Discover B.C.’s Sunshine Coast’s Many Surprises

An escape for city slickers and a destination for tourists, The Sunshine Coast has been referred to as a hidden gem worth discovering. For good reason—it oozes charm with its artsy shops, fabulous restaurants, cafés and outdoor walkways. To top it off, it is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re ready to let yourself be captivated for a few days, keep this part of B.C.’s coast in mind when you set out on your next adventure. The Sunshine Coast is perfect for a winter escape with fewer tourists, quieter trails and a friendly, welcoming community—don’t be surprised when people smile and say hi to you. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend getaway. —Michelle Hopkins

STAY: The West Coast Wilderness Lodge’s new Villas on the Inlet, dubbed the WCWL, is located in Egmont, a small waterfront village about an hour’s drive from Sechelt. The newly built year-round villas recently started welcoming guests. Perched on a hillside with sweeping vistas of the Sechelt Inlet, each of the 20 villas feature a fully equipped kitchen, super comfortable king-sized bed, large bathroom, living area with hide abed, and a waterfront balcony perfect for whale watching. As these contemporary West coast inspired villas are self-catering, don’t forget to stop off for some groceries. (The WCWL Heritage Lodge and Inlets Restaurant are closed for the season and will reopen on May 1st, 2025).

P.S. There is a good chance you will catch sight of some orca whales. On two occasions, we were rewarded with two orca whales romping in the waters below, breaching and one even slapping its tail in the waves.

SAVOUR: Sechelt’s Lighthouse Pub boast the largest tiered outdoor patio on the Sunshine Coast, Many are lured here by the stunning views of Porpoise Bay, but you will be equally impressed with the food. This pub has been making waves with its mouth-watering seafood chowder, fish tacos and crispy, golden fries since 1988. While it does have that pub vibe, it packs a punch with its well executed menu.

Egmont’s Backeddy Marine Pub, a short two-minute drive up the road from the WCWL’s villas, is a popular pub that offers diners a friendly, unparallelled coastal experience. Framed by the views of the Sechelt Inlet, its locally and seasonally inspired gastropub menu and warm hospitality ensure that every visit is a good one. May I suggest the baby kale Caesar salad and the seafood chowder?

Skookumchuck Bakery & Café is a surprising little cabin tucked away at the start of the woods of the  Skookumchuck Rapids. Organic, fresh ingredients equals homemade just out of the oven taste sensation, you will not regret stopping here. P.S. They are known for its cheesy scone.

Lunch at The Shed at the Bricker Cider Company features delicious artisan pizzas, like the BBQ Jack Fruit, charcuterie boards and more. Pair your lunch with one of Bricker’s seasonal or best selling ciders, crafted from four different apple varietals. Named after the family’s grandmother’s maiden name Bricker, the cidery is nestled on an apple grove. It is super quaint, charming and the owners make it that much more special.

DO: Bring your camera because, on this Sunshine Coast Tour you will navigate and hear all about Seal Rock, Hidden Lagoon, East Point Island, and view ancient Indigenous pictographs – some as old as 14,000 years, which archeologists believe were protected in underwater caves from the last Ice Age.

Forest bathing is not just for wilderness lovers. The term was coined in Japan in the 1980s for what is essentially a practice of communing and reconnecting with yourself in the forest. For two-and-a-half hours (surprisingly time flies) Nature with Haida guides you to connect with all of your senses to create more calm more joy and better health.

The Sunshine Coast ‘s quaint town of Gibsons gained international fame with CBC’s hit television series The Beachcombers. To this day, it stands as one of the most successful Canadian television series of all time.(ran from 1972–90). Right in the heart of Gibsons Landing, Winegarden Park overlooks Gibsons harbour and marina, with stunning views of Keats Island, Howe Sound and the Coast Mountain range. Walk, shop, grab a coffee and just take in the beauty and magic that is Gibsons.

SWEAT: Lace up your hiking boots and head to the Skookumchuck Narrows. This is a natural wonder where the tides of the Pacific Ocean converge with the waters of the Sechelt Inlet. As you emerge from trails through the coastal rainforest, you end up on a rocky area where you witness roiling waves, whirlpools, as water surge powerfully in front of your eyes. Truly an unforgettable hike.

Getting there: You would be right to assume that the Sunshine Coast is an island but it’s actually part of the Mainland. Because it is bordered by mountains and inlets, it is only accessible by ferry, private boat, or plane.  It is just a short 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal) to the Langdale Ferry Terminal.