Gibsons
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Gibsons is a coastal community of 4,600 (2016) on the lower Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Canada. It is the main marine gateway to the Sunshine Coast.
Understand
Although Gibsons is on the British Columbia mainland, the Sunshine Coast is not accessible by road. Vehicle access is by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, a 40-minute crossing or a ferry from Vancouver Island. Gibsons is best known in Canada as the setting of the popular and long running CBC Television series The Beachcombers, which aired from 1972 to 1990. The storefront "Molly's Reach", now a cafe, the restored tug Persephone, and a display about the series at the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives are popular Gibsons attractions. Gibsons is a popular retirement destination, and has also attracted many artists and musicians.
History
The town was established in 1886 by George Gibson and his sons. It was incorporated in 1929 as "Gibson's Landing", and in 1947 the name was changed to "Gibsons" at the request of the residents. The town is now split between the seaside area known as "Lower Gibsons" and "Upper Gibsons. "Lower Gibsons" is mostly residential, but also has shops and restaurants that cater mostly to vacationers. "Upper Gibsons", which is clustered along Highway 101, contains the commercial areas of town, including Sunnycrest Mall, the town's two major supermarkets, and a variety of fast food restaurants.Get in
By boat
Langdale Ferry TerminalOperated by BC Ferries. The ferry out of Horseshoe Bay (in West Vancouver) leaves every 2 hours and it is a 40-minute ferry ride to Langdale. First and last sailings of the day are dependent on the season and time of week, so check online. Cost is $12.85/$6.45(adult/child) in peak season; cars are $43.20. The fare to Langdale is return, so you do not have to pay to leave.
By plane
Gibsons is accessible by float plane to the harbour and by small aircraft to Sechelt Airport (YHS), approximately northwest of town. The nearest major airport is located in Vancouver (YVR).By car
Gibsons is on the south end of Highway 101 (Sunshine Coast Highway); however, ferry travel is required. Highway 101 continues northwest.See
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Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre
phone: +1 604-886-8814address: 473 Gower Point RoadHouses 30 exhibits displaying natural habitat and local marine fish and invertebrates from the waters of the Howe Sound. -
Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives
phone: +1 604-886-8232address: 716 Winn RoadSmall museum showcasing the local history.
Do
- Kayak or canoe - explore the waters off Gibsons Harbour, venturing over to local islands like Keats Island and Gambier Island. Alternatively, kayak up Sechelt Inlet, watching out for dolphins and deer.
- Fishing - Gibsons offers prime salmon fishing: coho, chinook, chum, pink, and sockeye. Further up the coast, anglers love the trout fishing at Trout Lake, Sakinaw Lake, and Ruby Lake. Fishing charters and equipment rentals are available.
- Hiking up Soames Hill offers a superb view of the region around Gibsons
Buy
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phone: +1 604-886-8814address: 473 Gower Point RoadGrab farm-fresh produce and crafts by local artisans. The Market is also home to the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre, where you learn all about the local underwater world in Howe Sound.
Eat
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phone: +1 604-886-5858address: 546 Gibsons WayFarm to table restaurant, serving west coast cuisine, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients, beer and wine.
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phone: +1 604-886-9710address: 647 School RoadOne of the chief locations in the CBC’s longest running Canadian drama The Beachcombers. Specials are posted daily, soups are made from scratch and the desserts are baked in their own kitchen. The coffee is roasted locally by the Strait coffee company.
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phone: +1 604-840-0004address: 611 School Road on the wharfAll meat products are smoked on site with hardwood to create the southern flavours for pulled pork, chicken, fish and brisket sandwiches.
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phone: +1 604-886-4665address: 643 School RoadOysters and seafood, burgers, chicken wings and steaks.
Drink
Pubs & breweries
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phone: +1 604-886-6682address: 966 Venture WayPub with full menu.
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phone: +1 778-462-3007address: 1053 Stewart Road11-acre farm and craft micro-brewery.
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phone: +1 778-462-BEERaddress: 537 Cruice LaneMicrobrewery.
Cafes
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address: 264 Gower Point Road
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phone: +1 604-886-1716address: 467 Marine Drive
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phone: +1 604-562-0024address: 459 Marine Drive
Sleep
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phone: +1 604-886-4270address: Gower Point RoadOn an acre of ocean view land, surrounded by majestic west coast cedars. A BBQ is available for guest use. Breakfast provided. Swimming pool, hot tub, gardens and terrace.
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phone: +1 604-886-2887address: 1532 Ocean Beach EsplanadeA 7-suite Lodge sitting on stunning ocean front property. Restaurant on site.
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phone: +1 604-886-4638address: 963 Gibsons Way52-room property within easy walking distance of restaurants, galleries and boutiques and 1.5 km from the waterfront. Hot breakfast included, heated indoor pool, a dry sauna, a well-equipped fitness room, garden courtyard and business center. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, self-serve laundry.
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phone: +1 604-886-2419address: 835 Gibsons WayFree Wi-Fi, mini fridges and microwaves in every room, and cable TV. A few pet-friendly rooms.
Connect
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Gibsons Visitor Information Centre
phone: +1 604-886-2374address: 417 Marine DriveLocated in the heart of Gibsons Landing in Pioneer Park, just steps from the public wharf and has a great view of Gibsons harbour. Carries maps and a wide range of free resource materials.