If you're sailing Vancouver, don't miss The Sunshine Coast!

The Sunshine Coast, known as British Columbia’s best kept secret,  is only a mere day sail from our base at Stones Marina, so if you are sailing Vancouver this year, then it really is a must visit place! This superb destination was rated by the National Geographic as one of the top 10 cruising destinations in the world.

Where is it?

The Sunshine Coast stretches along 180km of coastline from Langdale to Lund with many quaint, tiny coastal communities in between. The Sunshine Coast is located on the southern coast of British Columbia, between the entrances to Desolation Sound on the northwest and Howe Sound on the southeast.

There is no direct road connection to the rest of the province as the rugged mountains that border the inlets mean it is cut off, so though it is part of British Columbia mainland, access relies on ferry or air transportation.

What’s there?

One of the essential charms of the Sunshine Coast when sailing Vancouver and this area, is the many communities that stretch along the coastline. There’s the Powell River, Sechelt and Gibsons and many more communities in between, such as, Roberts Creek, Lund and Pender Harbour. Each community is unique with it’s own history and natural charm. Now there is a population of near on 50,000 people with forestry, tourism and cultural arts busy sectors of the economy.

Don’t miss!

Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls, as this amazing fjord has around 60 waterfalls that cascade down the massive granite walls, that rise steeply from the water to a height of over 7000 ft. It is a stunning anchorage to stop at, due to it’s charm and amazing scenery. The Inlet itself is very deep and almost completely enclosed. The sun melts the mountain snowpack which creates the numerous waterfalls. At the head of the Inlet is the magnificent Chatterbox Falls where the water tumbles down 120 ft.

Within the park there are campsites, a range cabin, picnic shelters and public conveniences, and you can take advantage of the mooring buoys and stern pins. Getting ashore is easily accessible as you will find a boat and a dinghy dock.

Climate

The climate on the Sunshine Coast tends to have fairly mild and wet winters, with warm and dry summers. Temperatures on average can range from lows of 32F up to 90F in the summer. Annual rainfall is approximately 100cm. If you are sailing Vancouver and taking in the Sunshine Coast then the area is pretty sheltered from the Pacific ocean, so you can be guaranteed some excellent sailing throughout the season.

What to do?

There are so many activities that you can enjoy when you are sailing Vancouver and visiting the Sunshine Coast, both ashore and on the water.

• Enjoy a visit to the vibrant and creative community of Roberts Creek, known as the gumboot capital of the world.
• A stunning lakeside 13 km trail around the Inland Lake Provincial park.
• Gasp at the tidal rapids in Skookumchuck Narrow, a whitewater wonder!
• Canoe the Powell Forest route, taking in forests and lakes
• If under the water is your thing, then why not do some diving one of the dive centres in Sechelt at Powell river.
• Enjoy the wonder and stunning scenery from your yacht of the fjords, wildlife and recreation that is Desolation Sound.
• Visit the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Thormanby Islands.

Wherever you decide to visit on your cruise around the Sunshine Coast, you can be assured of an unforgettable holiday if you are sailing Vancouver this year.