The Sunshine Coast was made for picnics. Tucked between lush forest and the ocean are a host of idyllic backdrops perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
It's easy to find picnic provisions that are just as delightful as the views, with everything from markets brimming with fresh produce to pre-made charcuterie boxes available. Once you load up on supplies, you can spread out on a blanket atop a sun-kissed hill, settle into the soft sands of a secluded beach, or find a coastal perch on seaside rocks.
Here's where to shop for picnic supplies on the Sunshine Coast.
Public Markets, Delis, and Picnic Staples
Public markets in Gibsons and Powell River are one-stop shops, but you'll also find other great spots to gather picnic provisions on the Sunshine Coast.
At the Gibsons Public Market, Shaggy Jack’s offers a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables along with specialty items like truffle oil and small-batch, local brands. Located next door is the Fisherman's Market where you can purchase smoked salmon and other ready-to-eat seafood delicacies. Wander over to Plethora Fine Foods for cheese, cured meat, jams and other condiments, and swing by Crazy Red's Breads for loaves and baguettes. Takeaway food can be found at the Kitchen Classics stall, which offers a variety of globally-inspired dishes, including their popular porchetta.
Elsewhere in Gibsons, Good Fridays Gibsons offers grazing boxes and platters for two, four, or a full-on picnic party.
At Powell River's Townsite Public Market, Sunny Deli also has you covered for charcuterie. Make your own picnic spread with their mouthwatering selection of cheeses, meats, nuts, and crackers, or opt for individual pre-made boxes. You can also grab a sandwich and a dessert-in-a-cup (think puddings and tiramisu). Fresh produce is available at Townsite Fruit & Veg, while Hearth & Grain offers fresh baked breads and pastries. Vegan desserts are also on offer from Just Soul Food.
For more options outside of the market, head to 32 Lakes Cafe and Bakery for more freshly baked goods, and The Chopping Block for local meats.
At the “end of the road” in Lund is the Stock Pile Market at Kla ah men, a must-stop if you're planning to picnic on Savary Island or nearby vantage points overlooking Okeover Inlet and Desolation Sound. This deli, liquor store, and market combo offers convenient takeaway items, from snacks to sandwiches and hot lunch items.
Specialty Stores
For those with a flair for culinary creativity, these specialty stores provide everything you need to craft a personalized, gourmet picnic experience.
The Nutcracker Market (Powell River) and the Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Company (with locations in Sechelt and Gibsons) carry high-quality, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oils you can drizzle onto your salads and bread. Farmers' markets across the Sunshine Coast sell savoury and sweet preserves, jams and jellies (plus condiments), while gift shops often stock unique candies and chocolates.
Sweet treats abound in Sechelt, where you can head to A Little Brit of Heaven for a taste of the UK, the Divine Sweets candy shop, or Local Tourist, a fun gift shop that stocks high-quality bars of chocolate along with portable games that are ideal for playing while you picnic. The Nutcracker in Powell River has bins of sweet treats from around the world, while Good Fridays Gibsons sells snacks and Bon Bon mixes. Christopher Norman chocolates come with a serious reputation—originally started in Soho, New York, these fine quality chocolates are now made in Halfmoon Bay and sold at shops and markets across the Sunshine Coast. Swing by the Halfmoon Bay General Store to pick up a box (or two), along with other snack items and grocery staples. Plant-based treats can be found at Just Soul Food at the Townsite Public Market, including chocolate-dipped bars and dairy-free cheesecake.
No picnic is complete without a refreshing beverage. For something truly local, swing by one of our local cideries and breweries where you can find one-off varietals plus seasonal and cask-aged beers only found on the Sunshine Coast. Plus, most offer charming picnic spots on sunny acreages and outdoor tasting areas where you can hunker down over good eats and sips. In Gibsons, sample the goods from Banditry, Sunday, or Persephone, and in Sechelt, Batch 44 Brewery and Brickers Cider. In Powell River, Townsite Brewing has you covered for tasty, Belgian-inspired ales. Most places sell non-alcoholic and zero-proof options as well, including apple sodas, kombucha, and low ABV beers.
Takeaway at Local Restaurants and Cafes
Half the fun of a picnic is putting together an epic spread to enjoy al fresco—but it’s also about maximizing your time outdoors. Some local cafes and restaurants have to-go options for a quick and easy meal solution.
Nourish Eatery has a stocked fridge with Korean- and Japanese-inspired handhelds and bowls, while the deli case at Gourmet Girl Cafe & Catering in Davis Bay offers an array of tempting eats, including salads, wraps and pastries. The Gibsons Butcher has delicious (and protein-packed) sandwiches, made fresh using high-quality sliced meats from their deli. Local pizzerias offer some delicious pies, while food trucks are always a handy option—and most are situated in already scenic, picnic-worthy locales, like cideries, wharfs, and beaches.
