The natural beauty of “ Super, Natural” British Columbia's Sunshine Coast rain forest, rugged coastal mountains and Pacific Ocean draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Apart from its awesome beauty, the Sunshine Coast has Canada’s most temperate climate; this makes it ideal for outdoor adventures. HelloBC describes this 180km (110mi) of coastline from Gibsons (Lower Sunshine Coast) to Lund (Upper Sunshine Coast) as “British Columbia's best kept secret”. Lund is the gateway to Desolation Sound, a yachter’s and cold-water scuba diver's paradise. Lund is also the beginning of the Pacific Coastal Highway (101), which ends in Quellón, Chile (15, 200 km away).
The Lower Sunshine Coast is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. The Lower Sunshine Coast can be done as a day trip from Vancouver. To get to Upper Sunshine Coast from Vancouver by car you will need to take two ferries and drive a stretch of scenic highway, or take a ferry from Comox on Vancouver Island (BC Ferries). Pacific Coastal Airlines has daily flights from Vancouver and Victoria to Powell River, the major town on the Upper Sunshine Coast. Those whose sail to the Sunshine Coast can check information on safe anchorage in Desolation Sound and docking information for Powell River and Lund. Here are two great sources of general information on British Columbia and the Sunshine Coast.
Bonnie Tsui’s NewYork Times article captures some of the magic of a Sunshine Coast adventure. Locals and tourists engage in outdoor water activities like canoeing, kayaking, sailing, diving and fishing. Powell River lakes are the ultimate backwoods adventure. Biking and hiking (Sunshine Coast Trail) are popular on land adventures. The Sunshine Coast is also home to many artists. Check out suggestions on things to do and see in the Powell River area.
The Upper Sunshine Coast offers a complete range of accommodations. For example, Beyond Bliss Suites provides both accommodations and spa services. There are so many restaurant choices however, if you are looking for restaurants with great views here are four:
1. Shinglemill Restaurant is built on a historic lumber mill site on Powell Lake, which makes it a great setting for lunch or dinner any time of the year. It has a relaxed sports bar atmosphere.
2. Savory Bight is a seaside restaurant and pub located in the Beach Gardens and Resort where you can watch the cruise ships and boats go by, or if you are lucky you might just see whales.
3. Laughing Oyster is a fabulous place to dine. While it is approximately a one-hour north of Powell River on Okeover Inlet it is well worth the drive for dinner or a relaxing lunch.
4. Eagles Landing Bistro, south of Powell River is another excellent waterside choice.
Two other Powell River restaurants with great food are the Alchemists and Tree Frog Bistro. If you want casual dinning or want to order in some food, two local tasty options are the Gourmet Canton (Chinese food) and the Paparazzi Pizza. All of the above suggestions have vegetarian options.
Lund, the gateway to Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park also has dining options with great views. Nancy’s Bakery is popular stop for folks visiting for the day and boaters heading up to the beautiful Desolation Sound. Boaters and non-boaters stop for coffee or tea with one of the tasty bakery items, or lunch. The Boardwalk Restaurant and the Historic Lund Hotel Restaurant are right at the ocean’s edge. The author celebrated American Thanksgiving last year at the Broadwalk. While waiting for a December departure to California en route to Central America, she saw a local paper advertisement for American Thanksgiving. There at the edge of Desolation Sound, just as it was getting dark with a glass of Okanagan wine, it was a scenic Thanksgiving dinner to remember.
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