Paradise awaits: Fall in love with the Sunshine Coast in June
With a full slate of events set for June, this is the perfect time to visit the Sunshine Coast
With rugged mountain ranges to your left, bountiful forests to your right and pristine lakes and sandy beaches caressing your toes, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Sunshine Coast. For those seeking authentic outdoor adventures, immersive wildlife experiences and a glimpse into the history and culture of traditional First Nations territories, Sunshine Coast is a veritable paradise.
With event season just around the corner, and the kids still in school (hello primo beach spot!), this is the perfect time to explore the area, located only a hop, skip and a ferry-ride away from Vancouver.
Stretching 180 km across the Salish Sea in southwest British Columbia, and thanks to towering mountains encasing the region, the Sunshine Coast is accessible by air and water — only adding to its idyllic charm and appeal.
So what are you waiting for? Avoid the peak season crowds and book that seaplane or hop on a ferry and be sure to check out one (or many!) of our must-do events and activities this summer.
Pender Harbour Blues Festival June 1-3, Pender Harbour, various locations
The 15th annual Pender Harbour Blues Festival returns, with a stacked line-up of rock, blues, jazz and R&B musicians ready to hum sweet nothings into your ears. Think crooner Jim Byrnes and boogie woogie-blues piano man Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne. With concert tickets as low as $20, why not stay the weekend at nearby Backeddy Resort & Marina in Egmont — only a 20-minute drive away from the action.
Get Outside
Remember what I said about paradise? Take advantage of it. With kilometre upon kilometre of winding coastline, your outdoor adventure options are endless. For those partial to the water, rent a kayak or splurge on a sailboat and explore Sechelt or Princess Louisa Inlets, or venture further north to Western Canada’s largest marine park, Desolation Sound. Thrill-seekers should strap on their surfboards and head to the Skookumchuck Narrows, which connects the Sechelt and Jervis Inlets with the open waters of the Georgia Straight. As the tide changes and passes through the narrow opening, a truly awe-inspiring natural phenomenon occurs, creating turbulent rapids, whirlpools and towering waves. With several lakes to explore, freshwater fishing or paddle boarding at dusk is a must. If you prefer to stay on dry land, hike, bike or horseback ride through one of approximately 844 identified trails along the coast. Cap off your day in one of Pender Harbour Resort & Marina’s yurts, nestled amongst the trees.
Puddle Jumper Classic June 9, Roberts Creek
Dust off your running shoes and join the Sunshine Coast’s first-ever ultra marathon. If the 25 km course seems like a walk in the park, test your limits with the 50 km track, spanning from Roberts Creek to Gibsons and back again. This is a great excuse to explore some of the coast’s rugged trail networks — prepare to climb hills, skip over tree roots and of course, jump over puddles. If running’s not your thing, go cheer on the brave souls participating.
Explore the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail
The Sunshine Coast has truly made a name for itself within the craft beverage industry over the last few years. Start your journey at Persephone Brewing Co. (pronounced per-se-fo-knee, not per-se-fone, you know you got it wrong) in Gibsons, sipping on a Goddess Golden Ale. As a certified B Corp., meaning they truly care about social and environmental sustainability, you can feel good about drinking beer. Make your way down the road to Gibsons Tapworks followed closely by The 101 Brewhouse + Distillery – ample taste sensations await. Do not, I repeat, do not leave town without trying Brickers Hopped dry cider, from family-owned and operated Bricker Cider Company in West Sechelt. In fact, plan to stay the afternoon exploring the onsite orchard and enjoying the sunshine in their expansive outdoor picnic area. You’ll leave feeling like part of the family, too. All within a 30km radius! Finally, make your way northwest to Townsite Brewing Inc in the heart of Powell River for one of their seasonal brews — the sours and saisons will not disappoint.
PRISMA
June 11-23, Powell River, Evergreen Theatre
For lovers of the symphony, the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) hosts a 13-day festival celebrating all things classical. Featuring ensembles and soloists wowing crowds with renditions of Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky. Fancy learning an instrument yourself ? Join a masterclass and become the oboe or cello player you always wished to be! Individual concert tickets are $25, or enjoy the entire festival for only $90. Insiders tip: head down to Willingdon Beach for a free concert on June 16.
Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival June 15-17, Gibsons, various locations
Presented by the Sunshine Coast Jazz and Entertainment Society, this volunteer-run threeday festival aims to support local talent while enhancing cultural awareness and boosting community involvement — plus it’ll get your toes tapping. Naturally, jazz is paired best with red wine, so book yourself an oceanfront room at the Bonniebrook Lodge, only an eight-minute taxi ride from downtown Gibsons. Be sure to try the herb-crusted rack of lamb downstairs at Chasters Restaurant, with another glass of red, of course.
Relax, refresh, rejuvenate
If kicking your feet up and unwinding feels long overdue, the Sunshine Coast has got you covered. Enjoy what the locals refer to as “Coast time”, and take advantage of life at a slower pace. With an abundance of secluded beaches it’s easy to find space to call your own and take time to stop, smell the ocean and read a good book. Follow that with a visit to one of numerous worldclass spas, ready to take you on a tranquil journey to inner utopia. Freedom Spa, for example, offers an array of treatments such as hot stone and deep tissue massage, coming right to your suite at the Sunshine Coast Resort in Madeira Park. After your treatment, step out onto your balcony with a view of the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
Still not convinced? With plenty of new restaurants, breweries and retail shops popping up often, not to mention climbing gyms and a marine education centre — now is the time to explore the Sunshine Coast.