Beautiful Gibsons, Gateway to the Sunshine Coast

If you are longing to find that perfect little seaside village with stunning views, quaint shops featuring local artisans, picturesque places to enjoy a coffee or a delicious meal, then Gibsons is the destination for you. Located only 40 minutes from Vancouver, Gibsons is the first stop after your ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.

In 2009, this picturesque town was named World's Most Liveable Community (with a population of less than 20,000) by the United Nations-endorsed International Awards for Liveable Communities.  Gibsons was also the winner of the outstanding award for Planning for the Future.  

Gibsons is widely known for its starring role in the Canadian TV show The Beachcombers, but there is much more to this community than the famous Molly's Reach Restaurant.  Lower Gibsons, or Gibsons Landing, is nestled along the ocean and boasts a beautiful marina, several wonderful restaurants and a variety of local shops and galleries. The bronze statue of George Gibson, the first European settler in the Gibsons area, stands in Pioneer Park adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre right in the heart of Gibsons Landing.  Gibson was a past British naval officer who moved from Ontario and claimed Gibsons Landing in 1886.  

The harbour is everything it should be--- picturesque and full of boats! The busy government docks are right in downtown Gibsons, and the Gibsons Marina is just along the shoreline. Both are in active use by both working and pleasure craft of all kinds and sizes.  Kids enjoy fishing off the docks and discovering the colourful starfish and anemones growing up the pilings. On the right day you can get a great deal on some freshly-caught prawns, crab or halibut, sold right off the boat that caught them.

Upper Gibsons follows Highway 101, and is the town's commercial and industrial centre.  Great shopping and fast food outlets thrive along this stretch. Upper Gibsons also has a curling rink and a swimming complex with an indoor pool, wading pool and swirl pool. Brothers Park is the site for a new ice arena (open in March 2008), playing fields, two ball diamonds, tennis courts and a skateboarding area.

The inlets and islands around Gibsons and up into Howe Sound are perfect for kayaking, sailing or pleasure cruising. Kayak rentals are available in the marina, or if you own your own boat, there are many marinas and marine parks in the area.  There are several wonderful beaches in and around Gibsons, all great places to beachcomb, go for a swim, or launch your kayak. They stretch from Armours Beach in Lower Gibsons, to Secret Beach along Gower Point Road, and out to Ocean Beach Esplanade in the Bonniebrook area. This stretch of shoreline is one of the nicest on the Coast. Take a stroll, go for a swim, explore the tidal pools or gaze at the spectacular sunsets.

Heading west out of Gibsons towards Roberts Creek, you'll see Mount Elphinstone rising to your right above the northeast end of Gibsons. It's a beautiful natural forest area with a whole network of terrific hiking and biking routes - from quiet, easy strolls to steep, advanced treks. The Gibsons Landing Heritage Society has been diligent in upgrading and marking many of the old logging roads and building new trails through the forest. Maps are essential in this area, as some of the logging roads are still in active use.  All the trails are well marked with both colour-coded surveyor's tape and metal disks.  Another good location for hikers is The Soames Hill Trail between Gibsons and Langdale -- Gibsons' answer to North Vancouver's Grouse Grind.  It is a 40-minute stair-climb that seems to last forever, at the top of which you're rewarded with a view of Howe Sound, Keats Island, Gibsons and the Strait of Georgia, sure to take your breath away.

The Sunshine Coast is a mountain bikers dream, offering a maze of mountain-bike paths. In addition to the trails in Mount Elphinstone's forest, Sprockids Mountain Bike Park in Gibsons is designed with the younger generation in mind. Located at the north end of Stewart Road just off the Gibsons Bypass, the park provides almost 9 miles (14 km) of trails that will appeal to mountain bikers of all ages.

Gibsons hosts a variety of special events including numerous art workshops and cultural festivals - the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival in June, the International Outrigger Canoe Races and the annual Sea Cavalcade in July, and the Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival in August.

Gibsons truly does have something for everyone - whether you are an active outdoor enthusiast, or you love to browse unique shops, or you just like to relax and appreciate the spectacular vistas, then Gibsons is a must-see experience for you.