Anyone, who is thinking about their holidays this year and a new place to go, should consider travelling BC’s Sunshine Coast. As we live in Halfmoon Bay and observe many of the rigs going by, we often wonder if they have taken the time to poke around in any of the quaint areas comprising this peninsula.

For those who have not used the ferry to the Sunshine Coast before, the price of this ferry includes on and off – in other words you pay entering but not leaving.

For those wishing a longer trip, jumping over to Vancouver Island, and returning to the Mainland, BC Ferries offers the Circle Pack, which if stated at the first terminal and travelling through Powell River, saves about 15% discount in your fare.

The reverse trip can be started from Tsawwassen going to Vancouver Island, travelling up Island, crossing over at Comox to Powell River and down the Sunshine Coast to Langdale and back to the Mainland at Horseshoe Bay. Whichever way, the scenery is gorgeous.

The Sunshine Coast is 40 miles in length, and offers cycling, backpacking, kayaking and diving. For people looking to see and purchase treasures and gifts, the Sunshine Coast in entirety is home to numerous artists of all descriptions.

There are numerous recreation spots starting at Gibsons, and going north, the first being Langdale Heights RV Park with a Par 3 family golf course approximately 4 km on the Port Melon Hwy. Coming off the ferry, turn right at the first light onto the Port Melon Highway.

Gibsons offers two levels — Lower and Upper Gibsons. Lower Gibsons offers a beautiful sea wall walk, pier, marina, Maritime Museum and many small shops and boutiques, as well as some fine dining. Upper Gibsons hosts Sunnycrest Mall, several parks and the IGA Mall as well.

Leaving Gibsons heading north on Highway 101 (which is the only road), you detour off the main highway to Roberts Creek, and a collection of small shops and boutiques. There is also Roberts Creek Provincial Park.

Returning to the highway and carrying on towards Wilson Creek is Wilson Creek Campground, fully serviced with a swimming pool and laundry. Adjacent is a small shopping center.

Carrying on you pass the best flat sandy beach of the whole Coast at Davis Bay. And then onto Sechelt which offers many attractions plus good dining and a large attractive mall. Sechelt also hosts the only hospital on the Coast: St Mary’s. There are boat ramps and lots of marine activities to enjoy. A Provincial Campground is located on the east side of Porpoise Bay.

Further along you come to Halfmoon Bay which also has a small regional day park, and boat launch, old gov’t dock, kayak rentals, and an old, well stocked General Store.

Continuing up the coast to Middle Point you will find Silver Sands RV Park, camping, boat launch, clean sites and washrooms. Camping for larger RVs is difficult.

The next major area is Pender Harbour, which is a collection of areas, each with its own unique setting. Pender Harbour offers RV parking, motels, boat and kayak rentals, boat launching and a small shopping center. During the summer months there is a small passenger ferry which tours the inner harbour to all the historic landings in the area.

Moving up the Coast we come to Ruby Lake which offers a Regional Day Park, motel and fine restaurant.

Leaving here the next stop just before the ferry terminal, is Egmont, which is off the main highway. It boasts a well-stocked General Store and the famous Skookumchuck Narrows — a good hike.

On to Earl’s Cove where you catch the next ferry going to Saltry Bay and Powell River.

The total distance from one ferry to the next is approximately 86 kms — an hour-and-one-half driving, if you are not stopping. Besides what has been mentioned there are many B & B’s, hotels, restaurants, pubs, etc.

When you come onto the Coast, you can stop at any one of the Visitor Information Centres or Tourist Outlets and pick up The Map Guide of the Naturally Spectacular Sunshine Coast, which will give in detail all the interesting extras that we have not mentioned. Contact the Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce at 1-877-633-2963.