springs. (GPS: N50
40.288 W123 27.913)
Located approxiamately 70 km west of Pemberton, these are the largest springs
in BC and the best-known of the undeveloped springs. Because of this they can
become crowded with rowdy teenagers on weekends.
Directions: Follow the Meager Creek direction until you get to the Upper
Lillooet Campground. Drive a
further .7 km from the campground and, instead of turning left to Meager Creek,
continue straight for approximately 7 km, passing a mining camp just past the
Meager Creek turn. As you cross over a creek, there will be a pull out on your
left, just before a steep, uphill section.
"This is the trail head,
a small opening in the bush opens to a faint trail. About 100 feet ± along
this trail the trail joins another faint trail. Turn right and follow the trail
as it goes
along level at first then descending down. There are markers but they are sparse,
after descending at a easy pace you come to a marvelous look out point. It is
here that you will have to look harder for the trail.
"Back away from the
cliff edge and look to your right for a trail steeply going down and around the
bluff. The trail is more of a slide at this point, grabbing onto roots and branches
as you scramble down. Several switchbacks and some attempts by previous trekkers
to put steps into the trail are visible. I found following the trail most traveled
was the best way, although where some had taken short cuts or pushed debris off
the trail made for some pondering. At the bottom of the trail I came across a
tree stand where the tourism group have stored some items high up out of the
bears reach. When you pass this the trail split, to the left was the camp and
to the right the hot springs. Again down some more step sections you come out
on to the river bank and the first pool.
"Keeping to the right and traveling upriver
there are several pools built into the sand and further upriver when you come
to rock cliffs again there are some pools built into the cliff. This sandy area
is from what I see a good place to camp as well. Although be aware that it can
and does flood washing away the pools. This was evident by the large logs that
had been tossed up onto the cliff and surrounding area. So I'd keep
an eye on the weather, if it calls for rain or even high temperatures (glacial
melt) camp higher. Getting out is going to be the toughest part. That steep
trail down now becomes that steep trail up. It took all of 30 minutes to go
down with all my uncertainties and pausing to take in the view at the viewpoint,
closer to an hour to climb back out." [Bulldozer, posted on SoakNet]
Link: More information and pictures at SoakersForum.
PEMBERTON: Skookumchuck
Hot Springs (St. Agnes' Well).
A cedar A-frame covers a large tub with taps to control the
temperature of the water. Outside the structure are several other
tubs (of varying types and sizes) and an open-air shower.
Skookumchuck can be crowded during the summer. The springs are fairly
easy to get to, but not as aesthetically pleasing as Meagre and
Sloquet.
Comment: "The owner of the property has improved the area quite a
bit. Adding new structures and keeping out the disorderly. Right at
the springs there is a camp site that has about 20-30 sites. It was
alot better than we expected, well worth a visit." [D.F., Aug.
1998]
Comment: "I spent two weeks at the hot springs. The owner, Robin,
has built new outhouses, cleaned up some dead trees, and generaly
made great improvements over the last year. As far as nudity is
concerned there's no problem with going nude there. Most of the time
people go in the tubs naked and if someone doesn't get undressed they
usually stay in the tub with the naked people or they find another
tub. There are four tubs so everyone can find what they want. "
[C.R., Jun 1999]
Comment: "The owner is presently staying at his trailer at the
entrance to the site and policing it himself." [R.S., Aug
2003]
Update: "Skookumchuck is open but now has a USER FEE."
[T.S., 2005 Dec 28]
Directions: From Mount Currie, north of Pemberton, head southeast
on a very rough logging road for about 90 minutes (55km). The
springs, visible from the road, are located between the hydro poles
numbered 22 and 21, and near tower #682. Right at the springs there
is a camp site that has about 20-30 sites. Nearby is a BC Forest
Service campsite with pit toilets.
PEMBERTON: Sloquet Creek Hot
Springs.
30km beyond Skookumchuck, near the north end of Harrison Lake,
another rough road heads west for 8km along Sloquet Creek to a
campground near the springs. Like Skookumchuck, I haven't visited it
and don't know how much nudity is tolerated (but I doubt it is a
problem). It is supposed to be possible to continue along the main
logging road for 100km, down the west side of Harrison Lake to Hwy 7,
but the road is extremely rough.
Comment: "...a sequence of progressively cooler pools leading
down to Sloquet Creek. Actually, the last pool right next to the
creek, is the only one cool enough to spend any length of time
in. The pools seem to be dug out of the stream bed so I expect they
have to rebuild them every year. The washout that kept cars out of
here the past few years has been repaired, so you can drive to a
parking lot just up the hillside...It's still a hell of a drive --
four and a half hours from Vancouver via Pemberton, or five-plus from
the Lougheed Highway, and then only if you've got good clearance."
[Coast Magazine, May 1999]
Update: "Sloquet is open but now has a SEASONAL USER FEE. That
means the grounds-keepers are only there for peak season (I think it
is May to November...Not certain of the dates). It's a First
Nations operation." [T.S., 2005 Dec 28]
BIRKEN: Birken Lakeside Resort. [Map]
"Birkenhead Resort has a campground and cabins in Birken, north of
Whistler and Pemberton. Fairly rustic, but very open minded. I've
seen plenty of nudity all over the campground but especially at the
dock and the hot tub. I'd say its about 50/50 gay/straight. It's
advertised in the gay press in Vancouver, but it certainly wouldn't
be considered an exclusively gay resort. Call ahead to find out if
anything is going on the weekends." [Dan, Aug 2004]
Directions: Leaving Vancouver, head north on Hwy 99 to
Whistler. Continue through Whistler toward Pemberton. At Pemberton,
keep to the right through the intersection at PetroCan head to
Mt. Currie. Continue straight through Mt. Currie to Birken (about 25
min.). The resort is located right at Gates Lake on the left side of
the road. Phone: (604) 452-3255
Update: Birkenhead Resort was for sale in 2007. It is now advertised
as The Birken Lakeside Resort, so it is likely that it is under new ownership
and might not be as nude-friendly (or gay-friendly) as it was in 2004. [Oct 2009]
Lions Bay.
LIONS BAY: Brunswick
Beach. [Photo]
Brunswick Beach has been under attack for years by residents living
nearby. The beach users' association is trying to work with the
community rather than against it: "The clothing optional beach area
is very small (about 100m in length) and almost completely disappears
at high tide. Visitors to the area should be sure they are very clear
about where the boundaries are and should not assume that if someone
is using an area as clothing-optional that they should use it too;
some people have been pushing the boundaries of what is accepted.
Check to ensure that you know the 'etiquette' for this beach. Be very
discreet and sensitive to the fact that there are residents/owners
who have views on to the beach and would rather there was no
clothing-optional use; do not give them any cause for further
irritation. Be respectful and polite of anyone you meet that is
clothed (on the beach or off) to demonstrate that
naturists/clothing-optional users are some of the best people you can
meet!" [Alberta Bay Naturist Community (ABNC), July 2001]
"If people find themselves looking at a piling with a sign
prohibiting nudity, they should look to their left where they will
find a scene very much like the photo.
The nude beach is marked in this second photo by two orange
triangles. The left triangle (right if you are looking at the water)
marks the "rock groin" described below. The right triangle marks the
end of the pebble beach and the beginning of more rocks." [R.G.,
May 2003]
Directions: From North Vancouver, follow the Squamish Highway
(Hwy 99) north to Lions Bay. 1.5km north of the town, trails lead to
Brunswick Point public beach. To the east, go past the rock groin to
get to the CO section. Also known as Little Wreck Beach, nudity has
been common on Brunswick Beach for many years, but has recently been
met with some opposition. So far, nudity prevails, but parking has
become a problem issue. Apparently someone has pulled some strings
and the government has closed the parking lot, but there are buses
that pass each way every day, 6 times in both directions. And there
is a rest stop up the road where you can ride your bike from.
[1996]
New Directions: "Here is the solution to the problem: When
driving, turn off the highway at the Lions Bay turn off that goes
down to the marina. After crossing the tracks, turn right (north) on
the road that runs just under the BC rail tracks. You can park
legally most places along this road, but there are a few no parking
signs. You should try to park as close as possible to the railroad
bridge that crosses the creek near the end of the road. (There is no
parking on the road past this bridge). After you park, walk down the
road to the creek where there is a trail up to the tracks. From
there, it is about a 10 minute (1/2 mile) walk to Brunswick beach
along the tracks. If there is no parking on the road (which happens
sometimes on hot weekends), there is a public parking lot where the
tracks cross the road coming down the hill. Parking in this lot only
adds about 5 more minutes to your walk." [Anonymous, July
1997]
Update (nude use): "The beach is now part of the Villiage of
Lions bay. They have put signs up saying "No Nudity...", but the 20
or so people on the beach (all nude) didn't seem to be concerned."
[D.G., Aug 2002]
Update (towing): "We used to live in Vancouver (3 years ago)
and used to visit Brunswick regularly. Our habit was to park in the
margin of a small dirt road at the north end of the Magnesia Creek
bridge. We are currently visiting BC on vacation, and went to
Brunswick yesterday. When we got back from the beach (after 2 hours)
our car was gone! It had been towed to North Vancouver. The taxi ride
cost us $55 and the towing cost was $97. It was only after our car
was gone that we noticed the new (since last year?) no parking sign
15 feet up in a tree behind the spot where we parked." [C., sept
2002]
Update (nude use and towing): "Nude use of Brunswick Beach is
alive and healthy. Last year they put up signs saying "No Nudity" and
"No dogs", but the 20 to 50 people that are there every day just
ignore the signs and there have been no incidents with the
authorities. Apparently Lions Bay has a new Mayor and eliminating
nudity is now low on the agenda, but towing cars out of no parking
areas seems to be a high priority. There is lots of legal parking on
roads and in the parking lot in Lions Bay, but if you park under a no
parking sign, you will probably be towed." [D.G., Aug
2003]
Update (walking on the tracks): "A rail-enabled BC Rail pickup
truck stopped us while we were walking the tracks from Lions Bay to
Alberta Bay/Brunswick Beach yesterday. They asked if we knew that it
was illegal to walk the tracks, to which we replied 'no'. We saw no
evidence of them carrying tickets, but they said they were going to
start fining people because there had been some 'near misses'
recently. There is one slightly dangerous area on that stretch of
tracks--the point where the sidetrack is. The Horseshoe Bay to
Squamish stretch is mostly a single track, but sidetracks are used to
allow trains to pass in opposite directions. While the double track
may seem roomy, there's not a lot of space on either side, and BCR
does time trains so that they pass there. We saw that yesterday...."
[D.B., Aug 2003]
Update (parking): "There is parking that does not
require walking on the tracks---and some people use it---but the walk
is a lot harder... coming back. There is parking (not a lot) on the
street around the little store on the top side of the highway just
north of the main Lions Bay turnoff. The walk to the beach
from there (mostly along the highway) is about five minutes longer
than parking at the bottom and walking on the tracks. But the walk
back is all uphill and takes me at least 10 minutes longer (i.e., 20
to 25 minutes to get back). There is also one small pull-off on the
beach side the highway in the 1st turn just north of the main Lions
Bay pull-off. This spot will only hold about 5 cars, but parking
there will take 5 minutes off your walk. My opinion is that is much
safer walking on the tracks than on the highway. Trains are big,
noisy, and not nearly as fast as cars on the road. You have much more
time to see and hear trains coming and get out of the way, than you
have to see cars on the highway." [D.G., Aug 2003]
Update (more parking restrictions): "On the road below the
tracks in Lion's Bay (where most people going to Brunswick Beach
park) a string of 'resident parking only signs' have been posted.
There is still one unrestricted area along this road, according to
the directions/arrows on the signs,. And the Lion's Bay marina
parking lot on the road going down the hill (where it crosses the
tracks) is still available, but this is a longer walk." [D.G.,
Jun 2004]
LIONS BAY: Brunswick Beach Bares -- No longer exists.
BBB was a group organized to fight a legal battle. They don't exist
anymore. [Last info: Aug 2000]
LIONS BAY: Alberta Bay Naturist Community (ABNC).
"In August 2000, in response to potential threat to the current and
historic clothing-option use of the beach, a number of regular and
long-term users of the beach determined it was necessary to organize
ourselves more formally as the 'Alberta Bay Naturist Community
(ABNC).' This was done in order to : * reflect and communicate the
interests and concerns of beach users in ensuring the current and
historic use of the area as clothing-optional is maintained; and *
establish an organizing body to help ensure appropriate use and
care-taking of the area by current and future beach users (including
communicating common-sense rules or 'etiquette' for beach use --
especially if it appears that such 'common sense' may be absent). The
ABNC is current exploring and considering the option of incorporating
under the Society's Act." [Alberta Bay Naturist Community (ABNC),
July 2001]
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