What Can You Do On The Sunshine Coast?

There are numerous beaches for walking, beachcombing and swimming. On the lower coast, the ones at Secret Beach and Chaster Park (Gibsons), and in Roberts Creek are popular. Davis Bay offers a wide sandy beach at low tide and is particularly safe for children, as is the one at Porpoise Bay Park on the Inlet in Sechelt. Further up the coast, swimming is possible at Halfmoon Bay, and Madeira Park. Some beaches tend to be stony at high tide, so bring your beach shoes. The sandiest beaches are found on the north Sunshine Coast at Savary Island, and out of Secret Cove on Thormanby Island.

Back-country and mountain biking trails, suitable for every level of skill, exist all along the coast from Langdale to Earl's Cove on the south coast and around Powell River in the north. Trails are well marked and highly scenic. Local bike shops know many trails they can recommend, and most rent bikes. Many people also enjoy road touring on the Sunshine Coast, stopping at B&B's or cottages along their way.

Kayaks may be rented either by the hour or for longer periods at a number of places along the coast. Lessons are available for the novice and guided or group kayak excursions are also offered. There are many beautiful kayaking sites on both the north and the south Sunshine Coast, but particularly memorable are the ones out of Gibson's Harbour to the surrounding islands and the ones in the sheltered waters of Porpoise Bay. The Powell River region has the impressive Powell Forest Canoe Route, a journey encompassing 8 lakes and taking approximately 5 days to complete. And Desolation Sound is a mecca for the experienced ocean kayaker.

Many hiking trails may be found along the coast, some easy and others more challenging. The somewhat steep climb up Soames Hill (Gibsons) is a popular one for its panoramic views of Gibsons Harbour and Vancouver Island, while the hike into scenic Smuggler's Cove is a relatively easy hike. The best-known trail on the coast is the one leading in to the Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, where one may witness the awesome power of one of the world's fastest reversing tidal rapids. For serious hikers, the Sunshine Coast Trail, beginning at Sarah Point, near Lund, is one of the best in the world. This 180 km hiking trail leads through old growth forests and alpine meadows to Saltery Bay, 31km south of Powell River.

The clear waters of the Sunshine Coast offer some of the best diving in the world. Lessons and accompanied dives are available from Padi certified instructors on both the upper and the lower Sunshine Coast. The sea life includes giant Pacific octopuses, wolf eels, and cloud sponges, and there are wrecks to explore as well. One of the most popular scuba-diving spots is at Mermaid Cove in Saltery Bay Provincial Park, where Canada's first underwater statue, a three metre bronze mermaid, sits submerged 20 m below the surface.

In the unlikely event that you should wake to find it raining, there are many things to enjoy on your visit to the Sunshine Coast. The coast is home to a number of artists and artisans. You will find their work in galleries and shops from one end of the Sunshine Coast to the other. Tours of their workshops and studios can be arranged. There are museums to visit..the Pioneer Museum in Gibsons, the Tems Swiya Museum in Sechelt where the Sechelt Indian Band displays a rich repository of First Nations art, carvings and totem poles, and the Historical Museum in Powell River. If you are staying in the Powell River area, the Historic Townsite is one of the few places in Canada designated a National Historic District. There are self guided and guided tours of this district with its lovingly restored houses and gardens. There are antique shops up and down the Sunshine Coast, and boutiques ranging from fashionable to funky.

If you've been kayaking, cycling, golfing, diving or hiking, you should pamper yourself with a massage in one of our local spas, or even right in your room.  This is a perfect rainy day activity!  You can follow this with an amazing dinner in one of our many fine restaurants ranging from ethnic to haute cuisine. Now that's a relaxing day.

Winter on the Sunshine Coast offers it's own charms. There is telemark skiing, cross country skiing or snow shoeing in the Tetrahedron and on Dakota Ridge. You could join the crowds waiting for Santa to arrive by boat in Gibsons Harbour, join one of the carol ships, or take the polar bear swim at Davis Bay on New Years Day.