Sunshine Coast in British Columbia | Near Vancouver

I used to journey to far-flung locations at each probability I obtained, however then the pandemic hit and I used to be compelled to sit down nonetheless in my hometown of Vancouver. With worldwide journey curbed for over a 12 months, I needed to discover different methods to fulfill my wanderlust. I started researching staycations and stumbled upon the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.

Stretching 112 miles from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, this slice of pure paradise is a brief ferry experience from Vancouver however feels a world away with secluded seashores, old-growth forests and artsy oceanside villages. I spent three days on the Sunshine Coast (it was superb) and compiled the last word itinerary to encourage you to take the identical journey.

Day 1: Gibsons and Roberts Creek

Morning

From West Vancouver, board a ferry at Horseshoe Bay and revel in a 40-minute journey admiring a stunning backdrop of coastal mountains. After docking, drive 10 minutes to the charming neighborhood of Gibsons. Gibsons Touchdown is the place a lot of the motion occurs, with the Gibsons Public Market, Sunshine Coast Museum and quite a few artwork galleries lining the harbor. Peruse the retailers and have contemporary seafood for lunch at Smitty’s Oyster Home or Molly’s Attain Restaurant.

Afternoon

Only a 15-minute drive away is Cliff Gilker Park in Roberts Creek. Spend the afternoon mountain climbing simple trails, which result in waterfalls and Douglas ir bushes. What’s nice about this woodland park is that it’s coated by a cover, so you’ll be able to hike rain or shine. It’s also possible to go to close by Mount Elphinstone Provincial Park, dwelling to one of many highest peaks within the decrease Sunshine Coast. If you happen to’re up for it, trek the 7.6-mile Summit Path for views all the way in which to Vancouver on a transparent day.

Night

Head again to Gibsons and end your day by discovering the city’s vibrant craft brewery scene. You possibly can bask in West Coast brews and nice pub meals at Tapworks, Persephone Brewing Firm or The 101 Brewhouse and Distillery. When it’s time for mattress, try a number of RV parks in and round Gibsons.

Day 2: Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay

Morning

Rise and shine with award-winning craft espresso at Beachcomber after which make your solution to Sechelt, situated 14 miles away on the banks of the Sechelt Inlet. Outdoorsy of us will need to go to the Hidden Groves, a community of trails weaving via historical rainforests. Close by Porpoise Bay Provincial Park additionally affords mountain climbing and canoeing. On the town, you’ll discover a great deal of retailers, boutiques and galleries to browse. If you happen to’re visiting throughout the weekend, be sure to cease by the Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Marketplace for the whole lot from baked items to First Nation artwork. Spherical out your go to with a seaside stroll alongside Davis Bay.

Afternoon

Proceed up the coast to Halfmoon Bay and park your automotive at Smuggler’s Cove Marine Provincial Park. Legend has it this space was used to smuggle bootleg liquor into the USA throughout the prohibition period. At the moment, it’s an outside lover’s paradise with a great deal of rock faces, sand flats and coastal forest to discover. Halfmoon Bay additionally has just a few seaside entry areas, reminiscent of Welcome Seaside and Coopers Inexperienced, so lay your towel out and take a dip when the solar’s out.

Night

Halfmoon Bay and neighboring Secret Cove supply all kinds of luxurious lodging starting from log home cabins to resorts. You’ll discover a number of RV parks within the space.

Day 3: Pender Harbor and Egmont

Morning

Hop again within the RV and drive 28 miles north to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park in Egmont. Twice a day, highly effective rapids change the tide and reverse the stream of saltwater, inflicting an enormous distinction in water ranges between one aspect of the rapids and the opposite. Watch this pure spectacle unfold and hold an eye fixed out for thrill-seeking kayakers paddling via whirlpools. Afterward, have a chunk to eat on the Skookumchuck Bakery and study in regards to the space on the Egmont Heritage Middle. Each are situated close to the park entrance.

Afternoon

Conclude your Sunshine Coast journey in Pender Harbour. The easiest way to expertise this coastal city is from the water, so take a ship tour with SloCat Harbour Excursions or head out on a salmon fishing expedition. It’s also possible to hike up Pender Hill for sweeping views and benefit from the sundown from Madeira Park.

Night

Sadly, all good issues should come to an finish. Get pleasure from one final meal at well-liked Pender Hill eating places just like the Lagoon Restaurant and Aquí Es México. Afterward, drive again to Langdale and catch the ferry again to Vancouver. Capilano River RV Park and Burnaby Cariboo R.V. Park put company near all that the town has to supply.

Bonus: Powell River and Lund

Not able to go dwelling but? Take a ferry from Earl’s Cove to Saltry Bay and spend an additional day exploring the Sunshine Coast’s northern aspect. In Powell River, wander via the historic Townsite and search for landmarks just like the Patricia Theatre, Townsite Brewing and the Powell River Historic Museum. Lund acts because the gateway to Desolation Sound, BC’s largest marine park, providing swimming, diving and fishing alternatives.

To cross into Canada from the USA, American vacationers have to be absolutely vaccinated for a minimum of two weeks. Vaccinated vacationers should take a look at adverse for COVID-19 earlier than touring (through PCR take a look at), carry onerous copies of their vaccination data and add their paperwork to the ArriveCAN app or web site.