Little white coast cottage: @littlewhitecoastcottage, photography: @claudettecarracedophoto, postcard design: @renske_werner
So I might be biased when I say this, but the Sunshine Coast is the greatest place on earth. Growing up here was nothing short of magical although I didn’t really understand that at the time. It was only when I started traveling and living abroad, being super active and busy with Team Canada, did I realize HOW NICE it was to return home and return to this little slice of paradise.
No, this is not an island.
Us residence joke that we’ve been “found out” by the Vancouver population because in the last five years it has been packed with tourists and out-of-towners. We don’t blame you! A little slice of heaven that’s a 45minute ferry boat from Horseshoe Bay, who wouldn’t want to spend a day… or two or three up here.
Whatever floats your boat, we have something here for you. Hiking, mountain biking, beautiful beaches to explore, shopping, and (my favourite) an array of amazing cafes and restaurants.
Below is a complied list of my favourite things to do and eat all along the coast from Gibsons to Sechelt. If you have any questions about anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask!
Gibsons.
Right when you pop off the ferry, you’re already a stones throw away from downtown Gibsons. If you’re coming for the day there’s no need to go further up the coast because this little place can give you everything you’re searching for! A small town of artists and fishing boats with a population of just under 5000. Gibson’s claim to fame was that the series The Beachcombers was filmed here. You might recognize the iconic Molly’s Reach building which is one of the most photographed buildings in BC. In 2010, Molly’s Reach was temporarily renamed Flynn’s Reach for the American drama film Charlie St. Cloud, starring Zac Efron. Yes, there was some stalking at the time.
Persephone Brewing: Your first stop off the ferry should always be Persephone. Located at the top of “the big hill” you’ll find this amazing 11 acres of farm land which bonus! is also a craft brewery. They grow their own hops, have amazing beer (and cider) and have an array of small dishes you can enjoy on a picnic table.
1053 Stewart Road, Monday-Wednesday 11-7pm, Thursday-Sunday 10-9pm
Black Bean cafe: A sweet little cafe in Lower Gibsons with a patio or cozy indoors. Quick eats or take away a variety of delicious baked goods, sandwiches, paninis, soups, and all the coffee. My go to: goat cheese pesto panini.
767 Marine Drive, Monday-Friday 7:30-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 8-4pm
Buono Osteria: Italian food might be my favourite cuisine and this restaurant does it right! Overlooking the ocean with a beautiful interior, definitely stop by if you’re looking for some great dinner food (pizza from the oven… hello).
442 Marine Drive Thursday-Monday 5pm-late night (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Gibsons Landing Gallery: A beautiful art gallery with a collection of local treasures.
436 Marine Drive, Open 7 days a week 11-4pm
Ikhaya: “Where beauty and function meet.” This little home and gift decor shop opened up about a year ago. Very trendy and adorable. The space at the front of the store is outfitted with a couch to help plan your living space. The shop owner supports many fair trade organizations with beautiful hand crafted pieces. We are here for it.
451 Marine Drive, Monday-Saturday 11-5pm
Drift Cafe & Bistro: Sitting on a hill with a beautiful view of the mountains, ocean, and Keats Island is this little gem of a place. It’s changed hands many times over the past twenty years but I do hope that Drift is here to stay. My recommendation is to come for brunch because quite frankly, I think it’s the best on the coast (go for the Shakshuka or Buckwheat waffles) OR come for happy hour and grab a beautiful handcrafted cocktail and some ceviche.
546 Gibsons Way, Friday-Tuesday 10am-2pm and 5-9pm (closed Wednesday & Thursday)
Whimsy: Also not biased but this has been a favourite store since I started earning my own dollars. My mom and I joked that one day we would work here and sure enough, a few years ago Mom got a job. The owner, Karen, has an incredible eye for paintings, rugs, chandeliers, and all things home, priced wildly fair. Ask for the Ayala Bar jewellery which is hand crafted from Israel. This is a MUST visit store and sorry to say, you wont be leaving empty handed.
287 Gower Point Road #301, Monday-Friday 11-5pm, Saturday 10-5pm
Granthams Landing: A beautiful beach to walk, swim, or hang out on. If the tide is up you can even jump off the dock!
Persephone Tug: A big tugboat landmark that appeared on The Beachcombers TV series. Just across the street there is also a statue of George Gibson. Located at the corner of School road and Gower Point road in the heart of Lower Gibsons.
Beachcomber Coffee Company: If you follow me on instagram you’ve been me post about this place. I first became addicted when someone told me they had the best vanilla latte they’ve ever had and well, I had to try it for myself. Spoiler alert: it’s true. The coffee beans are so delicious that I bring BAGS of beans with me overseas so I can enjoy my favourite coffee whenever I am. Get there on the weekends to indulge in the unreal Deadly Doughnuts.
264 Gower Point Road, open 7 days a week 7am-5pm
Walk the marina: Explore the marina and check out all the boats, or walk along the water on the gravel path that takes you to the other side of the Bay.
Gisbon’s Public Market: On the other side of the Marina sits this public market boasting some of the best local artisans. The best butcher on the coast, fisherman’s market, chocolate shop, a bistro, fromagerie, and bakery to name a few. Come grab the contents for a picnic and head out to find the perfect spot overlooking the marina.
473 Gower Point road, Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm (closed Monday)
Tapworks: Another brewery located in the heart of Lower Gibsons, boasting a view of Keats Island and the ocean. Beer, kombucha, wine, and delicious flatbread pizzas, come for a beverage/snack and stay for the view.
537 Cruise Lane, Saturday-Monday 11am-late night, Tuesday-Thursday 1-10pm
Fongs: An older market that seems like an upscale dollar store with relatively normal prices. Find all the trendy baskets and rattan shelving here.
Soams Hill hike: Soames Hill is a steep hike that is located just past Shirley Macey Park (first right directly after the park down a short dirt road) and has incredible views that look across towards Keats Island and out towards the Strait of Georgia. The hike follows a steep set of stairs, offering a good workout that is rewarded with several beautiful views; it’s about a 2km hike good for everyone. Go grab the amazing views or if you’re crazy like me, run the loop a few times and die. Stair workouts are no joke.
639 Bridgeman Road
Smitty’s Oyster Bar: My favourite oyster bar ever ever ever. Looking over the Gibsons Marina, this is a MUST stop-and-eat-and-drink place if you can get in! During the summer months it gets quite busy but they are currently taking reservations so make sure you snag a seat. Favourites: all of the oysters if you’re into that, otherwise the chilli shrimps WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF.
643 School Road, Thursday & Friday noon-9pm, Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-4pm, Monday-Wednesday closed
Lunitas: Family favourite right here because mexican food is life. Bright and fun Mexican decor right beside Smitty’s so you also get a view of the marina. Jalapeno margaritas (they always serve doubles) and a taco flight for $20. That’s all I’m going to say…
645 School Road, Thursday & Friday 4-9pm, Saturday & Sunday noon-9pm, Monday-Wednesday closed
Bonniebrook Beach: If you’re wanting to find sand on the beach in Gibson, head here. The drive is also worth it as the road is right along the ocean, eventually hitting a dead end. Grab some food and come down to Bonniebrooke to walk the road, pick your favourite beach, and enjoy the peace!
Roberts Creek.
THIS is my hometown right here. I describe it as being a teeny tiny town right on the ocean, and downtown RC consists of a health food store, a cafe/restaurant (which has been there for as long as I can remember), my elementary school, a general store, and a library. Every summer there is something called “Roberts Creek Daze” where everyone comes out in their best hippie attire, flower crowns, and bare feet (this is often what people are looking like majority of the year), have a local parade, and walk down to the pier to paint the mandala. Wherever I am in the world, whenever I smell marajuana in the air I say, “ah, smells like Roberts Creek.” There’s certainly no place like home.
Cliff Gilker park: Just before coming into Roberts Creek before the golf course (also worth a visit — my brother Connor’s favourite course!) is this beautiful woodland park. It has has a network of easy hiking trails that pass several scenic waterfalls. It’s a perfect hike for families to explore the bridges, forest, and terrain along several picturesque creeks. You can continue deep into the woods along coloured trails or do a shorter loop, depending what you’re wants and needs are that day! Pups are welcome and you’ll meet many friendly pooches along route.
Roberts Creek Wellbeing: for all you health nuts out there, this is the place to grab your organic goodies, tinctures and powders, vitamins or minerals, and stock up on pricey, albiet delicious goods.
2-1059 Roberts Creek Road, open 7 days a week 10am-6pm (except Sunday 11am-5pm)
Gumboot cafe and restaurant: Often when people think of Roberts Creek they think of the Gumboot. An iconic spot for tourists and locals alike. Farm to table fresh food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this place has been my number 1 since I knew what food was. I have been eating the fries and miso gravy and famous gumboot hash for my entire life and I’m still not sick of it. Growing up the Cafe was the restaurant but now there are two locations close by depending what you’re wanting. The restaurant has a lovely garden, green space, and deck if you’re looking for a sit down meal but the cafe has a few delicious snack and meal options too. This is my favourite place to cozy up and do work, write, or just hang out.
Cafe: 1053 Roberts Creek road, open 7 days a week 8am-2pm (recommendation: beet cake with miso tahini sauce, soup of the day and the famous multigrain bread (can also take a loaf and 1-2L of soup to go) and of course, any of the treats).
Restaurant: 1041 Roberts Creek road, Monday-Friday noon-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-7pm (recommendation: gumboot hash, breakfast tostada, curried perogies).
Roberts Creek beach: Right down from the Gumboot Cafe and General Store, even if you aren’t going to be spending your afternoon here it’s worth a trip down the road. A quick 5 minute walk will take you to a parking lot, the mandala, and a beautiful pier you can walk out to. Walk down the beach for hours and hours or hang out for the day.
One day in the fall, a storm brought just about every log up onto the beach. I swear it doesn’t look like this normally; a few logs, rocks and a sandbar.
Marlene beach and Henderson beach: both beaches are just outside of “town” (which is about a 2 minute drive from Roberts Creek beach) and are a little more secluded. If the tide is out you can spot some sand and larger rocks to explore the tidal pools on. Henderson beach also has a dock if you’re wanting to get in the water!
Sharkey’s Fish Locker: The best fish and chips you’ll ever have. Because they are right up the street from where my parents live, we create our own fish tacos with Sharkey’s halibut. It is absolutely insane, but so are there crab cakes, smoked fish, hot salmon dip, cod, coconut shrimp, cheesy salmon balls, chowder, seafood lasagna… you get the picture. They are currently operating as a take out service so just pull up the menu HERE and call in your order!
1397 Roberts Creek Road Monday-Saturday 11am-6:45pm (Sunday closed)
Om Sweet Om yoga: Just up the street from my parent’s house, this lovely little studio brings all the peace, stretching and healing you’re looking for. Yoga By The Sea is also “downtown RC” which is also a lovely little studio.
Davis Bay.
I know I said that it was hard to find sandbars on the Sunshine Coast and it is, but here in Davis Bay you can almost always find a hint of it (unless the tide is in really high). Right when you come around the corner into Davis Bay you’ll see the beach on your left and you can usually spy a local food truck. Swimmers, families, kite surfers, skim boarders, and pup owners will all be here enjoying the sand. There is also a ocean front walk way from one end of Davis bay to the other which is beautiful to do at any time of day but if you’re a sucker for sunsets like I am, this is one place to check out. You can also walk along the pier and creep the locals catching fish. You might even spot a friendly seal or two.
Wobbly canoe: A relatively new establishment in Davis Bay with a beautiful view of the pier and ocean. A fabulous patio that is amazing to enjoy during a sunny day. A favourite among locals and tourists who are looking for some amazing food and service. Recommendation: bahn mi sandwich, mac & cheese, West Coast poke bowl + extra seafood, and shoestring fries with the garlic lime mayo for the table or self (think elevated McDonald’s french fries).
4774 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Thursday-Monday noon-9pm, closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Sechelt.
Lone Wolf Provisions: Opened recently by a friend of mine, becoming known for the best bread and pastries on the coast. Now with two locations, depending where you are on the coast it’s possible to grab fresh coffee and bread (or one of their famous sandwiches). Remember to get their early because they are often selling out way before closing! Chocolate almond croissant, pan au chocolate, coastal country loaf… it’s best to try it all. Bread is available daily at 11am.
Sechelt: #102 - 5641 Cowrie Street, Thursday & Saturday 9am-4pm
Gibsons: #101- 1058 Gibsons Way, Wednesday & Friday 9am-4pm
Habitat for Humanity Restore: This is where I find a lot of my gems for my little Instagram thrifting business (@sun.thrifts)
5605 Sunshine Coast Highway, Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm (Sunday closed)
Basted Baker: If you’re hungry I suggest you stop here for brunch/lunch and try one of their delectable fresh made biscuits (choice of flavoured butter, sweet or savoury). Known for incredible brunch with tostadas, bowls, bennies, OR if you’re feeling up for it, make your biscuit a sandwich and enjoy your food coma. Local tip: if you’re getting a hot beverage, ask for it extra hot (they usually bring it out luke warm).
5685 Cowrie St #1, Wednesday-Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 9am-3pm
PKLS Burgers: PKLS = pickles incase you didn’t get that :) Papa George’s favourite spot; delicious drive-in style burgers where you can choose all your topping and fixins, with three different types of french fries (regular, garlic, cajun), poutine, and deep fried pickles, or should I say PKLS. Call in to order and pick up in 15minutes. Oh, the rootbeer milkshake… you’re welcome.
5666 Cowrie Street, Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm (Sunday closed)
Shopping: Fossello’s (has recently expanded to Kelowna, more on the pricier side of life but some beautiful pieces!), Moorestock Outfitters, Twigs & Wildflowers, TrailBay Sports (pick up a Sunshine Coast hoodie here),
Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market: 9am-2:30pm, a few favourites are of course the fresh produce stands, the “Almond Butter guy” who makes all his own DELICIOUS nut butters, some local potters, fresh baked goods galore and much much more!
Where to stay.
Bed and Beachcomber: When I found out my favourite cafe was designing an airbnb right above the coffee shop, to say I was ecstatic is an understatement. They stock you up with fresh coffee beans so you can enjoy their perfect brew throughout the day. In the morning, you can go down and pick up a fresh apple fritter to enjoy back on your private deck overlooking Lower Gibsons. A beautiful space in the heart of town, I will personally be coming back here for many more staycations.
Tin Can Ranch: my husband and I recently stayed here for a little staycation and it was a DREAM. I left completely obsessed with the place and daydreaming when I could stay there next. Truly, it’s next level. The details in the air stream are unbelievable, there’s a bathtub, outdoor shower, sauna, camp fire, and a couple of friendly horses. Is this place a dream? Equipped with beachcomber coffee (if it’s not clear that it’s my favourite well… It’s my favourite) and a fully stocked fridge with . If it’s not booked, 1000% you should stay here. And if it is booked, make a special trip when it’s free so you can experience the magic.
I’M MOVING IN FOR GOOD!
*You can find them on air bnb.
Okay friends I hope you loved having some visuals and descriptions of my favourite places on the Coast! I will continue adding to it this month (mostly to include some hikes and other beautiful walks). Without any extreme details check out Soams Hill hike (Gibsons) and Cliff Gilker Park (Roberts Creek) for a quick two favourites.
Don’t miss out on any other travel blogs or amazing giveaways where I usually team up with handfuls of my favourite companies. You can do that by signing up for my email list where I send a fun-filled, inspirational “newsletter” to you a couple times a month (varying of course on my level of productivity every few weeks). Always grateful for your time and support xx
Comment below and let me know if you’ve visited the Sunshine Coast and what your favourite sights / restaurants / parks / experiences were!
Much love to everyone.
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