Gibsons
Sunshine Coast Tourism/ Regan Hately Gibsons

Gibsons

Ch’ḵw’elhp

Gibsons is the entryway to the Sunshine Coast for many people, thanks to the fact that it’s just a short 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal) to the Langdale Ferry Terminal. The community sits at the southwest corner of Howe Sound, perched on a hillside overlooking several small islands. Fans of the classic CBC TV show The Beachcombers might recognize parts of Gibsons from the show, including the restaurant Molly’s Reach.

Gibsons is located on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Approximately 4,758 people call the Gibsons area home (with more people living in the Elphinstone and West Howe Sound areas surrounding the Town of Gibsons), and it’s a popular spot for artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Stop by the Gibsons Visitor Centre during your visit to talk to local experts who can give you advice on things to see and do. You can also pick up travel guides, brochures, and maps, and purchase some cool souvenirs. The Gibsons Visitor Centre is located at the top of the stairs across from Winegarden Park (a venue full of live music and other festivities during the spring and summer), and is just a short walk from many of the major attractions in Gibsons Landing.

Go straight from our Visitor Centre on foot, scooter, or bike to places like the seawall, the historic marina, the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, Gibsons Public Market, Tidepools Aquarium, and so much more!

Gibsons, BC

Click the "play" button to get a glimpse of life in Gibsons.

Things to Do

Indoor attractions like the Gibsons Public Art GalleryThe KubeSunshine Coast Museum & Archives, and the Tidepools Aquarium are a great way to spend the day. Looking for night life? Grab a meal or a have a drink and watch some theatre, catch a local band, or get competitive at a trivia night. 

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Do some beachcombing and catch a sunset on the beach, hike to scenic viewpoints or waterfalls, or take your mountain bike for a spin. 

If you’re looking for the perfect place to start, try the seawall path which spans from beyond the Gibsons Marina to Armors Beach. This is a mostly flat walk with many opportunities to leave the path and enjoy some Gibsons Landing sites. You can easily access this trail at the bottom of Winegarden Park, just down the hill from the Gibsons Visitor Centre

When the forest is calling, take the trails of Sprockids Bike Park through the beautiful temperate rainforest at the foot of Mount Elphinstone. This bike park is also where you’ll find the path to hike to Langdale Falls. For a quick bit of cardio and a picnic spot with an unbeatable view, hike up the stairs of Soames Hill.

After all that hiking and biking, you’ll want to cool off at the beach. While driving along coastal roads like Gower Point Road, keep a look out for beach access signs, and you’ll discover some amazing spots for swimming, lounging, and putting your stand-up paddleboard or kayak into the water. Marine exploration is a highlight of Gibsons, with so many islands to explore and beaches to discover. You can BYOB (bring your own boat) or rent one while here, and there are also tours and fishing charters available.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of places to stay in Gibsons. Traditional hotels are located in Upper Gibsons, while B&Bs, short term rentals of all sizes, and other unique accommodations are available throughout Upper and Lower Gibsons. If you find yourself travelling with a large group, you can find large houses, group hotel room deals, and off-season summer camps available to book. 

No matter where you stay, you will never be far away from the scenic beauty that surrounds Gibsons. When travelling during high traffic months, it is important to book early, as Gibsons has been known to sell out weeks in advance.

Food and Drink

One of many things about Gibsons that any foodie will enjoy is the amount of farm fresh goodies that are available. Travel between farm stands and farmers markets to discover fresh items and visit some of the farms that are open to the public, such as Banditry Cider’s orchard and Persephone Brewing’s hops farm. With an ever-growing list of breweries, cideries, and distilleries, Gibsons is a great destination for craft beverages.

You also won’t want to miss the many specialty food stores, bakeries, and even coffee roasters that call Gibsons home. There are also plenty of great restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes.

Events

Any visitor to Gibsons should try to catch a live event featuring local and visiting talent. With plenty of venues for live music and other performances, there’s a good chance that you can catch something any weekend of the year. 

Seasonally you can look forward to weekly events such as the summer Music in the Landing series and Farmers’ Markets. Annual events include the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival in early summer and the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl in the fall.

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