Tianna ClarkeEver stepped on a LEGO? I haven’t—but my friends never let me forget the time we visited a Sunshine Coast beach and I was barefoot on the sand. I was too carefree for my own good and accidentally stepped on a driftwood—nature’s LEGO!
This soured my mood so badly that I wasn’t able to enjoy our hike, ferry ride, and cafe hopping sessions after. But the coastline is too stunning not to enjoy, so it was hard to stay grumpy for long. We just knew we had to come back.
So the next time we had a road trip along the Sunshine Coast in Vancouver, we made sure we were extra careful with medkits nearby. We also put together a travel guide after a couple more successful trips. Check it out to avoid rookie mistakes!
What is the Sunshine Coast in Vancouver known for?
The Sunshine Coast in Vancouver is known for its rugged yet beautiful coastline, relaxed beach vibes, fun trails, stunning lakes, and artsy opportunities. It’s basically a popular paradise for outdoor adventures!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Sunshine Coast in Vancouver is from May to September. This is when the weather is warm with tons of daylight for travellers to see markets and local businesses, as well as enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and water sports.
How to Get Around
Buses: BC Transit operates local routes in Sechelt, Gibsons, and nearby areas. Do note that buses around here are limited, so it’s smart to check schedules in advance, especially for those travelling on weekends.
Taxis: Taxis can be found in bigger towns like Sechelet in Gibsons, though they might not always be a breeze to flag down. We recommend booking in advance, especially for longer or evening trips.
Car: We think car rentals are the most efficient way to go around the Sunshine Coast. You’d also be able to see remote beaches, artisan studios, and trailheads without much pressure. Just remember to fill up on gas in town since gas stations are limited.
What to Do Along the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver
Bike on the Trail
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Training for a marathon or just want to be more physically active? The Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) is great for mountain biking! We also like that this terrain offers variety from forested singletrack to gravel logging roads—you won’t get bored.
For us, the best section to start is from Bliss Portage to Inland Lake. In our opinion, this one is a very easy section suitable for all cycling enthusiasts.
Alternatively, you can go from Eldred Valley to Tin Hat Hut (a mountain-top lookout) near Powell River. If you’re easily bored, we think this option provides a challenging ride and magnificent 360-degree views.
Hike at Skookumchuck Narrows
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Should you want to earn your fantastic views, we reckon hiking is a wonderful option. The Skookumchuck Narrows is known for its rapids. This is where ocean currents flow through a narrow pathway to make cool whirlpools and standing waves!
Depending on your speed and capacity, we estimate this to be a 1.5 to 2-hour hike. Just be sure to bring food and drinks since no food stalls are available on the trail. We say look out for uneven spots and roots too—wear your best hiking shoes for this one!
Chill at Davis Bay
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Looking for a date idea? Davis Bay is among the best beach spots where you can take a long walk along its driftwood-strewn shores. Besides romantic strolls, you can also skate or swim, especially during a low tide!
You can catch the sunset as well, so it’s best you arrive early evening. And later, we find that having a picnic blanket would be comfortable as you enjoy a west-facing view.
And when you get hungry, we recommend treating yourselves to the Farmers’ Market for coffee and baked goods.
Visit a Local Gallery
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Address: 12887 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Madeira Park
Contact Details: +1 604 883 2380
Want a chill option? You can have a quick artsy stop at FibreWorks! This studio gallery shows textile creations and fibre arts, all housed in a rustic space. Apart from rotating exhibits, you might like the seasonal workshops, like weaving, felting, and dyeing.
And before you leave, we say don’t forget to check out the on-site shop offering home decor, scarves, and textiles. Buying directly from the artists here helps sustain the Sunshine Coast’s creative community. We think it’s a good cause for retail therapy!
Take a Floatplane
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Website: http://www.sunshinecoastair.com/
Address: 5987 Sechelt Inlet Rd, Sechelt
Contact Details: +1 604 740 8889, [email protected]
A floatplane (or seaplane) is an aircraft that can take off and land on water. This is made possible because of their pontoons (flat-bottomed boats) or floats.
For us, the best routes are from Coal Harbour to Sechelt (Porpoise Bay), which could take around 25 minutes. Otherwise, you can take Vancouver to Powell River to access the northern coast.
Just make sure to book early, especially in the summer. We suggest taking the window seat too! This gets you incredible views of Howe Sound, fjord (a long, deep, narrow body of water) coastlines, and islands.
Where to Eat Along the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver
The Mad Hen
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Website: http://www.themadhen.ca/
Address: 316 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons
Contact Details: +1 604 840 1494
Pricing: $$
Fancy a nice restaurant offering crowd-favourite comfort food? The Mad Hen is a quirky and cosy bistro-style dining spot with a good mix of West Coast, French, and modern Canadian cuisine.
The highlights for us are the crispy duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, and halibut. We also like that it has a long list of wines, local cider and craft beers. But if it’s the craft cocktails you want, we say go for the lavender gin fizzes first!
And if you want a classic dessert, we recommend the sticky toffee pudding. There are lighter options too, such as seasonal fruit tarts or panna cotta.
Ocean Club Bistro
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Website: http://www.oceanclubcafe.com/
Address: 5665 Teredo St #110, Sechelt
Contact Details: +1 604 741 6138, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Seafood lover? Ocean Club Bistro offers just that, alongside magnificent sights of the marina and Howe Sound. It provides an upscale experience with modern West Coast cuisine, influenced by Asian and Mediterranean food.
For the grub, we recommend the seafood linguine (pasta dish) if you love prawns, scallops, and mussels. We also love the spicy skin salmon and Korean short ribs.
As for something sweet, we bet you’ll love the house-made gelato—the flavour changes seasonally too! Alternatively, you can get the molten chocolate lava cake for kids or kids at heart.
Strait Coffee Ltd
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Website: http://www.straitcoffee.ca/
Address: 4330 Sunshine Coast Hwy #1, Sechelt
Contact Details: +1 604 885 9757
Pricing: $
Should you be getting sleepy, perhaps a proper coffee break from Strait Cofee Ltd is what you need. It’s known for its healthy homestyle meals too! We appreciate that there are a bunch of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well.
If you haven’t had any breakfast, we say go for the breakfast burrito first—it’s hearty and you can add bacon or tofu with your eggs and veggies. We also like the Thai peanut noodle bowl and toasted paninis (grilled sandwiches with Italian bread).
But if you prefer sweeter options, we adore the cinnamon buns and freshly-baked cookies, as well as the gluten-free brownies. For us, these go well with the iced mocha, tea, or kombucha (sweetened fermented tea).
Smitty’s Oyster House
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Website: https://www.smittysoysterhouse.com/
Address: 643 School Rd, Gibsons
Contact Details: +1 604 886 4665, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Smitty’s Oyster House is a dockside seafood restaurant where you can get—wait for it—oysters, oysters, and more oysters! Whether you want them raw or cooked, this eatery specialises in serving them fresh.
Our favourites are baked ones with garlic butter or jalapeño and cheese, or the shooters with vodka, sake, or spicy tomato mix. Lots of flavours to choose from too! Of course, you can also get the seafood stew or fish tacos for more filling options.
However, we noticed that the menu doesn’t have many desserts. If you want them, we recommend going to Mike’s Gelato nearby.
Where to Shop Along the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver
Tsain-Ko Centre
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Website: https://www.tsainkocentre.com/
Address: 5500 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt
Contact Details: +1 604 885 3504
Love artsy goods? Tsain-Ko Centre offers a good mix of national retailers with Indigenous culture. We also love that it showcases art installations and cultural displays. There’s a spacious area for parking as well!
This shopping centre is pretty big too! With over 100,000 square feet, it boasts many stores for errands and fun. This includes Your Independent Grocer, Shoppers Drug Mart, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, and Your Dollar Store With More.
There are several dining options for a quick bite or drink as well. You can grab Neopolitan-style pizzas at Famoso Pizzera and Bar, family-friendly meals at Ricky’s All Day Grill, or comfort lattes Tim Hortons or Starbucks.
The Shop on the Shore
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Address: 4780 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Davis Bay
Contact Details: +1 604 740 8140, [email protected]
The Shop on the Shore is a gift store that oozes a fun coastal vibe. It’s got beach-themed fashion items and artisan goods worth checking out for a casual retail therapy.
We especially like the boho-chic clothing with flowy dresses and linen pants. You can also find several cosy knits and minimalist accessories to match any style.
Moreover, we adore the candles, textiles, ceramics, and handwoven baskets, as well as self-care items, such as lotions, soaps, and oils. We also think you can turn your place into a seaside haven with the maritime decor here!
Sunnycrest Mall
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Website: http://www.sunnycrestmall.com/
Address: 900 Gibsons Way, Gibsons
Contact Details: +1 604 886 8323
Sunnycrest Mall is a big, enclosed shopping centre with over 30 stores and services. We believe you’ll easily find unique trinkets and everyday essentials here.
Some of our favourite stores are the SuperValu grocer, Pet Valu pet store, WOW Art Gallery, and Your Dollar Store With More.
And if you’re getting sleepy, we say have a cup of Joe and a doughnut at the Beachcomber Coffee first! There are Japanese and Korean restaurants if you want something more filling too.
Sunshine Coast Convenience
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Address: 2798 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Contact Details: +1 604 558 3814
Should you feel peckish along the way, why not stop by Sunshine Coast Convenience for local and international snacks and treats? This store is popular for offering many imported goods, like those from the UK and the US.
We bet you’ll love the rare candies, chips, and drinks. Need ideas? We recommend going for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes, Oreo Caramels, or TGIF Onion Rings Chips.
You might also like the local artisanal products, such as Trek Coffee roasted beans. But don’t miss out on the frozen delights too—there are tons of ice creams here, perfect for cooling off on a hot day on the road.
Where to Stay along the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver
The Bonniebrook Lodge
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Website: http://www.bonniebrook.com/
Address: 1532 Ocean Beach Esplanade, Gibsons
Contact Details: (604) 886-8956, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Looking for a lovely view with a cool breeze? The Bonniebrook Lodge is a century-old 4-star spot on 2 acres of woodland overlooking the ocean and Chasters Creek. It’s also 6 km from Armours Beach and 5 km from Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives.
The fancy suites provide minifridges, coffeemakers, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, whirlpool tubs, and gas fireplaces. Do note that not all private balconies here offer ocean or creek views, so we recommend asking about it beforehand.
And when it’s time to dine, there’s a sleek fine dining spot here that opens from Wednesdays to Sundays.
Secret Beach B&B Suites
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Website: http://www.secretbeachbandb.com/
Address: 995 Grandview Rd, Gibsons
Contact Details: (604) 255-9449, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Only 2 blocks from the beach, Secret Beach offers great accommodations if you want an alternative to the usual hotels. Conveniently, this option is also 3.1 km from Gibsons Marina and 8.2 km from the Langdale ferry terminal.
You can choose from 1 furnished room and 2 suites. All have private bathrooms and Wi-Fi too! If you’re going with a big crew, we recommend the suites with the kitchenettes. We also appreciate the in-room spa services for full relaxation.
There’s a chill dining room for breakfast, as well as other amenities, like a guest lounge, library, deck, and hot tub. Just be sure to notify the staff in advance if there will be kids arriving with you too.
North Vancouver Hotel
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Website: https://www.northvanhotel.com/
Address: 1800 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver
Contact Details: (604) 987-4461, info@northvanhotel.com
Pricing: $$
Should you want a place to stay near Downtown Vancouver, the North Vancouver Hotel is only around 8 km away. This 3-star low-rise haven is located at the foot of Grouse Mountain, offering great sights.
The standard rooms provide no-frills furnishings and decor and all basic necessities. If you’re coming with a larger company, we suggest getting the suites with separate living rooms and full kitchens with dining areas.
We appreciate that freebies include a breakfast buffet too! If you’re all about relaxation, we say look out for the seasonal heated outdoor pool here. Local gym passes are also available if you don’t want to miss any cardio or leg days.
Kitsilano Suites
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Website: https://www.kitsilanosuites.com/
Address: 2465 W 6th Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-732-4038, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Kitsilano Suites is a traditional B&B we think is worth checking out if you’re a history enthusiast. For us, this restored 1912 craftsman-style home also looks cool if you want a serene space surrounded by greenery.
You can find antique furnishings and traditional decor among the 3 casual rooms with en suite (adjoined) bathrooms and kitchenettes. And if you get the 2-bedroom suite, we like that you’ll have Chinese antiques with a full kitchen and a private patio with a BBQ.
The continental breakfast is self-serve too. But if you want more options, we recommend other restaurants on 4th Avenue. They’re just around 8 minutes away on foot.
Tips When Visiting the Sunshine Coast in Vancouver
Now that you’re familiar with the scenic region, here are more tips and tricks to make your road trip more fun and hassle-free:
- Plan for slow travel.For us, slow travel is the best travel. We reckon you’ll love the chill mornings, breezy beach stops, and charming towns like Sechelt and Gibsons.
- Dress in layers.Be ready for any weather or activity. We recommend wearing adjustable layers with a rain jacket, swimwear, and hiking shoes if necessary. Who knows? You might go on a spontaneous trip (courtesy of your giddy friends), so be sure you’re prepared.
- Call ahead for some food shops.A bunch of dining options may have seasonal or limited operating hours. To be sure, we suggest reaching out to the restaurants in advance to avoid any hassle.
- Plan for a patchy signal.Cell service might not be as good in some spots. That’s why we think downloading offline maps and saving key info the night before can save you time and effort later.
- Bring extra cash.Though most establishments along the coast take cards, we encourage bringing extra bills when you need to buy at small artisan markets, rural cafes, or farm stands.
