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Sunshine Coast
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Dannielle Hayes
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Dannielle Hayes
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Beach Gardens Resort
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Gibsons Harbour
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Lund
By Darcy Nybo
Mountains rise up and cut off the Sunshine Coast from the highway, so you have to take a plane, a water taxi, a ferry (walk on, take the bus or your own car) or your own boat to experience the region. However you choose to get here, once you arrive, you know you’ve come to exceptional place.
The Sunshine Coast is 180 km (110 mi) of marine life, great people, and nature at its best. Cruise the Salish Sea to from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound and marvel at the laid back life of the orcas, porpoises and sea lions. Unplug and drop anchor in a protected bay and take in the majesty of the area. Gentle winds usually blow the clouds away, so you’re sure to get your fair share of sunshine while you are here – they don’t call it the Sunshine Coast for nothing.
The Sunshine Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Get out on the water and fish your days away or spend some time on land and hike or take your mountain bike through spectacular old-growth forests. Get up close and personal to the ocean in a sea kayak and paddle on whitewater tidal rapids or in peaceful coves.
Those of you of a certain age may remember the CBC TV show, The Beachcombers. It was filmed in Gibsons, the first community north from Vancouver. The Gibsons Marina provides all the boating services and amenities you need for your adventure.
Secret Cove Marina is open from spring to fall and located up from Gibsons, at Chart 3512, approximately halfway between Sechelt and Pender Harbour on the way to Desolation Sound and Princess Louisa Inlet. It has a fuel dock, a restaurant, and stores where you can get the essentials as well as clothing and liquor.
Further up the coast is Pender Harbour, population 3,000. There are several small villages here including Madeira Park, Irvine’s Landing, Garden Bay and Kleindale. They have the second-oldest May Day celebration in BC and they have the longest-running downhill longboard race in Canada, Attack of Danger Bay. This incredible vibrant community has boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, outdoor adventure, golf, music festivals, art galleries, swimming, car shows, camping, parades, and festivals.
Divers love the Sunshine Coast. There are three dive sites in the Egmont area. The HMCS Chaudiere is a WWII sub tracker sitting on its side in deep water. The Skookumchuck Narrows are North America’s fastest salt-water rapids and the Tuwanek Marine Park will have you believing you are diving in an aquarium.
Once you leave Egmont, travel the wilderness areas of Jervis Inlet. You’ll pass through Malibu Rapids into Princess Louisa Inlet. Plan to spend the day ashore here experiencing the wonders of the world-renowned Chatterbox Falls, one of dozens of waterfalls in the area. Take some time off from being captain of your own vessel and experience the area with Sunshine Boat Tours. www.sunshinecoasttours.ca
Further north along the coast lies Powell River and the Beach Gardens Resort and Marina. You’ll find it at Grief Point (Latitude 49°48'00" Longitude 124°31'00"), where its sheltered 45 slip marina is the perfect stop between Vancouver and Desolation Sound. Stop overnight to enjoy a deluxe room, leisurely relaxing on your deck soaking in the panoramic view of Malaspina Strait, the entrance to Desolation Sound.
Stop in at their Savoury Bight Seaside Restaurant and Pub, swim in the indoor pool or work out in the gym before taking the free shuttle to the Powell River Town Centre during July and August for some shopping and entertainment.
Or stop in at the Westview Harbour Government Dock with guest moorage, washrooms, showers, laundry, internet access, launch ramp, garbage disposal, gas, diesel and propane and ice. Reach them at VHF Channel: 68, 66A.
Travelling northwest, spend the day at Desolation Sound, BC’s largest Marine Park. There are three bays to explore and anchor your boat: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay and Grace Harbour. Whether it’s in a yacht or a kayak, you’ll love exploring the islands and coves that make up the unique shoreline. In the warmer months, the waters here are perfect for swimming and scuba diving. Spend some time on shore and explore the trails that lead up to small lakes.
Come and celebrate with your fellow visitors and the locals at some of the Sunshine Coast’s year round events. Go to sunshinecoastcanada.com and click on events for more events and exact dates.
Key events:
- April: Wood Boat Challenge – build a boat in 4 hours and race it!
- May: Coaster Bike Race with more than 200 XC and downhill riders.
- May 9: Annual Lund Shellfish Festival
- June: Pender Harbour Blues Festival
- June: Gibsons' Landing Jazz Festival
- July 1: Canada Day Festivities
- July: Powell River Sea Fair
- August: Festival of Rolling Arts
- August: Synchronicity Festival
- September: Sunshine Music Festival
- September: Pender Harbour Jazz Festival
- October: Gibsons' Fall Fair and Sunshine Coast Mushroom Festival