Romance, Sunshine Coast style

A romantic escape to the Coast

By Geneva Janzen

Story courtesy of Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region

With such invigorating natural beauty, it's not surprising that the Sunshine Coast is featured in The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest guidebook. One of the best-kept secrets on the West Coast, amorous-minded couples can find plenty of creative and exciting ways to spend time together, from relishing private spas and savory seafood to discovering waterfalls and ancient pictographs. And of course if romance is part of the itinerary there's no shortage of amazing lookouts and hideaways.

Where peace and quiet reign, eagles soar, and finding a secluded shore is easy. This is the Sunshine Coast, a medley of mainland peninsulas and islands accessible only by water or air.

Regular ferry runs to Langdale at the southern end and to Powell River in the north provide service to the Sunshine Coast. Located north of Vancouver, the short journey away from the fast pace of city life can itself give one a sense of departing from life's everyday pressures.

Cruising, sailing, and touring by air are a few attractive ways to enjoy the spectacular vistas of coastline and mountains afforded by the area. Touring Princess Louisa Inlet one finds impressive Chatterbox Falls cascading to the ocean from towering rocky cliffs. Hikers exploring a few of the many trails along the Coast can find more concealed waterfalls as well as ancient Douglas Fir, red cedar, and yellow cedars.

Skookumchuk Narrows is a particularly moving sight, where powerful tidal rapids can surge to world-record speeds during changing of the tides. Genuinely exhilarating the narrows can be viewed by boat and from Skookumchuk Narrows Provincial Park by following an easily accessible trail through impressive old growth forest.

For those who enjoy more self-propelled discovery, there are abundant lakes and inlets perfect for paddling and swimming. With kayak and canoe rentals, try taking lessons, an extended expedition, a cultural history tour, or an idyllic evening paddle under the full moon. Perhaps a campfire or starlight picnic could be arranged.

Most beaches along the Sunshine Coast are rocky, tranquil, and invite swimming, sunning, or beach combing. A handful of sandy beaches can also be found, such as popular Davis Bay, Porpoise Bay, and Katherine Lake, and the less frequented but very amazing Thormanby Islands and Savory Island. Intriguing wildlife and marine life colour the seascape, including seagulls, starfish, sunstars, and jellyfish. Great Blue Herons are often seen fishing by the shores, and curious seals poke their heads up from the water to spy on passers by.

Lovers of fresh seafood can catch their own, with a fishing-license, which can be obtained at marinas, sports stores, and government offices. Try chartering with local guides or renting equipment. Casting a line from Davis Bay's picturesque pier during high tide can be opportune for catching not only fish, but also unforgettable sunsets and misty mornings.

Those who believe that fish-charming is best left to the experts can enjoy succulent cuisine at unique restaurants and bistros, where seafood is generally affordable and fresh. There are quite a good variety of places to eat out all along the Sunshine Coast, from quaint coffee shops and cozy family bistros to fine ocean-view dining with an intimate and romantic ambiance. A few of the well-established restaurants, as well as other sites of course, have interesting histories that remind us to reminisce how life ways on the Coast have changed and how they remain the same.

It could be the amazing scenery or maybe it is the delightfully relaxed atmosphere inspiring so much creativity in the communities along the Sunshine Coast. A good selection of vibrant galleries, shops and museums feature local work, while several artists who work with a variety of mediums open their personal studios for tours. The House of Hewhiwus (House of Chiefs) in Sechelt is a good place to begin learning about the culture and history of the Sechelt First Nation and the history of fishing and logging in the area. Musicians, theatre troupes, poets, and dancers often enliven local venues. A few famous entertainers and celebrities, too, are rumoured to frequent their secret Sunshine Coast hideaways.

Annual festivals highlight the summer months, from the fireworks displays during Gibsons' Sea Cavalcade and Powell River's Sea Fair, to the sounds of the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival. Rockwood Centre in Sechelt, where the acclaimed Festival of the Written Arts takes place, has an enchanting garden just a few minutes from Pebbles Beach. Picturesque sea walks border the ocean near to the village centres in several of the communities, including Gibsons Landing, Davis Bay, and Sechelt.

Choosing the quintessential accommodation for a romantic escape to the Sunshine Coast requires some creative thinking and research, because each place has unique characteristics appealing to differing tastes and interests. Most accommodations are relatively peaceful and near to the ocean. Some Bed & Breakfasts, resorts, and motels provide romantic accoutrements such as special "honeymoon" or "romantic" suites, jacuzzis, fireplaces, bouquets, gazebos, wine, and dining. Others offer unique add-on activities with room packages, including discount golf packages, mountain biking or kayaking excursions, fishing charters, and coastal eco-tours and cruises. As part of a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat, some health and wellness packages are replete with spas, saunas, professional massages and other more exotic comforts like seaweed wraps and chakra balancing.

Other accommodations are appealing for being isolated and pristine: a self-catering cottage sequestered by the shore or a wilderness campsite enveloped by tall trees.

Finally, for adventurous souls who believe that the journey should be just as rewarding as the destination, try hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing to very rustic accommodations: stay in a wilderness cabin or tote a tent. Four cabins are located in the Tetrahedron Recreation Area, the only area in BC's Coast Mountains with a cabin-to-cabin backcountry system. Another cabin is located along the 180 kilometre long Sunshine Coast Trail by Powell River.

There is also a heritage water tower suitable for staying over night in Spitiyus Provincial Park, by the Mount Hallowell hiking trail in the Caren Range, near to a waterfall. Cedars at least 1800 years old are nestled in the park, a place that most locals don't even get to because it is off the beaten track. With knowledge of the area and careful footsteps, some of the most unforgettable natural beauty and rare wildlife are to be found.

For more information about the locations and condition of rustic wilderness cabins please contact one of the visitor information centres and ask for the appropriate contact numbers. Or call BC Parks for the latest information on parks at (604) 898-3678. If you go, beware the bears, cougars, mountain goats, raccoons, and deer.

Whether you desire a rejuvenating retreat, quality time with a friend you love, or refreshing ways to spark (or rekindle) romance, the Sunshine Coast is definitely a place worth discovering. Especially for those who enjoy experiencing the outdoors. The Sunshine Coast is bound to stir some unforgettable experiences. If you go, get creative!

1. Kraemer, Laura and Linnea Lundgren. The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest, 7th Edition. Beginning Press: Tukwila, WA, 1998. Distributed by Raincoast Books: Vancouver, BC, and Publisher's Group West: Berkeley, CA.

2. Sunshine and Salt Air: The Sunshine Coast Visitor's Guide. Harbour Publishing, Madeira Park, BC, 1997.

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Romance, Sunshine Coast style

WHERE TO STAY

WHAT TO DO

DINING

ABOUT THE COAST

TRAVEL EXTRAS

CONVENTIONS/ GROUP TRAVEL

CONTACT US

SEARCH/HELP

ADVERTISE ON THIS SITE

Romance, Sunshine Coast style

ABOUT THE
COAST

CONVENTIONS/
GROUP TRAVEL