The Sunshine Coast: Gibsons, Sechelt and Powell River, BC

Stretching from Gibson's to Lund the North of Vancouver along the BC mainland the Sunshine Coast is a region of abundant sunshine and minimal rain during the summer yet the mountains are cloaked in snow throughout the winter. The waterways, both freshwater and saltwater,  are relatively protected and warm. Marine mammals are readily visible throughout the region. In short, it is an excellent destination for nearly any type of outdoor recreational pursuit. 

• Gibson's and Robert's Creek. The Southern edge of the sunshine coast is a short trip from Vancouver and offers excellent hiking, biking and paddling a short distance from the ferry terminal.
   
• Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay. Sechelt Inlet and Halfmoon Bay both offer excellent kayaking destinations. Sechelt Inlet has more of a wilderness feel while Halmoon Bay and the islands nearby are all about sun, sand and surf. For hikers and backcountry skiers Tetrahedron Park has a network of trails liking a series of mountain lakes and 4 remote cabins, each with a sleeping loft and wood buring stove. Halfmoon Bay also offeres excellent mountain biking. 
  
  
• Egmont. Skookumchuck Narrows, fresh and saltwater paddling routes and the continuation of the Sunshine Coast trail will keep you busy in this area.
  
  
• Powell River. Powell River has it all including an easy connection from Vancouver Island. The Powell RIver lakes include an excellent multi-day freshwater paddling circuit. Geology along the Elbray river valley has created huge slabs of granite that are said to rival Yosemite for multi-pitch big wall climbing and the network of hiking and mountain biking trails seems endless.
  
  
• Lund. The Northern edge of the Sunshine Coast and the gateway to Desolation Sound as well as the start of the 180km long Sunshine Coast trail. 

The Sunshine Coast can be split into two halves, upper and lower, each connected by ferries to each other and to the BC Mainland or Vancouver Island

• Lower Sunshine Coast. Gibsons and Horseshoe Bay are connected by frequent sailings by BC Ferries. Each trip is about an hour.
  
  
• Upper Sunshine Coast. The ferry between Powell River and Comox runs 4 times most days and is about an 1 hour 20 minutes long. 
  
  
• www.bcferries.com for reservations and schedules.

Wildlife

Marine mammals, bear and deer are all common throughout the Sunshine Coast. There are also numerous opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shellfish collection (pay attention to red tide warnings, PSP shellfish poisoning can be fatal)

• Black bears are common all along the Sunshine Coast, Grizzly Bears may be sighted in some areas such as the end of the more remote inlets. You should be familiar with how to react if you encounter these animals and practice bear country camp techniques with regard to your camp and food prep and storage.
• Whales, seals and porpoise are frequent visitors to the area. Maintain a safe distance for observation. 
  
  
• Fishing. Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities are abundant throughout the Sunshine Coast. Separate licenses are required for fresh and salt waters, check with a local fishing store for detailed local information.
• Crabbing. Crabs are plentiful in many areas of the Sunshine Coast, licenses are required. Crab are typically not affected by Red Tide blooms (PSP) check with local marinas for local information.
  
  
• Shellfish. Clams and oysters are found on many beaches in the area, licenses are required and shellfish harvesting is prone to closure due to Red Tide blooms. Red Tide blooms can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, a potentially fatal condition. Observe all closures, contact the Department of Fisheries for up to date information on regional closures.  

Vegetation and Geography

The Sunshine Coast is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tantalus mountain range. The area is blessed with abundant sunshine and warm temperatures in summer months making water based recreation a favorite in the region. There are a number of potentially dangerous conditions to be aware of.

• Tidal Rapids. Anytime ocean water is forced through a narrow choke point dangerous currents can appear when the tide is on the move. The most spectacular tidal rips in the area occur near Egmont at the Skookumchuck Narrows. Approaching this area in a kayak is not recommended unless you have detailed knowledge of the local tidal conditions. Viewing the tide rips at full flow from shore however is a must see. 
• Wind. Afternoon winds can be common through many paddling areas, Sechelt Inlet in particular. It is common for ocean winds to blow from the South and be funneled up the Inlet creating challenging paddling conditions. Paddling in the morning and evenings when the water is calmest is recommended. It is recommended that you allow an extra travel day or spend your last night near 9 mile camp so that you have an easy trip home even if the wind picks up early.

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