Here’s why the Sunshine Coast makes the perfect long weekend destination.

Looking for a romantic getaway from city life? The Sunshine Coast is the picture-perfect oasis that boasts a 177-kilometre coastline of quiet beaches, impressive forests, and a series of charming coastal villages (complete with cozy cafés, microbreweries, and artist studios)… What are you waiting for? It’s time to get packing.

Getting there: To ferry or to fly

The 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay to Langdale will you have you feeling as if you’ve been transported a million miles away. Or a 20-minute seaplane trip (direct from downtown Vancouver to Sechelt) will get you there even faster than your regular home-to-work commute.

Things to do: Eat, hike, & canoe

Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market
A must-visit, this quaint market offers up plenty of delicious foods, pottery, handicrafts, carvings, toys, and handmade soaps.

Microbreweries
The Sunshine Coast’s Ale Trail features award-winning craft breweries, including Powell River’s Townsite Brewing and Gibsons’ 101 Brewhouse and Distillery (once an automotive repair shop).

Self-directed art tour
The highest percentage of artists per capita in Canada live in the Sunshine Coast. Visit an art gallery or check out the annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl featuring 100+ venues.

Ruby Lake
Rent a canoe at Ruby Lake and explore crystal-clear waters and secluded bays.

Burnett Falls
Pack in some exercise with a short hike to Burnett Falls. The half-hour hike leads to a magnificent view of the “Falls” across the canyon.

Smitty’s Oyster House
In the mood for oysters? This is your spot. Grab a sunny seat at the outdoor communal long table in Gibsons before you ferry home.
 

Where to stay: The best beds
 
Secret Cove Treehouse
Stay at a treetop retreat overlooking the fjords of Secret Cove, and take a relaxing soak in an outdoor hot tub. The Secret Cove Treehouse is as serene as it is charming–the suites are complete with terry-cloth robes and furry throws.

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort
Choose a historic “fisherman’s” cabin, or splurge for a luxury tenthouse with majestic views of the water. Then top the weekend off at this dreamy location with room service: beech mushrooms and kale eggs benny or buttermilk pancakes with bourbon-infused maple syrup.