Summer is upon us, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoor and indoor nightlife of the Sunshine Coast. Whether you’re into stargazing, sunset paddling, enjoying good food and drinks with friends, or checking out a movie or live event, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the prolonged summer days. 

Sunset & Night Paddling

There’s nothing like a Sunshine Coast sunset. And one of the best places to see one is from the water. Take your kayak or paddleboard out for a sunset paddle, or book a sunset kayaking tour with a local operator such as Terracentric Coastal Adventures, the Egmont Adventure Centre, or Alpha Adventures.

Halfmoon Sea Kayaks also offers a Full Moon tour on nights when—you guessed it—there’s a full moon, along with unscheduled evening tours for up to 6 paddlers. And Metta Eco Experiences offers an Into the Night Kayak Journey where you can enjoy the bioluminescent glow of Sechelt Inlet. This natural phenomenon occurs when living organisms such as phytoplankton emit light when they’re disturbed. So, as you dip your paddle into the ocean, the sea sparkles—and it’s an amazing sight to behold.

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Book a sunset paddle tour. Photo: Brian K. Smith

Restaurants & Breweries

The Sunshine Coast is home to unique restaurants and breweries that are perfect for whiling away an evening with friends and family. Indulge in some delicious food and signature drinks or craft beer. There are several amazing patios here on the coast, offering up beautiful views or simply the opportunity to enjoy the night air. 

Another option is to order takeout food and head back to your cozy accommodations for a quiet evening in. There are a wide range of accommodations on the Sunshine Coast, and most offer private decks, balconies or outdoor spaces to enjoy! 

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Enjoy food, drinks, and fun events at local breweries. Photo: BC Ale Trail/Geoff Tomlin-Hood

Movies & Events

Movie theatres on the Sunshine Coast aren’t like those in big cities—they are small, typically feature one or two movies at a time, and offer one nightly showing. It makes for a more intimate and community-minded movie experience. You can catch a movie at the renowned Patricia Theatre (Canada’s oldest continually running movie theatre) in Powell River, the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt, and the Gibsons Cinema.

There are also plenty of events to enjoy on the Sunshine Coast. Visit a local brewery for events such as trivia nights, live music, karaoke, or check out venues such as the Heritage Playhouse, local Royal Canadian Legion chapters, High Beam Dreams, and the Evergreen Theatre for live music and more. Visit the Coast Cultural Alliance event calendar to see what’s happening across the region.

An exterior shot of the Patricia Theatre.
Catch a movie at the Patricia Theatre. Photo: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Shayd Johnson

Stargazing

Stargazing on the Sunshine Coast is a popular pastime—and our location is far enough removed from the bright lights of Vancouver to make the stars more visible. Stake out a spot on a local beach and watch as the stars come out to shine. Bring some local treats to enjoy (check out our Best Bakeries post for ideas) and a blanket, and if you happen to be musical, this might be just the time to whip out your guitar and play some laid-back tunes.

The more secluded the spot you find, the better. Places such as the Sunshine Coast TrailPowell Forest Canoe Route, and Klahoose Wilderness Resort are more remote, and offer some excellent stargazing opportunities. But no matter where you are, we encourage you to look up and enjoy the view.

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The magic of a starry night. Photo: Darrin Greene

Looking for more things to see and do on the Sunshine Coast? Check out our accommodationsthings to do, and dining pages.