A short ferry trip from Greater Vancouver is the Sunshine
Coast, named for its up to 2,400 hours of annual sunshine
- this equates to an average of 4 to 6 hours a day. This
coast is a magical string of rocky, forested beaches and
small, funky communities.
Tucked into the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia,
the Sunshine Coast is a 180 km (110 mile) stretch of paradise
where the mossy rainforest drops from a sculpted shoreline
into the Strait of Georgia, and winds itself northward
beneath the Coast Mountains from Howe Sound to Desolation
Sound.  There are no roads up the secluded inlets and coves,
but BC Ferries provides several daily sailings to and from
Langdale via Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver). This makes
the coast feel like an island.
As a recreation destination, the sheltered coast provides
world-class scuba diving, and exceptional canoeing and
sea kayaking. The water gives a unique perspective of
the coves, inlets and wildlife such as harbour seals.
Sport
fishing is superb and includes five species of salmon,
as well as rainbow, steelhead, kokanee and cutthroat
trout.
Populated by dream-seekers desiring the slower paced,
coastal lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast is home to those
who appreciate
the beauty of outstanding marine parks and marshland
bird sanctuaries, old growth forest and alpine peaks.
Many internationally
known artists, musicians and artisans have made their
home on the Sunshine Coast. The creative juices of
the artisans
are showcased in local galleries and craft stores,
as well as in their own pottery, woodworking, and glass
blowing
studios up and down the coast. The Sunshine Coast holds
several arts and crafts fairs and festivals throughout
the summer months.
 As the visitor drives up Highway 101 small communities
that must be explored litter the way. In Gibsons,
stop and explore shops, the scenic marina, harbour-side
pubs and Molly's Reach - known from the television
series "The
Beachcombers". Sechelt is the cultural centre
of the Sunshine Coast and is home to the Salish Indian
bands.
Halfmoon Bay, Madiera Park and Garden Bay offer a
great base from which to rent a fishing charter or
kayak the
quiet inlets.
Powell River a short ferry ride from
Earls Cove, offers some of the best fishing in British
Columbia
as well as the Powell River Historic Townsite which
is a preserved example of a single-industry town
from the
early 20th century – this being forestry. At
the end of Highway 101 is Lund, which is an historic
fishing
village.
Communities to explore: Davis Bay, Desolation Sound,
Earls Cove, Egmont, Garden Bay, Gibsons, Halfmoon
Bay, Langdale,
Lund, Madiera Park, Pender Harbour, Powell River,
Roberts Creek, Saltery Bay, Sechelt, Texada Island
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring
the Sunshine Coast?
Explore the Communities of the Sunshine Coast
Browse other Vancouver Coast and Mountains Sub
Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region
250 - 1508 West 2nd Avenue,
Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
Telephone: (604) 739-9011
Fax: (604) 739-0153
E-Mail: info@vcmbc.com |
