Bays of Beauty - The Sunshine Coast

On a camping trip to the Sunshine Coast, we fell in love with the beauty of the shoreline in our explorations of Smuggler's Cove, Sargeant's Bay Provincial Park, Davis Bay, Pender Harbour, Sechelt, Gibsons and Roberts Creek.

As well as the natural beauty of the Coast, there is history that goes back to the early 1800's, hiking and biking trails, annual events, kayaking and a host of other enjoyable things to do. But the beauty of the Sunshine Coast was the loudest call of all.

Sargeant's Bay Provincial Park held a lot of interest for me in particular. Being a collector of driftwood, I thought I had reached 'driftwood heaven'. I spent enjoyable hours envisioning all my creations as I wandered this lovely beach.

The Pender Harbour area had us writing down the names of real estate agents. Pender Harbour was once the winter capital of the Coast Salish Nation and the Shishalh First Nations. Pender Harbour, from the early 1900's, has been a popular vacation spot because of its beauty and seclusion. We certainly found ourselves falling under the charm of the area.

Sechelt sits on a spit of land between Georgia Strait and Sechelt Inlet and is considered the Sunshine Coast's cultural capital. The town is home to artists and writers with many galleries, theatres and one-of-a-kind stores and restaurants. The Sechelt First Nation's Tems Awiya Museum chronicles the heritage of the Shishalh Nation displaying art, cedar carvings, artifacts and baskets.

Gibsons is the home of Molly's Reach, a set built for the old Beachcombers series. It is now a popular seafood restaurant. There are also many funky shops in Molly's Lane to visit. A point of interest is the historic Bonnybrook and Chaster Park area featuring a cairn noting the 1792 arrival of Captain George Vancouver. Visiting the harbour at Gibsons, we saw a sailboat decked out as an old pirate ship. There was also a garden flotilla (a houseboat with an unbelievable flower garden display).

Roberts Creek's Oceanside Regional Park and Roberts Creek Provincial Park are great for beachcombing and picnics. Trails weave through towering red cedars to add to your enjoyment of walking with nature by your side.

Because of the beauty of the many bays, it is easy to understand why kayaking is such a popular sport. The Sunshine Coast has unlimited shorelines with bays, inlets and offshore islands. While paddling the inlet, you will feel enveloped by nature as the coastal mountains surround you.

There is much to see and do; kayak the Sechelt Inlet, known as the Inland Sea. It is protected and excellent for the beginning paddler; attend the many events held annually on the Sunshine Coast; take walking excursions where you can explore the Sechelt marsh or walk to the Skookumchuck Narrows where tidal waters are forced through the narrows and into the Inland Sea. On a ten foot tide, 200 billion gallons of water churn through this narrow channel. If you are a true nature lover, take a trip to Porpoise Bay Park and enjoy the intertidal life. There are also numerous art galleries and museums. For more information on your visit to the Sunshine Coast, go to: www.bigpacific.com