About the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is British Columbia's best kept secret, stretching along 180km of land from Langdale to Lund with many quaint, tiny coastal communities in between. It's a pacific paradise of quirky waterfront shops, friendly people and an easygoing lifestyle. From strolling the endless kilometers of windswept seashore to sailing up Princess Louisa Inlet or Desolation Sound Marine Park, visitors find it hard to shake the inescapable feeling that they're in on a secret the rest of the travelling world has yet to discover.

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Easily accessible by ferry, air, or bus, the Sunshine Coast is part of the BC mainland, but has all the laid-back charm of an island, far removed from the urban rush. Attracted by the natural beauty and unrushed lifestyle, a high per capita population of artists make their homes on the Sunshine Coast. Divided into two regions, the Upper Sunshine Coast’s communities in the north range from Powell River and Lund to Saltery Bay, including Texada and Savary islands. Lower Sunshine Coast villages extend from Earl’s Cove to Port Mellon in the south, and include Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour. Sunshine Coast communities put out the welcome mat for guests at everything from cozy B&Bs to lakefront cottages to chic oceanfront resorts with fine dining rooms and high-end luxury spas.

The Lower Sunshine Coast

Gibsons

Gibsons has earned international recognition: it was recently named the "Most Liveable Community under 20,000" (2009) in a world-wide competition by the UN-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities. But, it's perhaps most famously known as the location for the longtime hit TV show The Beachcombers, which first aired in 1972 and ran until 1990. Nowadays, it attracts visitors with its chilled-out blend of water and land activities, suitable for all ages and ability levels.

Roberts Creek

"The Jewel of the Sunshine Coast". Famous for its eclectic history, natural beauty; cummunity living; artistic, musical and cultural events; centrality; and beautiful acreage homes. From the first steamboat that anchored in the 1800's Roberts Creek is one of the most desired destinations on the Sunshine Coast.

Sechelt

Sechelt sits on a narrow two-kilometre (1.25-mile) sandbar between the Straight of Georgia and Sechelt inlet, earning its Shishalh First Nations name meaning “land between two waters.’’

Halfmoon Bay

This enchanting community just north of Sechelt is home to Smuggler’s Cove and Secret Cove.

Pender Harbour

Nicknamed the “Venice of the North’’ for its maze of local waterways, Pender Harbour encompasses the communities of Madeira Park, Garden Bay and Irvines Landing. All share the common coastline known as Pender Harbour where guest cottages, resorts and B&Bs can be found clustered around lakes, inlets and lagoons.

Egmont

Egmont is home to Skookumchuck Narrows, where you can witness the awesome power of incredibly turbulent tidal rapids. Eco-adventure starts here as you begin your journey into Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls.

Sechelt First Nations (shíshálh)

Located on BC's scenic West Coast is proud of our heritage and community values. Our spectacular scenery and natural resoures in the territory have sustained our people and way of life for centuries. We thrive on a communal lifestyle that respects the wisdom of our elders.

The Upper Sunshine Coast

Saltery Bay

Welcoming you into the Upper Coast is picturesque Saltery Bay, featuring Mermaid Cove (where divers can explore the sunken 8ft bronze mermaid) and the southern-most tip of the incredible 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail.

Powell River

Powell River, the Sunshine Coast’s largest community, is known for its well-preserved historic Townsite, a planned community built by the local mill between 1910 and 1930 and now a National Historic District of Canada. Today, Powell River is equally famous as a gateway to Desolation Sound and as a mecca for outdoor adventure enthusiasts seeking world class hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and scuba diving. Powell River was named the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004.

Sliammon (Tla’Amin)

The Coast Salish village of Sliammon, just north of Powell River, has a vibrant culture and history in the region dating back more than 2,000 years. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy free interpretive hikes with a First Nations guide.

Lund

Also known as Mile 0 of the Pan-American Highway, one of the longest highways in the world, Lund is situated on the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast, your starting point for adventure in Desolation Sound. Featuring delicious eats, a historic hotel and eco-adventure galore, Lund is a must-see!

Okeover Inlet

Featuring the gastronomic delights of the Laughing Oyster and endless adventure along the shores of Desolation Sound, Okeover Inlet is an ocean-lover’s paradise.

Texada Island

BC’s largest Gulf Island, Texada is also known as the Jewel of the Pacific. Featuring rich history, vibrant culture and outdoor activities that will excite any adventurer, Texada is also home to extremely unique geology and over 250 species of coastal birds.

Savary Island

Aerial maps of this warm-water holiday destination reveal its ring of gleaming white sand beaches, earning Savary Island subtropical comparisons. This small 7.5 km (4.7 mi) long and less than 1.0 km (0.6 mi) wide island is described by the Savary Island Land Trust (SILT) as “essentially a migrating sandbar’’ with a range of highly sensitive ecosystems from sand cliffs to dune meadows and ancient forested dunes.