Soak Up the Sun in Gibsons: A Walk Along BC’s Sunshine Coast

British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is a misunderstood curiosity. Often mistaken for an island, it’s a beautiful stretch of coastline accessible only by ferry or boat.

On this walking tour, you’ll discover the charming town of Gibsons, a coastal community where artists, fishers, and unique local history blend together in a setting that perfectly captures the relaxed Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

You’ll begin the tour at Fong’s Market and Gift Shop on the edge of Gibsons’ main strip before strolling toward its picturesque harbour. As you weave through town, you’ll explore wooden boardwalks, discover the vibrant Gibsons Public Market, and learn why this community has the highest concentration of artists per capita in the province. Along the way, I’ll tell you how this former fishing and logging community transformed into a sustainable tourism hub while maintaining its authentic coastal charm.

You’ll make your way along the waterfront where boats gather in the harbour, winding through quiet streets lined with galleries, cafés, and boutiques. The tour ends at the Gibsons Visitors Centre, where friendly locals will be glad to help you plan the rest of your Sunshine Coast adventure.

During this 45-minute stroll, you’ll have a chance to:

• Visit Molly’s Reach, the once-fictional restaurant from The Beachcombers that now serves up real meals to nostalgic visitors
• Browse through Reasons to Live Books, a charming independent bookstore with an eclectic selection
• Explore the Gibsons Public Market, where you can enjoy local specialties like smoked salmon and craft beer
• Stroll along Marine Park’s waterfront path, with views of the harbour and mountains beyond and learn about unique marine life like the wolf eel and ruby octopus
• Discover why Gibsons was the first community in British Columbia to recycle styrofoam and all about its award-winning environmental initiatives
• Visit the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives to dive deeper into regional history
• Hear stories about the Squamish First Nation, who have inhabited this area for thousands of years

As you walk through this picturesque coastal town, you’ll understand why so many artists, commuters, and nature lovers choose to call this special corner of British Columbia home.