Sunshine Coast Information

The Sunshine Coast of British Columbia stretches 180 km (110 miles) from Howe Sound just northwest of Vancouver and hugs the Coastal Mountains along the shores of the Strait of Georgia all the way to Desolation Sound. Although it is part of the mainland, the Sunshine Coast is accessible only by air or ferry ride, which tends to give an island feel to most of the small communities throughout this area. There are seven outlying islands and 12 towns that give the region its character – a world-class destination attracting visitors to its natural marine parks and inviting saltwater inlets and rocky islets. All with a chance to explore a bit of unspoiled wilderness.

Great for kayakers, scuba divers, anglers and sport fishers, art lovers and nature buffs, the Sunshine Coast quietly beckons day-trippers and long-stay guests to ease into the ebb and flow of its peaceful coastal ambience. Not surprisingly, it is home to one of the largest populations of artists per capita in the country where the play of light and tranquility imbue the atmosphere with a certain sense of inspiration.

Gibsons, the Gateway to the Sunshine Coast and just a 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver to the Langdale ferry landing – has been named the ‘Most Liveable Community in the World 2009’ for the Under 20,000 Population Category by LivCom, an international competition endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme with awards given to communities that show standards of best practice in environmental sustainability, managing heritage and engaging the public.

Whether visiting the Lower Sunshine Coast (Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour, Egmont), or the Upper Sunshine Coast (Powell River, Lund, Texada Island, Savary Island, Desolation Sound) watch for dolphins, deer, eagles and bears. Hiking trails connect you to a range of views too. Known for its settings in TV and a great local for production films don’t be surprised if a recognizable star passes by.

The Sunshine Coast is can take you a hop, skip, and a jump away from the hustle-bustle big-city metropolis to a realm of toned down, funkified coastal communities enjoying the good life inspired by some the best Mother Nature has to offer.

Search, review or book from range of popular hotel accommodations along the Sunshine Coast communities.

Gibsons – includes Langdale, Gibsons Landing and Upper Gibsons
Roberts Creek
Sechelt – includes Wilson Creek, Davis Bay, Sechelt Inlet, West Porpoise Bay and West Sechelt
Halfmoon Bay – includes Redrooffs, Secret Cove and Thormanby Island
Pender Harbour – includes Garden Bay, Madeira Park and Ruby Lake
Egmont – includes Earl’s Cove
Powell River
Lund

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Map: See street photos by zooming in and using Google’s Street View by dragging the yellow man icon from left hand side bar onto streets highlighted in blue.

Photo credits: Roberts Creek, Gibsons, Lund, Sunshine Coast courtesy Vancouver Coast Mountain/Graham Osborne