Monday 30 April 2012

Community Guide: Wilson Creek / Davis Bay

These two cozy communities are all clustered along the shores of Trail Bay and offer beautiful views of the Strait of Georgia.

Davis Bay Pier Sunset

WHAT WE'RE FAMOUS FOR:
  • Savour the sunset at Davis Bay; it's one of the best spots to do so
  • Dakota Ridge winter recreation including 13km of groomed cross country ski trails and 8km of snowshoe trails with fabulous views
  • Wilson Creek is home to the Sechelt Airport where small private aircraft can land

Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation

THINGS TO DO:    
  • Storm watching from the Davis Bay Seawall & Pier
  • Visit Chapman Creek Fish Hatchery, view salmon fingerlings, the onsite educational centre where you can learn about the life cycle of a salmon and net a trout or two for a great BBQ treat
  • Hike Chapman Creek Trail, if you can handle a bit of exertion and a couple of muddy holes to cross, and a lot of nature and tranquility, this is definitely the place to go. 
  • Enjoy a fabulous steak dinner at Sirens by the Sea Steakhouse
  • Try one of the many flavours of gelato at Pier 17
  • Shop for antiques or treasures at the Mosaic Market
  • Have a tarot session in the Reading Room at Shanti Gifts 
 
Chapman Creek Trail
Photo Courtesy of Davis Bay B&B

2012 FESTIVALS and EVENTS: 

Kids Catch a Trout Day
Chapman Creek Hatchery
Davis Bay Seawalk

Standup Paddle Boarding
Photo Courtesy of Davis Bay B&B
Mission Point Park
Photo Courtesy of Davis Bay B&B

Kite Surfing
Photo Courtesy of Davis Bay B&B
Davis Bay Pier
Photo Courtesy of Sunshine Coast Tourism
 

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Community Guide: Roberts Creek


An unconventional and eclectic community, Roberts Creek is home to quiet beaches, rambling gardens, superb hiking and biking trails, and many talented artisans.

Roberts Creek Provincial Park Beach
WHAT WE'RE FAMOUS FOR:
  • The beach that stretches forever and Roberts Creek Pier
  • The Gumboot Cafe
  • B&K Road - some of the best single track mountain biking in all of BC
  • Mandala Painting 
Roberts Creek Pier - Mandala Painting
Photo Courtesy of Sunshine Coast Tourism

 THINGS TO DO:   
Cliff Gilker Park
Photo Courtesy of Arcturus Retreat


2012 FESTIVALS and EVENTS:

Sunshine Coast Golf Course
Photo Courtesy of Sunshine Coast Golf Course



Roberts Creek Beach
Photo Courtesy of Captain J's Seaside Retreat



Roberts Creek Provincial Park
Photo Courtesy of Arcturus Retreat

Purple Starfish
Gorgeous Gardens
Purchase fresh cut flowers on the roadside
Roberts Creek Beach
Photo Courtesy of Arcturus Retreat


Wednesday 18 April 2012

Community Guide: Gibsons

It's good to be alive when you can play outside and there is no better place to do that than in the seaside town of Gibsons, your welcoming point to the Sunshine Coast.  

Gibsons Harbour

WHAT WE'RE FAMOUS FOR:
  • The Beachcombers (CBC TV Series) - Take your picture with the Persephone and Molly's Reach
  • Majestic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountain Range
  • Voted the most livable community of its size in the world (winner of the 2009 livCom Gold Award)
  • Voted best water in the world (winner of the 2005 Berkeley Springs Water Tasting Contest)
Gibsons Sunset
Photo Courtesy of Soames Point Bed and Breakfast
THINGS TO DO:                   
  • Head to the harbour for a boat tour or rent your own boat or kayak
  • Hike to the summit of Soames Hill
  • Visit the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives
  • Treat yourself to locally made gelato at Mike's Place
  • Take a peek at the Swallow’s Nest, a treasure trove of vintage and eclectic furniture & wares
  • Beachcomb, picnic, hike, lounge on one of many restaurant patios
  • Visit one of the many local art galleries along the harbour.
  • Find that special item or basket full of produce at one of the many organic produce farms
  • Take a water taxi to Gambier or Keats Islands for hiking or buying local crafts and artwork
Soames Hill
Photo Courtesy of Arcturus Retreat
2012 FESTIVALS and EVENTS:
Sea Cavalcade Parade
Photo Courtesy of Soames Point Bed and Breakfast

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay to Langdale
Photo Courtesy of Soames Point Bed and Breakfast
Sea Cavalcade
Photo Courtesy of Soames Point Bed and Breakfast

Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival
Photo Courtesy of Arcturus Retreat
Howe Sound Outrigger Races
Photo Courtesy of Arcturus Retreat


Thursday 5 April 2012

Chasters New Wine Bar | Gibsons BC


Wine Cellar
The grape news from the Sunshine Coast is the NEW Chasters Wine Bar at Bonniebrook Lodge in Gibsons.  Opened in March, this new wine & tapas bar serves a wide selection of wines, handcrafted martinis and a delectable small plates menu for sharing or creating your own casual dinner.

Not only do they offer wines by the glass, but you can sample from various “flights” developed to give you the perfect wine sampling.  

Fresh Ginger Martini
Lina and Mark have created a unique place on the Sunshine Coast - a great ocean view, music, tasty food, great wines, classy atmosphere and very friendly hosts.  

In the kitchen, the chef rocks the place with exciting fresh tapas, here are just a few of the delicious nibbles!
  • Chorizo, red peppers & goat cheese flat bread
  • Coconut curry prawns or chicken with fresh seasonal vegetables & basmati rice
  • Cheese Plate with a  selection of 4 different cheeses, fruit, nuts, crackers & chutney
  • KENNEBEC frites with truffle salt, aioli & parmesan cheese
Of course, you can always stay for dinner too- just check out Chasters Restaurant! The Wine Bar & Restaurant are currently open Wednesday to Saturday from 6:00pm. 

Visiting the Sunshine Coast Easter Weekend?  Be sure to peruse their Easter Weekend Menu available April 6, 7 & 8.  Reservations Recommended

Bonniebrook Lodge & Chasters Restaurant & Wine Bar