February isn't just for Valentine's Day! Celebrate the ladies in your life on a Galentine's getaway to the Sunshine Coast.
In the immortal words of Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation (where this fictional holiday was first crowned): “It’s only the best day of the year. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst.”
Even better than a day? A full-on getaway to the Sunshine Coast with your best pals in tow. The spirit and sentiment of the holiday is to celebrate the non-romantic relationships in your life, and whether you're in need of a restorative weekend away together, looking to get in some quality time, or up for a good adventure, we've got you covered.
Here are three ideas for a Galentine's trip that's guaranteed to make Leslie proud.
Trip Idea #1: For Those Seeking a Restorative Stay
Zen out together. There's nothing better than ditching your ever-present to-do list—especially if you're freeing up time to spend with your closest friends instead. The Sunshine Coast was made for restorative weekends away, and this one is all about rediscovering what's really important—with your friends, yourself, and your surroundings.
Where to Stay
Located in Madeira Park, Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina is the perfect spot for you and your crew to relax. This stunning oceanfront resort offers plenty of separate one or two-bedroom suites and is home to an on-site spa, complete with seven treatment rooms and a spa garden that features pools of varying temps, an outdoor firepit, warm waterfall, and sauna.
Visiting the qathet region? Stay at Beyond Bliss, a hotel spa in the heart of Powell River. Attached to this popular day spa are a few (coveted) rooms where you can chill out together pre- or post-pampering. Downstairs, book a couples massage (who said they can't also be for friends?), opt for a matching mani or pedi, or work on your winter glow with a facial. Ready to ditch your comfy robes and head to dinner? You're only a short stroll from some of Powell River's best restaurants.
What To Do
Aside from pampering yourself, the Sunshine Coast offers plenty of easy activities that don't require much planning or effort. If you're staying at Painted Boat, wander beaches and stroll gentle forest paths in Pender Harbour, while those making Powell River homebase can catch the latest movie at the Patricia Theatre, Canada's oldest, continuously-operated movie theatre, and a beacon of art deco-era design.
Where to Eat
It's not a restorative weekend away without comfort food. You can't go wrong sharing a delicious pizza or plate of pasta, family-style. In Powell River, swing by Supercharger Pizza, an 80's-style pizzeria where you can tuck into 14" pizzas, wings, and farm fresh salads while sipping on local beer. Buono Osteria in Gibsons is another go-to for Neapolitan-style pizza and rotating pasta specials. In Pender Harbour, you can indulge in dishes like chicken enchiladas or shrimp tacos at Aqui es Mexico.
Trip Idea #2: For Those In Need of Quiet and Quality Time
Overdue for a catch up? Family life too busy? For those gal pals who feel pulled in a million directions, the Sunshine Coast offers plenty of space and solitude—a perfect backdrop where you can reconnect with each other. Ditch your kids (hey, it's only for a weekend!), and find yourself cozied up in a cabin together listening to your favourite tunes and sipping on local cider.
Where to Stay
This weekend calls for a cabin. Your choices are endless, so we suggest picking either a destination to base yourselves in, or a style of cabin first. Luxury waterfront suites? Mountain retreat? Yurt? Glamping tent? Vintage airstream trailer? You name it, the Sunshine Coast has it. High on our list of spots to check out this year are Pointhouse Suites, Tin Can Ranch (and neighbouring vintage trailer, Arlo the Airstream), Lund Harbour House, and Backeddy Resort & Marina.
What To Do
Girls' night in, of course! Come prepared with plenty of snacks, movies, and a nostalgic playlist guaranteed to make you dance. Specialty food shops on the Sunshine Coast make stocking up on good eats easy. Head to Noble Meats & Cheeses in Sechelt for cheeses, crackers and jam made in BC, or load up on bulk candy down the road at The Oracle store on Cowrie Street. In Powell River, you might be surprised to find indulgent nanaimo bars at Quality Foods and very delicious, locally-made ice cream sandwiches from Last Stop Lund at Townsite Brewing. In Gibsons, place an order for grazing boxes (aka pre-made charcuterie platters) from Good Fridays for an easy, no-fuss meal.
Where to Eat
The (un) official meal of Galentine's Day (and girls' weekends everywhere) is breakfast. Start your day in Sechelt at El Segundo, a tropical-inspired restaurant that features a decadent breakfast menu, or at Edie Rae's in Powell River for a brunch worthy of Leslie and her gang.
Trip Idea #3: For Those Craving Adventure
There's nothing like bonding with your besties on a good overnight adventure. Testing the limits of your physical capabilities, navigational sense, or even trip planning skills is guaranteed to bring you closer. The other near-guaranteed aspect of a weekend in the woods? The fill-your-cup, soul-affirming, deep belly laughs that can only be found navigating new and adventurous terrain with those you trust the most.
Where to Stay
Pack the essentials and head for a remote, off-grid cabin in Tetrahedron Provincial Park, the Knuckleheads, or along the Sunshine Coast Trail. Sure, spending the night hunkered down in a hut is an Instagram-worthy photo-op but it's the journey to get there that really counts. Conquer peaks and paths together as a team—and cheer each other on when the going gets tough. Nothing screams Galentine's Day like the endless support and rallying cry of your lady friends.
What To Do
Apart from snowshoeing or ski touring to your cabin, why not bookend your cabin stay with some of the Sunshine Coast's other adventurous activities? Book a flightseeing tour where you and your friends can soar high above the coast in a seaplane, or charter a boat and head up Princess Louisa Inlet for a day of exploring marine life and waterfalls.
Where to Eat
Take your taste buds on an adventure, too. Sample oysters and wine at Smitty's in Gibsons, carb load at Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen in Sechelt before you head for the mountains, replenish lost calories with a plate of indulgent butter chicken poutine at the Grasshopper Pub in Pender Harbour, or take yourselves on a self-guided food truck crawl from Gibsons to Sechelt.
