British Columbia's Sunshine Coast

North of Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast is a rare bit of sun-drenched Canadian coastline. It lies along the Strait of Georgia between Howe Sound in the south and Desolation Sound in the north. It is bordered by countless bays and inlets, long sandy beaches, peaceful lagoons, rocky headlands, and lush old-growth forests. To reach the coast from Vancouver requires two short ferry trips, both offering delightful glimpses of wilderness islands in the Strait of Georgia. First settled by the Coast Salish, today the area is a recreation paradise. Boasting Canada’s mildest climate, the Sunshine Coast enjoys moderately warm summers and mild winters. ...

North of Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast is a rare bit of sun-drenched Canadian coastline. It lies along the Strait of Georgia between Howe Sound in the south and Desolation Sound in the north. It is bordered by countless bays and inlets, long sandy beaches, peaceful lagoons, rocky headlands, and lush old-growth forests. To reach the coast from Vancouver requires two short ferry trips, both offering delightful glimpses of wilderness islands in the Strait of Georgia. First settled by the Coast Salish, today the area is a recreation paradise. Boasting Canada’s mildest climate, the Sunshine Coast enjoys moderately warm summers and mild winters. Boaters and kayakers can cruise into beautiful marine parks providing sheltered anchorage and campsites amid some of the most magnificent scenery along the west coast, or anchor at sheltered fishing villages with marinas and all the modern conveniences. One of the most scenic coastal towns is Gibsons, where the focus is a 100-year-old harborfront fishing village filled with seafaring businesses, arty shops, and trendy cafes.

About the Expert

Over the last 20 years, Andrew Hempstead has authored and updated more than 60 guidebooks for Avalon Travel, Frommer’s, Michelin, Odyssey, Dorling Kindersley, Michelin, and Sasquatch Books, including many books on Canada.