The Good Life
Unique Lifestyle
We call the Sunshine Coast the Best Coast because it offers the best of two worlds. Located just 30 kilometres north-west of Vancouver, British Columbia, it is a world away. Travel to the Sunshine Coast is by ferry or airplane. We have all of the advantages of small town living: no traffic jams, low crime rates, preservation of a natural setting, and communities that fit onto the landscape. At the same time, we have an urbane, highly educated population, excellent cultural amenities and a fabulous city that we may easily visit, but which will never encroach. It is easier to commute to downtown Vancouver from the Gibsons area than from many Greater Vancouver municipalities, and many local residents work in the city.
The Sunshine Coast has one of the highest per-capita ratios of artists to population in Canada, and from the moment visitors leave the ferry, pleasure boat or plane, the sense of culture infused with art is evident. Our many world-class galleries and studios and two year-round festivals are the result of talented people drawn by the natural beauty and laid back lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast. The thriving and supportive network of artists, artisans, writers, performing arts and their organizations have earned the Sunshine Coast a reputation as an arts and culture centre and we are blessed to have such talented and fascinating people in our midst.
Recreational opportunities are second to none, especially for the outdoor enthusiast. With over 800 kilometres of sculpted rainforest coastlands, secret waterways, island archipelagos and deep sounds (fjords), the Sunshine Coast is heaven on water for boaters. Ocean tours, kayaking, fishing and diving may all be enjoyed. Visitors are surprised at the number and quality of freshwater lakes on the Sunshine Coast. Our many Provincial Parks, Marine Parks and day use areas make our ocean side and lakeshores places families may enjoy.
Put your paddle away and put on the hiking boots, because there are hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking trails on the Sunshine Coast. Four back country parks — Tetrahedron, Elphinstone, Mt. Richardson and Spipiyus — offer rainforest hiking, with some access to old growth forests and ice fields. There are dozens of shorter, accessible trail systems that feature panoramic lookouts, waterfalls, lakes, wetlands and a variety of marine and rainforest ecosystems. Many trails can be skied in the winter and Dakota Ridge is a dedicated Nordic and snowshoeing facility.
How about limitless mountain biking? Check out the variety of trails at Sprockids Mountain Bike Park, minutes from the Langdale ferry terminal, and day-accessible from Vancouver.
Join us for the Sunshine Coast Trail Challenge.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District and the municipalities have a generous offering of public recreation facilities, including Recreation Centres with ice arenas and swimming pools in Sechelt and Gibsons. Both communities have curling clubs. The Sunshine Coast has 4 golf courses with extended seasons. There are ample public tennis courts and many play areas for children and adults.