SUNSHINE COAST
SUNSHINE COAST
#SIAontheSunshineCoast
***Last updated October 21st, 2020.
Since the COVID-19 cases seem to be spiking up again, it looks like traveling may be out of the picture for good this year, or atleast for the summer and fall. Sigh. But instead of lamenting on the places I could have gone, I’m going to continue exploring my own backyard right here in British Columbia.
My current obsession in terms of mini weekend getaways would be the Sunshine Coast. I know, I know. It’s a broad area. It encompasses everything from Gibsons through to Roberts Creek, over to Sechelt, up to Halfmoon Bay, Secret Cove, and Egmont. And I am sure I am missing a lot of smaller towns in-between! It’s a long stretch of coastline but since I have started visiting over the past two years, it’s become one of my favourite places to visit. It’s the perfect balance between Pacific Northwest chill, nature, all sprinkled with some excellent coffee, cafes, seaside bars and elevated dining.
It’s a mere 40-minute ferry ride over from Horseshoe Bay which makes it super accessible from Vancouver. From there, you’ll arrive in Gibsons. Honestly, you can stay right there. There are tons of restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and cute little AirBnBs in this neighbourhood. If you’re in town for just one night, this would be a suitable location for you.
Are you on the Sunshine Coast for the entire weekend? Then drive up through Roberts Creek. There are cute little cafes within the forest and trails as well. Stop by for brunch or breakfast. There is a cute little enclave of shops that is tucked away in this neighbourhood.
If you drive further past the forest, you’ll find yourself in Davis Bay. It’s personally my favourite stretch of the Sunshine Coast. What you get is a rocky yet smooth-stoned beach which stretches on for miles. There are a couple oceanside restaurants as well which not only serve up some of the best views of the bay, but also some very tasty fare as well.
Sechelt is a big one. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe Sechelt may be the largest town on the Sunshine Coast. Depending on where you go, I find Sechelt to be incredibly central and home to a great town which houses everything that you may need. Perhaps you’ll want to pop into their humble farmer’s market or visit Bricker’s for some cider or maybe stop in to enjoy some of the best breakfast on the coast.
Are you going further up the coast? Or perhaps you'll choose to go up north long the Sechelt Inlet? There are so many great gems along the coast including Halfmoon Bay, Secret Cove, Madeira Park, Earls Cove and finally Egmont. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive all the way up to Egmont where we went hiking at Skoomumchuck Narrows. It’s a bit of a scenic drive but be sure to stop along the way so you don’t miss anything at all.
Getting around the Sunshine Coast:
Ferry - You’ll need to take the ferry over (unless you’re flying!) and it’s always a good idea to pre-plan a bit. Ferry costs are $45.20 per vehicle and and $13.45 for individuals over 12+ years old. If you plan to reserve online, there is an additional fee of $17.00. The ferry is free on the way back.
Car - Even if you take Harbour Air, you’ll still need a vehicle to go over. I went one time without a car and just stayed in Gibsons. It’s doable but if you intend on driving up and down the coast, I’d highly recommend driving yourself over to prevent from limiting yourself.
Walking - Depending on where you are and how you get yourself to the coast, you can walk! Gibsons itself is very walkable. Heck, you can even travel on the ferry as a foot passenger for uber cheap! Perfect for those that need that quick little city break.
Taxi - So, the first time I visited the Sunshine Coast, I went as a foot passenger. Not bad, not bad. BUT we ended up having to taxi around a few times and let me tell you: taxis are not cheap over here! Not to mention they are expensive, they are also far and few. We had the same taxi driver the entire evening so I’ll just leave it at that.
What to see on the Sunshine Coast:
Hiking and trails - It’s absolutely gorgeous on the Sunshine Coast. Go hiking and explore the outdoors. We went hiking in Hidden Grove which was a beautiful moss-covered area in the forest up by the Sechelt Inlet. Nothing terribly challenging or intermediate here; kid-friendly. If you happen to drive up all the way to Egmont, you’ll have to stop by Skookumchuck Narrows. The hike includes a cinnamon bun at the Skookumchuck Bakery and Cafe and bonus if you get to the end of the hike and get to see the natural whirlpools at work!
Kayak - Get on the water! I ended up having a great time kayaking (and getting a little toasty!) in Lamb Bay in Tuwanek. I had a pleasurable time renting a kayak from Pedals and Paddles - super friendly people with great, clean equipment. Not to mention the views there were simply gorgeous…
Breweries - Do you like beer? Are you staying in Gibsons? Perfect. You’ll want to head out to Persephone Brewing Company which is located on farmland with a cool brick pizza oven and a taco truck directly on the premises. Tons of outdoor seating available and games for anyone at any age. If you are right in town or heading back to Langdale to catch the ferry, you can pop into Tapworks Brewing Company. Great selection of brew and cider on taps here.
Beaches - I love the beaches here. Yes, they are pebbly but I think that’s part of the charm of the Sunshine Coast. My favourite is Davis Bay but Bonniebrook Beach is also a close second, especially if you’re dining at the nearby Chasters Restaurant - more on that later!
Gibsons Public Market - They’ve got a small, local market that’s right by the water in Gibsons. The cheese and seafood outlets were highlights during my visit and after that, it’s a short walk back to the city centre.
Cideries - Is beer not your thing? That’s okay. Bricker’s Cidery offers some delicious dry-style ciders. Their space comes with a large yard, perfect for picnics or simply to stretch your legs!
Sechelt Farmers and Artisan Market - This is your opportunity to pick and sample some delicious fare from the local farmers market. I will warn you that this is definitely more of an artisan market than a farmers market. My favourite find was Mixers and Elixirs which specialized in shrubs aka drinking vinegars.
Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Co. - Who doesn’t love a good olive oil tasting? Pop by to taste some delicious infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They even have mini bottles which is perfect for dressings or to keep at your desk at the office.
Plethora Fine Foods - Planning for a picnic or to cook at home? Plethora has got a great quality of cheeses, meats and more. They even have a limited supply of Sunshine Coast Olive Oil!
Cliff Gilker Park - Great little park with a variety of trails and waterfalls! This park is nestled right in Roberts Creek with a huge soccer field by it, an active creek and a huge amount of mushroom varietals.
Francis Point Provincial Park - Can’t get enough of these cliff views? Try driving out to Pender Harbour to take on amazing water views and emerald green pools. The trail is not particularly challenging but save some time to do it - atleast 1 hour roundtrip.
Soames Hill - Up for a panoramic view of Gibsons? Take the trek up the hill to catch some views. It is a very well-marked trail with some incline. There are two viewpoints once you get to the top and can be done under 45 minutes round trip.
Chatterbox Falls - Boat or plane access only. Take a boat tour with Sunshine Coast Tours to see inaccessible waterfalls (over 50 of them!), wildlife, learn more about the Indigenous communities in the Sunshine Coast, logging and agriculture and of course, the breathtaking Chatterbox Falls. Bring a poncho if you want to get close to the falls! Tour is ~5 hours long and departs from Egmont.
What to eat and drink on the Sunshine Coast:
Chasters Restaurant - Who knew they had upscale dining on the coast? The meal at Chasters was my absolute favourite. Beautifully-presented food and excellent execution - well done! The scallops and the duck breast were standouts.
Beachcomber Coffee Company - Looking for great coffee in Gibsons? Look no further. This gem has delicious brew and also some pretty whimsical lattes! I had the pink latte with oat milk which was a warm treat to start off my day.
Lunitas Mexican Eatery - Need a vibe and a sun-soaked patio? I’m really not for hipster taco joints but the drinks here were great! Tacos were subpar featuring flour tortillas (and not to mention tiny!) but this spot was a lot of fun and had great energy.
The Gumboot Restaurant - Driving through to Sechelt? Stop in for breakfast at this hidden forest enclave. It’s nothing crazy to write home about but satisfies some comforting breakfast food cravings.
Gumboot Cafe - Not to be confused with the above (although they are the same owners!) but I found that the food was significantly better at the cafe than the restaurant. The pear and brie pastry was enough for me - talk about heaven!
Wobbly Canoe - Don’t be turned off by the name, the Wobbly Canoe serves up some delicious eats! I loved the buttery crab legs, buddha bowl and wobbly salads were the best offerings on the menu.
Skookumchuck Bakery and Cafe - This in-the-hike bakery is truly situated in Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park and is the first stop in going down to see the whirlpools. You can’t miss having their ginormous cinnamon buns. But act fast - these guys tend to sell out!
The Pink House Bistro - Middle Eastern food done right on the Sunshine Coast. Think labneh, hummus, manoush, mezze platters and more. I highly recommend the lamb manoush - maybe double up on an order!
Sushi Nagomi - Quality sushi right in the heart of Gibsons. Cheaper than Vancouver but equally delicious. Naomi offers a wide variety of fresh fish for you to choose from.
Mama’s Japanese Kitchen - Wow, I was really impressed with the sushi here! Dirt cheap but excellently-prepared sushi. You MUST try the panko tempura prawns or atleast a dynamite roll that has ‘em in it! So light and crispy and super fresh. Fish is limited to tuna and salmon but it was so good. Yum!
Ahhhh, the Sunshine Coast. A place I’ll never tire of. I’ll most likely keep adding to this post as I keep exploring every year. It’s just so lovely here. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the getaway just as much as I did!