Although connected to BC’s mainland, the Sunshine Coast feels like you are instantly transported to paradise because it’s only accessible by sea or air… a magnificent journey you will never forget!  The adventure begins with a 40 minute scenic ferry ride connecting you to a peaceful and enchanting place full of rich heritage and colorful communities.  This friendly, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is only topped by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you… and with all its charm, it will make you wonder why you haven’t come sooner.

Local Amenities in Sechelt

Trail Bay Estates is located minutes from the heart of downtown Sechelt and The Trail Bay Centre - a fully equipped shopping mall that comprises over 60 locally owned and operated businesses. Beside the mall is the Sechelt Public Library and The Sechelt Aquatic Centre with leisure pool, lap pool, lazy river, hot tub, steam room, sauna, weight room and fitness studio. Also close by is St. Mary's Hospital, the Sunshine Coast Arena, Schools and Capilano University Sunshine Coast Campus.

Geography

The Sunshine Coast is only 139 km (87 miles) stretching from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound and although connected to the mainland, the Lower and Upper Sunshine Coast is split by the Jervis Inlet which cuts in from the Malaspina Strait.  The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name with bright days outnumbering gloomy ones…the sun shines approximately 1,760 – 2,400 hours per year earning it the most temperate climate on BC’s coast.  Mild climate means summers full of golden sunshine and winters with almost no snow.

The town of Sechelt is located on the Sechelt Peninsula, also known as the Lower Sunshine Coast.  Sechelt’s most striking feature is the narrow isthmus it occupies – a 1.25 mile spit of land - which from the air seems barely sufficient to hold the outer waters of the Georgia Strait apart from the 100 miles of landlocked shoreline of the Sechelt Narrows and Salmon Inlets.  Beautiful waterfront defines Sechelt’s downtown.  Mountains, waterfalls and creeks create the sweeping coastline of Sechelt, giving the community a special place in your heart.

Sechelt Population

The District of Sechelt has a population of 9,000 people with a real sense of community.  The Sechelt area was originally occupied by the Shishalh Tribe, from which Sechelt took its name.  There are presently over 1,100 Shishalh and the Sechelt Indian Band is one of the most progressive bands in Canada - they were the first Canadian band to achieve self-government in 1986.  Their spirituality is seen on totem poles throughout the community.  There is an assortment of events such as the Sunshine Coast Writers Festival, Sechelt Celebration Days, Coast Recital Society Concert Series, Sunshine Coast Arts Centre Presentations, Fabric Arts Festival, Coasters Car Club Show & Shine and plenty of service groups and community clubs… something for everyone.

Directions

Separated from BC’s lower mainland by the Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast is easily accessible by sea and air – both being spectacular ways to see the coast.  Frequent sailings of BC Ferries brings Sechelt within two hours of downtown Vancouver via some of the most beautiful inlets and scenery hugging the coastline the entire way. From Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, a 40 minute ferry across Howe Sound lands at Langdale Ferry Terminal.  Sechelt is 23 km north on Highway 101.

Transportation

By Ferry:  A full schedule of ferries from Vancouver to Langdale runs daily with additional sailings during busy periods.
By Plane:  The easiest way to reach Sechelt is by air – it’s only a 25 minute flight from Vancouver Airport.  There are scheduled daily float plane services from Vancouver Airport, Victoria and Nanaimo.  Facilities are available for private aircraft at the Sechelt Airport.
By Bus:  Malaspina Coach Line travels daily to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver.  There is also a municipal transit service running between Sechelt and Langdale Ferry Terminal if you walked aboard.