Discover the Winter Spirit of the Sunshine Coast
9 Days / 8 Nights
Be introduced to winter on the Sunshine Coast as you travel aboard BC Ferries to discover the spirit of this 180km paradise. Begin by finding the perfect hideaway, from cottages tucked away in the woods to B&B's by the sea. Enjoy the slower paced, coastal lifestyle as you enjoy snowshoeing by starlight, visit local artists in their studios and taking a winter hike to the largest saltwater rapids. This magical place is yours to explore.
Day 1
Discover the spirit of the Sunshine Coast beginning with a scenic 40 minute ferry ride through a breathtakingly beautiful passage studded by emerald islands and snow-covered peaks. Upon arrival, the scenic seaside village of Gibsons is your welcoming point to the Sunshine Coast.
This evening discover the refreshingly uncomplicated menu at
SweetWater Bistro. Delight your taste buds with cuisine that is artfully presented, tastes fabulous and is in an atmosphere that is funky and cozy.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Gibsons, Roberts Creek area)
Day 2
Gibsons Landing is a great place to explore on foot. Enjoy a stroll along the public wharf and promenade, continue along Molly's Lane and discover a meandering streetscape of antique shops, galleries, bookstores, markets and restaurants. Visit the
Sunshine Coast Museum and learn about local maritime history spanning from explorer Captain George Vancouver to the 19th-century Union Steamships. You can also admire a model of a Coast Salish village, pore over vintage logging equipment, and get your pop culture kicks from exhibits on the hit CBC TV series, The Beachcombers (filmed in Gibsons for 19 years). Housing 9,000-plus documents and photographs, the on-site archives are worth checking out too. If hiking through woodland forests is more to your liking then check out the many trails in and around Gibsons.
Delight your palette with an a la carte, 4 course prix fixe meal or an elaborate chefs tasting menu while enjoying an amazing oceanview at
Chasters Restaurant.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Gibsons, Roberts Creek area)
Day 3
Start exploring, with a winter hike in
Cliff Gilker Regional Park, where you will discover a large growth Douglas Fir Forest. The trails will take you alongside the rushing waters of Roberts Creek. Crossing the creek on rustic wooden bridges at various points will bring you to the waterfall, especially impressive during the winter.
Prepare for an amazing evening under the stars, enjoying the snow with
Alpha Adventures Starlight & Fondue Snowshoe Guided Tour. The evening air literally sparkles as you head out for a 2 hour snowshoe tour. The evening completes with a special chocolate fondue treat.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Davis Bay, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay area)
Day 4
The Sunshine Coast is an artists' haven, home to a wide array of visual, performing, literary, healing and media art talents. Drive the self guided
Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Route to connect with local artists. The artists invite you to their galleries and studios to share their love of what they do and how there surrounds inspire them. Pick up a guide at your Bed & Breakfast, or in galleries & shops. Look for the flying Purple Banners and visit the arts at work on the Sunshine Coast.
Tonight enjoy dinner at the
Ichiban Japanese Restaurant and enjoy a complete Japanese dining experience. Choose from an assortment of classic mouth-watering appetizers before moving on to sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, noodles, and more!
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Davis Bay, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay area)
Day 5
Discover why visitors are enchanted with the haven of natural bays & inlets at the top end of the Lower Sunshine Coast. A relaxing scenic drive north takes you along the coast line passing by Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, Halfmoon Bay Lookout, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour and Garden Bay. This spectacular drive will afford views of numerous islands, coves and reefs which has been called "the Venice of the North". Nature lovers and families with children are well-advised to visit the
Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre. It's housed in an environmentally friendly building next to the Denise Cargill Wildlife Sanctuary, which burgeons with dragonflies, turtles, and various bird species. Learn about the nesting habits of marbled murrelets in old-growth forests, check out salamanders in aquariums, or view samples of the ancient yellow cedar trees in the nearby Caren Range. (Winter Hours: Saturday to Monday 10:00am - 4:00pm, no admission charge)
This evening, experience the creative coastal cuisine at
The Restaurant at Painted Boat. This casually elegant restaurant has a distinctly modern, coastal feel. Head Chef David Cox and his team are focussed on highlighting the abundance of fresh ingredients available on the Sunshine Coast - creating a vibrant approach to a regional menu.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Pender Harbour, Egmont area)
Day 6
Today embark a winter
Skookumchuck Narrows hike to one of the West Coast's largest saltwater rapids. Drive along the scenic coast line, to the tiny community of Egmont. Visit the
Egmont Heritage Centre Museum located across the road from the entrance to the Skookumchuck Trail Provincial Park. The museum displays everything from native artifacts to ship steering wheels to old salmon can labels. Next, don your walking shores and take the moderate self-guided trek, on a 4-km (2.5 mi) forested trail into the Skookumchuck Narrows to witness the awesome power and spectacle of these rapids, framed by the backdrop of snow capped mountains. This hike is an absolute must! (Museum Winter Hours: Weekends 11:00am - 4:00pm, closed January & February)
Dining is an experience to savour at the
Garden Bay Restaurant, this fine dining restaurant offers breathtaking views of Pender Harbour and a menu of true excellence that can be matched with a special selection of British Columbia wines.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Pender Harbour, Egmont area)
Day 7
Depart for Powell River / Lund on the Upper Sunshine Coast. At Earl's Cove, the northwesterly tip of the Lower Coast, board BC ferries for a relaxing 50-minute ride across Jervis Inlet to Saltery Bay. Photographers will be delighted with breathtaking scenery including small islands, waterfalls and towering snowcapped mountains. The Upper Sunshine Coast is an area of pristine beauty and a vibrant cultural life.
Discover one of the many great restaurants in Powell River. Some favourites include the
Treefrog Bistro serving a refreshingly different menu,
Snickers with spectacular ocean and sunset views and
La Casita offering authentic Mexican cuisine.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Powell River, Lund)
Day 8
Step back into time as you visit
Powell River Historic Townsite for a
Self-guided Walking Tour. Powell River was founded as a mill town for the Powell River Paper Company and is a remarkably preserved example of a single-industry, company-build town from the early 20th century. Built as a garden community with some 400 Westcoast Craftsman style homes, and 30 institutional and commercial structures dating between 1910 and 1930, the town-site is an enthralling tour of unique heritage. Stop by the
Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre for a walking tour guide of the old homes, historic buildings and the Patricia Theatre, the oldest continuously operating movie theatre in Canada and has been entertaining Powell River Since 1913.
Dine at
The Shinglemill Pub & Bistro and experience lakeside dining on pristine Powell Lake. With an extensive menu that has something to please every palate, from fresh local seafood, pasta, prime rib to lighter fare such as burgers, Asian bowls and delicious salads. Sit on the deck for a wonderful meal in an outdoor setting.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice (Powell River, Lund)
Day 9
As your trip comes to an end, start heading back to Vancouver, take some time to enjoy the spectacular marine and mountain scenery as you board a ferry for the 50 minute crossing to Earls Cove and the lower Sunshine Coast. Travel south through ocean vistas and lush forest stopping off in Egmont at the
Backeddy Pub for a delicious lunch with a spectacular view of Sechelt Inlet. Their food is sourced locally and they carry a great selection of craft beers. Continue on to Langdale and your final 40 minute ferry ride back to Horseshoe Bay. Reflect as you cruise through the breathtakingly beautiful passage studded by emerald islands.
Sunshine Coast is your holiday paradise with ..... something for everyone ..... something for you!
Discover the Winter Spirit of the Sunshine Coast
