Saturday May 17th, 2008

Where is the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast is located in southwest British Columbia and stretches 180 km (110 mi) along the Strait of Georgia from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Although part of BC's mainland, access to the region is primarily by ferry creating an island atmosphere. From Vancouver, a 40 minute scenic ferry ride brings you to the lower coast where the areas of Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour lead you along the coastline to Earls Cove. Ferry service connects the lower coast to the upper coast at Saltery Bay and to the communities of Powell River and Lund. Access to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver Island connects you to the upper coast from Comox-Courtenay, crossing the Strait of Georgia by ferry bringing you directly into downtown Powell River. Information about the upper coast, Powell River and area, can be found at http://www.discoverpowellriver.com

BC Ferries approaching Langdale terminal, photo courtesy of Roger Handling Terra Firma Digital Arts

Transportation

The Sunshine Coast is accessible by regularly scheduled ferry, air and motorcoach service.

BC Ferries provides scheduled service for vehicles and pedestrians from both the Vancouver area and Vancouver Island. These ferries take all vehicles (including bicycles) as well as foot passengers. Pets are welcome, but must remain on the vehicle deck. Check the BC Ferries website for information on fares, schedules and ships' amenities and services. Extra sailings are added during peak periods* and the schedule is subject to change in summer, so please check website for current information.

*Need to be sure you get a particular sailing? Reservations are available for vehicles on this route.

From the Vancouver area

From Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver, catch the 40-minute sailing through scenic Howe Sound to Langdale ferry terminal, the southern entry point for the entire Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Transit provides local bus service for foot passengers between the ferry terminal and the Sechelt area, with frequent stops along the way. Buses are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with bike racks. Printed schedules are available on buses and at many retail outlets on the Coast.

Sunshine Coast Taxi provides service to and from the ferry terminal.
Gibsons area: 604-886-7337
Sechelt area: 604-885-3666

Motorcoach
Malaspina Coach Lines operates a convenient bus service between Vancouver International Airport, downtown Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast all the way to Powell River via select ferry sailings.

Public Transit
The West Vancouver Blue Bus #257 Horseshoe Bay Express departs downtown Vancouver in front of The Bay department store throughout the day, bringing passengers directly to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Buses are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with bike racks.

Air
West Coast Air provides scheduled floatplane service and charters to Sechelt from Vancouver Regional Airport, Victoria and Nanaimo.

Tofino Air provides scheduled floatplane service and charters from Vancouver Regional Airport and Vancouver Island into Sechelt. New service includes Victoria.

WestJet provides daily scheduled service into Comox Airport on Vancouver Island from most major Canadian cities as well as many US cities.

BC Ferries from Vancouver Island

BC Ferries has several daily sailings from Comox to Powell River, at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast. To reach the lower Sunshine Coast, drive Hwy. 101 to Saltery Bay (31 km/19 mi) where another ferry sails to Earls Cove.

From Nanaimo, take the 90-minute ferry from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, where you get the 40-minute sailing to Langdale on the lower Sunshine Coast.

BC Ferries SailPass
helps you save money while seeing more of what beautiful British Columbia has to offer. The pass is available for four consecutive days of travel on each of 20 southern routes for just $139, including car and two adults. Or choose the consecutive day SailPass for $169. Additional adults (up to seven) can be added for $26 each.

BC Ferries CirclePac
Save 15% on regular one-way fares while touring the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island with this special four-route package. More info at http://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/circlepac

Foot-passenger ferry service is available to Keats and Gambier Islands from the Langdale ferry terminal. Check with BC Ferries for current schedule.

Getting Around the Sunshine Coast

Vehicle Rentals
Prime Rentals (604)885-6422 and Skookum Chrysler. (604) 886-3493

Sunshine Coast Shuttle, Tours & Limo Service provides pick up and drop off service from May to Labour Day. The schedule may vary due to ferry arrival times. Locations: Langdale Ferry Terminal, Gibsons public wharf, Sunnycrest Mall (Hwy. 101), Roberts Creek Fire Hall, Secret Cove and various accommodation locations. Rate per person: Gibsons $6; Roberts Creek $9; Sechelt $12; Halfmoon Bay $15. Call for more information and schedules 604-740-0703.