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A Sunshine Coast Art & Culinary Crawl
A relaxing Highway 101 road trip lined with intriguing communities, breathtaking scenery and a full-serving of creative and delicious pit stops.
Itinerary created by John Lee
âAlthough itâs on the mainland, the Sunshine Coast feels to me like an island jaunt: time seems slower; there are lots of artsy, friendly locals; and there are jaw-dropping woodland and ocean views around almost every corner.â
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Spring
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Time needed
48 hours
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Sun hat
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A Sunshine Coast Art & Culinary Crawl
Discover a Grassroots Art Scene
After a superbly scenic 40-minute BC Ferries hop from West Vancouverâs Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, hit Highway 101 (aka the Sunshine Coast Highway) and drive up to Gibsons. The townâs brightly-painted Gibsons Landing storefronts include browse-worthy boutiques and artisan businesses, but I always start with the Gibsons Public Art Gallery on Marine Drive. It serves up a lively roster of exhibitions by regional artists and the staffers are always happy to chat about the local creative scene. Itâs a two-minute walk from here to the waterfrontâs Government Wharf. Snap some artsy photos of the colourful boats bobbling alongside, then nip into the shack-like Sa Boothro
Read moreDiscover a Grassroots Art Scene
Check out the art exhibitHosted by Sa Boothroyd Gallery
Visit a Unique Covered Market
A short walk along the gently curving shoreline delivers you to the rust-coloured heritage building housing the Gibsons Public Market. I never miss a chance to grab coffee and a quick natter with the foodie-forward vendors here, typically gravitating to the fresh-baked pastries at Crazy Redâs (apple turnover recommended) and the tempting cheeses at Fromagerie De Baie. Live music often adds to the festival-like vibe (especially on weekends), but thereâs also a surprising additional feature thatâs unique among B.C.âs public markets: an onsite aquarium. The brilliant Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre includes dozens of illuminated tanks bristling with B.C. o
Read moreTime for some shopping
Visit a Unique Covered MarketHosted by Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre
Plot Some Creative Pit Stops
Departing from Gibsons on Highway 101 is a chance to check out the Sunshine Coastâs brilliant Purple Banner initiative. Dozens of participating artists and artisans throughout the region use purple flags alongside local roads to show you where they are and invite you in to check out their work (some still ask that you call ahead first). Youâll find chocolatiers, watercolourists, woodworkers and many more as you plot pit stops among some of B.C.âs most welcoming creatives. One of my favourites is in the Roberts Creek area, the next community along Highway 101 from Gibsons. Creek Clayworks showcases the beautiful yet functional stoneware of potters Elaine Futterman
Read morePlot Some Creative Pit Stops
Schedule a tour atHosted by Gumboot Cafe
Shop for Coastal Crafts
One of the Sunshine Coastâs largest communities, Sechelt has plenty of shops to browse plus enticing spots to dine (consider a gourmet biscuit sandwich to-go from the Basted Baker). Hungry for arts and crafts? Every corner of downtownâs Fresh from the Coast boutique is packed with locally-sourced creativity. Give yourself plenty of time to check out everything from driftwood bowls to nature-themed paintings to hand-blown glass ornaments here. And if youâre visiting on a Saturday between April and September, youâll find even more to browse at the huge and highly-welcoming Sechelt Farmersâ and Artisansâ Market, which radiates outdoors along main drag Cowrie St
Read moreShop for Coastal Crafts
Check out local deliHosted by Sechelt Farmersâ and Artisansâ Market
Be Inspired by Nature
Past Sechelt, the landscape of the Sunshine Coast becomes more rugged and many communities are smaller and more intimate. I love this areaâs darkly towering trees and silvery glimpes of ocean flashing between the leaves. If the outdoors is suddenly calling your name, pull over and plunge in at Sargeant Bay Provincial Park. A kind of B.C. in miniature, it combines beaches, dense woodlands and wide marshes that are popular with in-the-know birders. Noodling along the tranquil trails here, itâs easy to see why so many Sunshine Coast artists regard nature as their main muse. Back on Highway 101, continue on towards the charming Flying Anvil Studio and check out the flor
Read moreBe Inspired by Nature
Nature`s LoveHosted by Flying Anvil Studio
Indulge in Local Flavours
Continue along Highway 101 to Earls Cove and drive aboard the one-hour BC Ferries service to Saltery Bay. Itâs a 30-minute weave from there to Powell River, often regarded as the Sunshine Coastâs coolest community. Many of the older buildings in its historic Townsite area have been preserved or creatively adapted over the years, including the covered Public Market. Itâs home to an enticing array of artisan vendors specializing in everything from jewellery to fibre arts. Itâs also just a few steps from Townsite Brewing, a celebrated craft beer maker that occupies the old post officeââsampling Suncoast Pale Ale in the tasting bar here is recommended. But my fa
Read moreIndulge in Local Flavours
Shop for local goodsHosted by Coastal Cookery
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