ZOOM | Summer 2018

Beautifully rugged yet relaxing, the Sunshine
Coast is an idyllic outdoor paradise with
a laid-back feel. Calm, driftwood-strewn
beaches, ocean adventure, and lush,
rainforest hiking and biking await—right off
the main highway and beyond.
First stop, the beach. As soon as you step off the ferry
at either south or north ends, you can smell the easing
salt air. Beach time on the Sunshine Coast is a must,
and it’s a part of everyday life for locals, whether for the
whole day, a few hours, or just an after-dinner dog run.
There’s nothing like a beach campfire and sunset to truly
appreciate the tranquility of the Coast.
And that’s just a start. Grab a paddle and experience the
serenity of the Sunshine Coast from off-shore. Launch
your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, or rent one from
a nearby outfitter. An unhurried day trip allows plenty
of time to gaze in wonder at mountainous landscapes,
delight in small-town views, and discover remote, sandy
beaches and islands along the way. Past Sechelt is lake
country, inviting paddlers to the picturesque waters
of Trout, Ruby, and Klein Lakes to name a few. Many of
these have family-friendly picnic and campsite grounds
as well.
Covering over 1570 kilometres, the evergreen rainforests
of the Sunshine Coast offer a plethora of hiking and biking
trails. From Cliff Gilker Park’s gentle paths to Mt. Daniel’s
awe-inspiring views at 440 metres up, hiking takes you
through sweet-smelling pine groves and beautifullytwisted,
peeling arbutus. Take a moment to look up at
the towering verdant canopy above and luxuriate in the
stillness around you. Mountain bikers test their mettle at
Sprockids Park—located just off the Highway 101 bypass
in Gibsons. In Porpoise Bay, the nationally-renowned
Coast Gravity Park entices bikers of all ages and skill
levels.
Options for outdoor adventure do abound, but the
Sunshine Coast also has an ever-growing culture and
food scene. From Gibsons to Lund, an enticing collection
of eateries, watering holes, quaint shops, and local
galleries contribute to the area’s easygoing West Coast
vibe. Grab a patio seat at one of the Coast’s city-calibre
establishments with a local craft brew in hand and coastal
splendour as your ambience. In summer, festivals and
community events happen nearly every weekend. The
annual summer mandala painting in Roberts Creek is like
a rite of passage and you won’t find a community event
that’s quite like it.
Wherever your itinerary takes you, the Sunshine Coast’s
natural beauty and casual atmosphere will refresh your
spirits and calm your soul.
summer 2018
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