Top 6 Destinations On The Sunshine Coast

1. Relax on Thormanby Island

The pacific coast is known for its rocky shores, but this island has a beautiful soft, sandy beach that you won’t want to miss. Sitting on the Strait of Georgia it is a wonderful spot for both casual boating but is also quite calm and open on the far side. The island isn’t super well known to tourists and remains quite the secretive little destination. To get to this beautiful island you are able to take a boat taxi courtesy of Buccaneer Marina which is straight off of the Sunshine Coast Highway in Secret Cove. What’s wonderful about this service is that you don’t need to be scheduled for a specific number of hours as most boat rentals or like companies provide. They allow you to simply call the shop when you are ready to head back and the water taxi will set out on its way to pick you up. How awesome is that?! Trust me, this sandy, driftwood covered island is so peaceful and gorgeous that you’ll want to stay and relax for as long as possible. There are no restrooms or snack shacks as it is that untraveled, so be sure to pack some food and drinks. It is the perfect place to suntan and unwind, or if you’re more of the restless type it is a great place to throw a ball or frisbee, or go swimming.



2. Hike Smuggler’s Cove

Smuggler’s Cove has got to be one of the most scenic hikes on the coast. This hike is accessible just off the Sunshine Coast Highway and towards Halfmoon Bay. The trail begins in the trees, then opens up to views of the Strait of Georgia, takes you through a section of marshland and boardwalk, and then even brings you out to the rocks right on the water. You will also find many Pacific Madrone trees here which are native to the west coast. They are special for their smooth, soft, red bark and are quite picturesque. This hike is also fairly short with a round-trip of around 4km. However, with the amazing sights you will likely spend at least a couple hours there. The trail does have some inclination and immerging roots and rocks, but it is an easy walk for the young and the elderly. If you are looking to experience BC coast nature, this is a must see/do.



3. Visit the Shookumchuck Narrows

These Narrows are located on the Jervis Inlet and sit just before the opening of the Sechelt Inlet. Shookumchuck is the Chinook First Nation’s word for “strong water” which is absolutely fitting for this natural phenomenon. As the tide changes, the flow of the water changes and reverses the direction of the Rapids creating massive whitewater waves and whirlpools. These Rapids are known as the fastest in North America and perhaps even the world, reaching speeds of 30km/h! There are two different tides that provide different shows for you to experience. It is during the ebb tide that the 20m wide whirlpools occur, and the 9ft whitewater waves occur during a flood tide. It is of course at the height of these tides that the experience is the most mesmerizing, so be sure to check a tide table to plan accordingly. To see these Rapids you have the option to do approximately a one hour hike to them starting in Shookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, fly over them via float plane, take a boat tour down them, or even kayak yourself if you are highly skilled. It is a sight you won’t want to miss!

4. Wander around Gibson’s Landing

Gibson’s Landing is located in the sweet small town of Gibson’s of course, and sits on the edge of Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia. It is probably the cutest water-front street you will ever walk down. It is packed with unique restaurants and stores with the best view.

History

If you are a tv classics fan, film props fan, or museum enthusiast, you will want to pose in front of the Persephone ship from the old classic The Beachcombers that was filmed on the Sunshine Coast. If you are a fan of the show, another must is to have lunch at Molly’s Reach restaurant. This restaurant was a fictional element of the series, and is now a real restaurant serving sea food, burgers, and sandwiches and has a gorgeous view overlooking the marina.

Eats

If pub style isn’t up your alley there are plenty of options to choose from but my favourite would have to be Buono Osteria. It is an authentic Italian restaurant with a chic and higher end atmosphere that overlooks the water and leaves you feeling peaceful. Their pasta is delicious and the pizza has that light, charred taste of true Italian, non-greasy or overloaded pizza (granted I have yet to visit Italy and try the real deal for myself). If you are looking for a sit down meal with good food and wonderful views, this is the place to try!

Now for those of you who know me, you know my love for desserts, and Gibson’s Landing has ice cream that you will not want to miss. Head over to Mike’s Place where you will find in front of you more flavours of gelato than you have ever seen in your lifetime, no joke! You will be sure to grab multiple scoops because the flavours are far too difficult to choose from! But to help out your indecisiveness, you are able to try samples of any flavours you want before making your final decision so don’t worry. However, you are bound to spend lots of time deliberating and you will absolutely find yourself back in the store before the end of your trip to fill your cravings!

Shopping

You can’t simply stroll the water-front and not wander into an ocean themed home decor store, am I right ladies? Take a look through Whimsy Giftware and Home Decor for a calming, dreamy aesthetic. They have wall art, kitchenware, jewelry, clothing, knick-knacks, and more! It’s a vacation must to stop into a store like this, and you’ll leave wishing your home was on the water.

If you’re looking for clothing, check out Swish Ladieswear. They have apparel for the younger and older women and there’s plenty to shop through. One thing I love about this store is that they often have their products arranged by colour which is so pleasing on the eyes, and also helps you find a specific piece if you have colour preferences.

Activities

Being on the water of course, it is only fitting to part-take in some water sports! Make your way to Alpha Adventures where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and/or paddle boards and see the beauty of Gibson’s Landing and Howe Sound from the water itself.

Stop by Winegarden Park where there is often concerts in the park during the summer. Relax on the grass with a picnic, the sound of boats, birds, water, and fun music, all while enjoying the great view!

5. Seaplane to the West Coast Wilderness Lodge

This fly and dine experience has got to be one of the best you could have on the west coast. I may be a little biased as I have a certain fascination for planes, but with the seclusion that comes with the Sunshine Coast, transport by seaplane is a common one. Flying in a seaplane is such a great experience as you are fully immersed in the flying experience and scenery as the pilot sees which is so different from regular airplanes. And why would you want to simply drive up to the lodge for your lunch when you can make a whole day of adventure out of it! This experience begins with Sunshine Coast Air who takes you from the Sechelt Inlet, into the sky and over the Shookumchuck Narrows, and drops you off right at the cliff-side lodge. This hotel is absolutely gorgeous and the view from the Inlets restaurant is unmatched. You are able to eat on the wonderful patio and the food is amazing. The chefs also take pride in their constant use of seasonal ingredients to make the menu even more special. Once you’ve finished your meal and have made time to admire the amazing scenery, you head back down to the float plane where Sunshine Coast Air flies you back to the marina and you close out your day with a bang! If you’re looking for a unique, special experience, you will not be disappointed with this package deal!



6. Explore Cliff Gilker Park

This park is located in Robert’s Creek. If you’re looking to get your family outdoors, take your dogs for a walk, or take a lone stroll to take in some fresh air and relax your mind, this is a great place to go. This park is fairly small but it is comprised of six different trails and loops. The longest loop is only 2km, but all the trails are connected so you are able to extend your adventure up to around 5km. This park is so peaceful as it holds many streams, bridges, and waterfalls and you find yourself in the heart of a typical British Columbia temperate rainforest which is bound to amaze you. It is so scenic, calming, and beautiful, you’ll be sure to get lost in its serenity.

Enjoy your travels!

If you’ve been to any of these places or if they are on your bucket list, send me a message or leave a comment!

Until next time 😊