The Sunshine Coast is shorthand for a section of BC’s coastline known for its trails, food and artists. Its outdoor activities and other amenities bring people from across the province as well as from the country and the world for a thriving tourist industry.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District actually encompasses several areas, including the District of Sechelt, Pender Harbour and Egmont, Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, West Howe Sound, Sechelt Indian Government District, and the town of Gibsons. The Region District is on the southern mainland coast of B.C. and is across the Georgia Strait (part of the Salish Sea) from Vancouver Island and borders on the Powell River Regional District to the north, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to the east, and, across Howe Sound, the Metro Vancouver District to the south.
Population is concentrated along the coast. Midway up the coast, beginning at the town of Sechelt, the coastal area forms a peninsula separated from the inland area by Sechelt Inlet. The Coast Mountains make up the inland area.
The Sunshine Coast is typically accessed via boat or plane; no roads connect the district with the rest of the province. From Vancouver, ferries run from Horseshoe Bay to Gibsons across Howe Sound. At the northern end of the peninsula, ferries run from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay.
The Town of Gibsons is known across the world as the home of the popular CBC Television series, The Beachcombers.
Most of the homes in the region are single detached houses. July 2020 MLS® stats indicate an average house price of $599k in Sechelt and $812k in Gibsons.
BC Stats’ 2018 estimates place the population of the Sunshine Coast at 31,977—up 1.1 per cent from 2017, and up roughly seven per cent from 2013, with an average age of 49.
The District supports nine elementary and four secondary schools. Other educational facilities include the Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking in Roberts Creek, the Sunshine Coast Summer School of Celtic Music in Gibsons, and Gibsons School of Art. In Sechelt, a Capilano University campus offers business, health, education & human development, and first-year experience courses.
The District of Sechelt is home to several community and marine parks, provincial camping parks, hiking and mountain biking trails and a heritage forest. The Village of Sechelt includes a golf course, a long stretch of seafront walkway beach at Davis Bay, seaplane landings at Porpoise Bay and the airport at Wilson Creek.
In Halfmoon Bay, located northwest of the District of Sechelt, gentle bays and coves provide several protected harbours for marine traffic. Several parks as well as diving spots, hiking and mountain biking trails populate the area.
Located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast Peninsula, the area around Pender Harbour includes several fresh water swimming lakes as well as extensive hiking and mountain bike trails and diving spots.
Roberts Creek, a residential and beach area located between the Elphinstone area and the District of Sechelt, is known for its nine-km shoreline, much of which includes sandy swimming beaches. There is also a paved bike path that runs parallel to the highway; Cliff Gilker Park, a family-oriented hiking area; and Dakota Ridge, a winter recreation area that offers 12-km of groomed snowshoe and cross-country ski trails.
West Howe Sound is the most sparsely populated area in the SCRD, but leads all of BC in the number of summer camps due to its proximity to Vancouver (a 40-minute ferry ride).
The Sunshine Coast is home to more artists per capita than any other Canadian region. During the annual three-day Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, over 100+ galleries, studios and more open their doors to visitors.
Museums in Gibsons, Sechelt, Egmont, and Powell River detail the history of the area, spanning from First Nations culture to the Powell River Historic Townsite and on to more modern-day history like the Beachcombers TV series. Historic buildings like the Old Courthouse Inn and the Henderson House Living Museum are also open to visitors.
The Roberts Creek Community Hall, built in 1934, is a popular venue for dances, meetings and other events.
Gibsons is home to landmark Molly’s Reach Restaurant, as well as Chasters, Drift Café and Bistro, and Blackfish Pub. In Sechelt you’ll find the Blue Heron Inn, Shift Kitchen & Bar, and Lucky’s Smokehouse. The Roberts Creek community is centred around small shops and restaurants like The Gumboot Restaurant which provide a distinct village ambiance. There’s the Wobbly Canoe on the Sunshine Coast Highway and, in Egmont, the Backeddy Marine Pub. The Sunshine Coast is also home to multiple award-winning craft breweries, including Townsite Brewing, Tapworks Brewing Company, The 101 Brewhouse + Distillery, and Persephone Brewing, as well one cidery, The Bricker Cider Company (in Sechelt).
The Egmont/Pender Harbour area is home to several shops specializing in locally made hand-crafted goods. Northern Divine Caviar, located in Sechelt, produces the only certified organic caviar and white sturgeon in Canada. The main street in Lower Gibsons is filled with bakeries, cafes, and shops. Farmers’ markets are part of coastal life in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Sechelt.
Accommodations on the Sunshine Coast range from bike-friendly hostels for the budget traveler to full-service resorts for those looking for a luxury stay. You’ll also find vacation rental cottages, campgrounds for tenters & RVers, bed-and-breakfasts, hotels/motels/inns, campgrounds, and marinas. Travellers come to the Sunshine Coast to hike, camp, bike, fish, sightsee, shop, visit the beaches, and just get away from it all amidst breathtaking nature.