Photo via Shutterstock
Milder weather and stunning winter trails are just some of the many reasons to visit the Sunshine Coast this time of year, and Gibsons is the gateway to it all. Home to Molly’s Reach restaurant of CBC’s longest-running show, The Beachcombers, Gibsons is an iconic filming destination and outdoor adventure all rolled into one.
Filled with heritage buildings and coastal charm, Gibsons Landing is a great place to kick off your visit. Surrounded by views of Howe Sound, the coastal mountains, and Keats Island, the lively waterfront area and harbour have plenty of sights to see. In addition to numerous town parks and beaches, there’s a seawall leading from Armours Beach to the famed Gibsons Public Market, which features six permanent local merchants.
There’s also an award-winning bistro (Emelle’s) and a collect-hold-release aquarium called Tidepools Aquarium.
Set in Gibsons, The Beachcombers followed the life of a lumber salvager and his friends as he travelled throughout the coast. And after a 10-year search, the original jet boat driven by Relic in the series was returned to its rightful home in Gibsons in August 2024.
Considered the heart of the coastal community of Gibsons, the Landing is “easily walkable” with plenty of shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries to peruse during your next visit.
According to Sunshine Coast Tourism, the communities lining the scenic coast are situated close to sea level, which means they receive minimal snowfall every year. However, visitors who want to extend their trip to the Powell River region can enjoy the snow along the higher elevations of the Sunshine Coast Trail, including Tin Hat Mountain and the Knuckleheads.
Plus, the nearby Dakota Ridge on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast boasts 20 kilometres of world-class Nordic ski trails and 7 kilometres of scenic snowshoe trails that wind through old-growth forests. Here, visitors can explore groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails by ski or skate, or opt for the acres of beautiful subalpine backcountry.
Travellers will find more backcountry adventures at Mount Elphinstone Park, Tetrahedron Park, and the Caren Range, according to Sunshine Coast Tourism.
Prefer to venture through a lush rainforest? There are many popular winter trails to explore if waterfalls and greenery are more your thing. This includes the popular Cliff Gilker Park, Langdale Falls, David Lam Falls, and Homesite Creek, to name a few.
Those who want to embark on a journey to Gibsons can hop on a quick ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to the Langdale Ferry Terminal, which is just 10 minutes away from the town.
Happy adventuring!
How to get there: Drive 20 minutes from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver via BC-1A/BC-99 N and Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 W/BC-99 N, then take a ferry to Langdale and drive 10 minutes to Gibsons.
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