All About the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast got its name back in the 50s because early adopters found its climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean. It experiences less rain than any other area in British Columbia, and residents enjoy sunny days over 60% of the time every year. It is graced with many regions of unique and spectacular natural beauty, accessible from warm and often rustic local communities.
For example, Lund, which is situated in the northern area of the coast, still has the feel of a frontier town, and just north of Lund is the mouth of Desolation Sound where the coastal mountains continue down to the bottom of the sea, and gives visitors the sensation of standing at the edge of the earth.
A Land of Islands
The coast is famous for its lovely and varied islands. Saltspring Island is a pastoral paradise where the produce of its many organic farms can be purchased at roadside stalls, and the fruit of the vine may be sampled at several organic wineries. Pender Island in contrast is heavily forested, and a marvelous place for nature hikes, and the viewing of wildlife.
Explore the Coast by Water
One of the best ways to explore the coast is on the water. The view from hundreds of metres offshore is unbelievable. You can spend four unforgettable hours out on the ocean in a sea kayak for about $60. Halfmoon Sea Kayaks in Rockwater offers paddles ranging from half-day coastline excursions to camping trips lasting several days.
Coast Recreation
In the winter, the coast is the place for unparalleled fun in the snow. One popular winter destination is the Dakota Ridge with its 15km of groomed trails, warming hut, and some of the best snowshoeing, tobogganing and backcountry snowboarding to be found anywhere. If you're looking for a guide to this winter wonderland try Off the Edge, Alpha Adventures or Talaysay Tours. Cross country skiers who want to get way off the beaten track should check out the Tetrahedron Mountain Club which maintains trails up to cabins at Mt. Steele and on Richardson Lake.
Some of the other many outdoor activities available on the coast include salmon fishing, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking in to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park for a look at the incredible rapids that the tidal change produces daily in the narrows, and family swimming at the many pristine parks and beaches found everywhere.
Coast Arts & Entertainment
The Sunshine Coast is also a world-class destination for arts and entertainment. One way to sample this cultural cornucopia is to go on the annual Art Crawl, and visit the more than 65 home studios and galleries to be found along the route. Another is to take the Fiber Arts & Woodworking Tour, and see amazing local carving and all the marvelous things that are being made from the products of the surrounding forests. Museums in several local communities give visitors an insight into the customs of local First Nations peoples, and the experiences and lifestyle of the coasts earliest pioneers. And you don't want to miss going on one of the coastal garden tours to photograph the floral marvels of this mild, fertile ecosystem.
The absence of light pollution makes the activities of the Sunshine Coast Centre of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada an excellent stop for stargazers. Visitors can look through scopes provided at the Astro-Caf's, which are held at the Davis Bay Seawall on the third Friday of each month.
And then there are there are three annual jazz festivals on the coast, one at Gibsons, one at Pender Harbour, and one at Texada Island all host annual Jazz festivals. And believe it or not, this just scratches the surface of the attractions awaiting you in this friendly, heavenly place.
Interested in Learning More?
Is BC's Sunshine Coast intriguing? Interesting in learning more about Sunshine Coast Real Estate? Then feel free to contact Mike Shannon to discuss any questions or get more info. Mike promises you a no-hassle, no-pressure, no-obligation experience!
