Refresh & Awaken: Spring on the Sunshine Coast
Spring on the Sunshine Coast is always a welcome season. Wet winter hikes and stormy ocean beachscapes give way to drier old-growth rambles and calmer seaside views. Nature (and people!) unfold themselves and awaken from their winter malaise. And it’s fair to say that this year, we step into spring with even more excitement than usual — with pandemic restrictions lifting, we can breathe easier now, both literally and figuratively.
So now with eyes bright and hope returning, why not dive full tilt into enjoying all that a Sunshine Coast spring has to offer.
Blink and You’re Already Here
The ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Langdale takes only 40 minutes. By the time you’ve eaten a Triple-O burger, perused the gift shop, and stepped out onto the deck to breathe that fresh, salty air, you’ll have reached the Sunshine Coast.
Tuck In with Local Food and Drink
The Coast’s food and drink scene has an unmistakable Sunshine Coast vibe. It’s founded on an unpretentious “dream it, do it, and do it right” spirit that, more often than not, celebrates local producers, makers, and the land.
A walk around Lower Gibsons, Downtown Sechelt, Powell River, or Lund reveals plenty of restaurants and cafes to fuel your beach walks, forest hikes, biking, and travel adventures. And smaller enclaves like Roberts Creek and Pender Harbour offer nourishment with a distinct, coastal village feel. Have a kitchen at your accommodations and prefer to cook? In Gibsons, pick up gourmet ingredients at the Gibsons Public Market. Or find your essentials at a local grocery store, just like you would at home.
Of course, all your Sunshine Coast explorations can leave you plenty thirsty. Good thing the Coast has more watering holes than you can shake a stick at. For a uniquely Coastal experience, visit one of the indoor/outdoor establishments that pair thoughtfully-crafted, creative beer and cider with a family-friendly, farm-like atmosphere. Many even feature locally-made snacks and treats, weekend markets, and food trucks in the busier seasons. Pull up to a picnic table, sip on some sunshine alongside Blundstone-wearing locals, and let your littles run around.
Dirty Boots and Fresh Air
Speaking of running around, the outdoors is arguably the Sunshine Coast’s biggest draw for both visitors and locals. The Sunshine Coast boasts over 1500 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, some short jaunts even accessible right off the Sunshine Coast Highway. And there’s trails for almost every athletic ability — from flat, wide paths to mountain bike trails to hikes with serious elevation gain.
And the beaches? They’re surprisingly varied, so whether you’re looking for rocky, driftwood-strewn coastline to scramble about or smooth sand to walk over and contemplate life, you’ll find it. In spring, be sure to have at least one beach fire on a warmer evening since fire bans usually take effect once summer hits. For a different perspective, get out in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the Salish Sea.
It all sounds so enticing, right? The Sunshine Coast is truly a magical mash up of city-level standards and natural abundance that lift the spirits. And spring is a great time to take it all in.
