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A unique area of wild British Columbia, the Sunshine Coast encompasses an area of gorgeous mountains, valleys, rivers and coastal waters. From Howe Sound in the south to Desolation Sound in the north, the 177 kilometer stretch that makes up this area is chock full of adventure activities, historical sites and cultural attractions. There are no roads that lead here, only ferries and flights, which makes this destination feel even more remote. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of great accommodations available and some fantastic places to eat to make your stay the best it can be.
Take an Aboriginal Cultural Tour with I’Hos – Sliammon
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Go Salmon Fishing
The Sunshine Coast offers up fantastic fishing opportunities from various areas, such as Powell River, Pender Harbour and Secret Cove. During the winter months you can catch feeder Chinooks, with the migratory Chinooks showing up in late spring. Of course, the months of June, July, August and September are the best time to catch. There are other fish around as well if you prefer something other than salmon. Don’t forget to get your fishing license before heading out. You can join a fishing tour, charter a boat or go off on your own, whichever you choose you are bound to have some successful fishing.
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Scuba Dive in Saltery Bay to find the Emerald Princess
About 60 feet under the waters of Saltery Bay, divers will find the statue of the Emerald Princess. This is a 9-foot bronze statute placed there in 1989. Sea life attached to the statue makes it a fantastic addition to this already popular diving area. There are other diving areas around the Sunshine Coast, but this unique view will enhance your dive day. Use one of the operators in the area or bring your own gear.
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Climb Valentine Mountain – Powell River
You can’t beat the view from the top of this mountain. The short trail is less than one kilometer, but you need to be able to get up about 100 steps, wooden and rocky. It is well worth the climb though as you can see the Townsite, the Mill, the Hulks, several lakes, the ocean, and surrounding mountains from here. There are other trails around the top that you can enjoy, or take a picnic and sit at one of the benches to spend some time soaking up the view.
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Hike the Sunshine Coast Trail
This is Canada’s longest hut to hut trail and is a total of 180 kilometers long! Hikers will go through a wide variety of landscapes as they explore this backcountry trail. There are now 14 huts, with more planned for the future. Amazingly, this trail is still free! If you can’t do the whole trek, there are some great day hikes that allow to experience some of this amazing trail without having to camp along the way.
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Enjoy the Blackberry Festival – Powell River
Why not have a festival based on this yummy berry? Blackberries abound in the Powell River region and the community celebrates every year by holding a festival. It’s one of British Columbia’s favourite fruits and picking time for this wild berry provides an excuse to hold an entertaining block party like you have never experienced. With local goodies (not just blackberries) for sale at the market, great food, drinks, entertainment and more, this event is a great reason to travel to Powell River in late summer.
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Check out the Sea Fair – Powell River
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Paddle the Powell Forest Canoe Route
An amazing 80-kilometer canoe journey that travels through ten lakes, with seven portages and takes approximately five days to complete. There are also three day and two-day routes that you can enjoy if you don’t want something as long or strenuous. Both the portages and the canoe time vary in length, but there are plenty of canoe rest areas and more than twenty campsites located around the lakes so you can stop when you want. You can rent canoeing and equipment from one of the local operators if you like and they will take you to the start point and pick you up from the end point. If you are travelling with your own canoe, just keep in mind that this is not a circular route, you need to have two vehicles in order to have one waiting for you at the end.
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Take a Yacht Cruise with Book with Beyond the Road Adventures – Lund
Credit: Beyond the Road Adventures
If you are not into canoeing or kayaking but still want to experience some time on the water, this may be the option for you. Offering a variety of cruises and tours on their 37-foot yacht, you can leave the worries up to the crew and just enjoy the phenomenal views. Lunch and dinner cruises are available, along with a cruise to the Copeland Islands Marine Park. Whale and bear watching can be arranged as well. A perfect way to spend some time in the area.
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Watch the Tidal Rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows
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Take an Aboriginal Cultural Tour with Talaysay
With local, qualified, First Nations guides, this is an opportunity to learn about the traditional ways of the peoples of the coastal First Nations tribes. The amazing history, stories, traditions and ways of living help visitors understand the coastal way of life in the area, along with the importance of nature and the old growth forests. Advance bookings are recommended.
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Fly high with a Scenic Flight from Sechelt
What better way to see the area than from the air? A different perspective of the breathtaking scenery is what is offered by a scenic flight of the area. From a 25-minute flight to longer air tours, this is a once in a lifetime experience for most travellers. A not to be missed activity in a small plane, visitors should reserve ahead of time to ensure that the tour they want is available.
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Take on a watersport on Sechelt Inlet
Credit: Pedals and Paddles
Canoe, paddleboard or kayak, no matter your choice you will be in heaven on earth as you explore the Sechelt Inlet. Ocean kayaking here is ideal as it is more sheltered than other areas, and there are many places to pull up your kayak and explore the old growth forest, including trees that are up to 1,700 years old. Rent, use your own kayak or canoe, or participate in a guided tour. No matter your choice, you will enjoy every second in this paradise.
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Dive to Explore the HMCS Chaudiere
Bought from the Department of National Defense to create an artificial reef, the Chaudiere was sunk in 1992. A beautiful place to take a dive and explore the sea life on and around it. This is definitely one of the most popular dive sites in the province. Do your research before diving on your own or join up with a local company to provide you with the gear needed. Novices and expert divers can both enjoy this site.
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Take in a Show at the historic Raven’s Cry Theatre – Sechelt
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Eat at Molly’s Reach – Gibsons
Made famous by the iconic Canadian television show, the Beachcombers, this is a great stop whether you are familiar with the history of the show or not. Perhaps you are more familiar with the movie Charlie St. Cloud, starring Zac Efron, for which the building was also used. Using locally sourced products, this restaurant offers amazing dishes and yummy desserts, along with locally roasted coffee! The building itself has been around since 1926, so along with the great food you will enjoy the historic touch.
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Gibsons Public Market
Credit: Gibsons Public Market
A fun place to visit to see local entertainment, eat some great food, or pick up products made by local artists and businesses. Cooking classes, workshops, live music and more can easily fill up your time here. There is also an interesting marine education center for kids of all ages. Open from 10 am to 6 pm Tuesdays to Sundays.
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Relax on Bonniebrook Beach – Gibsons
This is a favourite spot of locals and visitors to view the amazing sunsets, enjoy some beach time, or go for a walk. Kiteboarders are frequently seen here as well. Bonniebrook Lodge and the accompanying restaurant – Chasters Restaurant – are the oldest running accommodations in the region, around since the early 1900’s.
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Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
Credit: Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
In October each year, the length of the coast from Langdale to Earls Cove is home to local artists and their goods as the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl takes place. This large, interactive event allows visitors to meet artists, view works in more than 180 galleries, and discover unique places. Events and activities combine to create a memorable three-day event.
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Powell River Historic Townsite
Designated as a National Historic District in 1995, Powell River Townsite is a unique area which gives visitors a glimpse into the past of the town. With the oldest running movie theater in the country, along with the world’s largest floating breakwater of WWI and WWII ships, there is much to enjoy here. You can visit on your own or take a walking tour of the area to get all the backstories and information.
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Visit a Distillery in Gibsons
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Climb up Soames Hill – Gibsons
From the top of the hill you can see all the way to Vancouver Island and, of course, the amazing scenery surrounding the area. With several access points, there are over five kilometers of trails here, from moderate to difficult, but it is well worth the more difficult hike to the top for the views. Round trip it is only about two kilometers but allow for at least an hour to get up and come down.
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Have Lunch at Smitty’s Oyster House – Gibsons
Credit: Smitty’s Oyster House
Right on the shoreline of the Harbour in Gibsons and right alongside the working wharf, this restaurant will definitely create a fantastic food memory for you. The oysters and seafood are as fresh as you can get, but for those looking for something more, the former marine repair shop turned eatery offers a wide variety of dishes for you to savour. You can’t beat the view or the food!
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Use the Serenity Garden at the Spa at Painted Boat Resort – Madeira Park
A vacation is meant for relaxing and what better way to relax than to enjoy the unique Serenity Garden at the Painted Boat Resort. Of course, you can find other unique spa services here as well, using ocean based natural products to enhance your experience. For those who don’t want a complete spa package though, spend some time in quiet meditation and contemplation enjoying the garden, pools and warming fire. Two-hour passes are available for a decent price, but you must reserve at least 24 hours in advance as there is a maximum number of people allowed in at one time.
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Outdoor Fun Galore
The Sunshine Coast encompasses an area of gorgeous mountains, valleys, rivers and coastal waters from Howe Sound in the south to Desolation Sound in the north stretching over 177 kilometers. Details
Sunshine Coast Ale Trail
At the end of the day of experiencing the great outdoors, visiting the cultural sites or simply soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches in the area, it could be time to enjoy a refreshing beverage or some good food at one of the many local breweries in the area. Using the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail, you can make your way through some of the fine breweries, pubs and restaurants in the area.
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