British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast: Explore culture and scenic recreation
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Nothing could get me to move from Canada’s Sunshine Coast, especially when I’m kayaking in blissfully still waters on the Pacific Ocean, admiring our mountainous coastline and the peaks of Vancouver Island across Georgia Strait. This outdoor paradise (not to be confused with Australia’s Sunshine Coast) sits amidst misty fiords and gorgeous harbours along British Columbia’s rugged west coast.
Gibsons: a scenic gem
The waterfront town of Gibsons, with its picturesque marina, hills, bluffs, surrounding ocean and the defining high façade of Molly’s Reach restaurant, formed the backdrop for Canada’s longest-running TV drama series, The Beachcombers. This quirky, popular show ran from 1972 to 1990, televised around the world from India to Great Britain.
Today, Gibsons has received recognition from the United Nations as the most liveable community in the world with a population under 20,000. It serves as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast, a spectacular recreational area on the mainland north of Greater Vancouver. With no road access from the city, most people think this region is an island; I won’t tell you how many times someone in Vancouver has asked me: “How are things on the island?” leaving me to remind them yet again that it is on the mainland. Most visitors access the area via a 40-minute ride on a car ferry from Horseshoe Bay to nearby Langdale, followed by a two-kilometre drive from the dock. Return fare is free with your one-way ticket over.
The Sunshine Coast: culture and recreation
The Sunshine Coast, which does indeed enjoy more yearly sun than Vancouver, makes a highly recommended day-trip along Highway 101. This two-lane thoroughfare winds past numerous seaside communities, including Roberts Creek and Sechelt. In the winter, you can take in stunning views from the groomed cross-country trails at Dakota Ridge, accessed from Field Road in Wilson Creek. Snow tires and chains are a must for back-country travel.
For summer visitors, the Sunshine Coast hosts many expansive beaches like Bonniebrook and Davis Bay along with superb hiking day-trails. Fishing, diving, canoeing, sailing and kayaking attract visitors to both the Lower and Upper Sunshine coasts. Both high-end and wonderfully quaint cottages and bed-and-breakfasts are available for nightly or weekly accommodations.
You can find a surprising array of cultural talent in the area, from festivals of jazz, blues and fibre arts to performing arts and Asian-themed activities. For history buffs, Gibsons’ Elphinstone Pioneer Museum honours the region’s first homesteaders while the Tems Swiya Museum in Sechelt showcases the Shishalh (Sechelt) First Nation’s culture, art and artefacts.
Access nearby islands
Foot passengers arriving at the Langdale ferry dock near Gibsons can board the tiny Stormaway III boat to visit Keats or Gambier islands across Howe Sound. Both places offer day-trippers excellent trails, beaches and kayaking routes. Keats Island enjoys a commanding view of the Strait of Georgia. Gambier is home to a wonderful general store with home-baked goodies and a rugged mountain backdrop.
If you’re boating, try to arrive at dusk when the harbours and coves are at their most exquisite. Keats Island has excellent moorage at Plumpers Cove on the northwest side.
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