I explored this magical little BC town with sparkling beaches and cozy vibes
And it's only an hour away from the city!
Oceanfront dock on the Sunshine Coast. Right: Park in Gibsons BC.
There's a particular patch of B.C.'s Sunshine Coast that can only be described as part hippie haven — part nine kilometres of sun-drenched shoreline, and entirely perfect for dropping everything and declaring a long weekend… permanently.
For decades, this little coastal pocket has been a magnet for free spirits — many (such as myself) fleeing the tyranny of Google calendar reminders.
If you're craving an escape, a reset, or just a blissfully easy summer day, here's my complete guide to spending it in a little-known gem on the Sunshine Coast — Roberts Creek.
Getting to Roberts Creek from Vancouver is as breezy as the place itself. Hop on a 40-minute BC ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, then it's just a 15-minute drive along the coast. (There's also a bus from Gibsons if you're looking to keep it car-free).
Get your coffee fix
Before you make your way to Roberts Creek, ease into Sunshine Coast life with an aimless wander through Gibsons Landing. Pick up a coffee (because what's the point of anything if you don't) and make your way down to Winegarden Waterfront Park. Here, you can sit back and admire the view of Keats Island — perfect for channelling your inner Hallmark leading lady who's just moved back to her small town or pretending you’re an up-and-coming landscape artist. Either works.
If you want brunch (please, you're on vacation, of course you want brunch!) Molly's Reach is the spot. It's the former set of CBC’s The Beachcombers (one of Canada's longest-running TV shows that ran for 387 episodes). The series wrapped in 1990, but the now-restaurant serves breakfast with a side of kitschy '80s seaside nostalgia.
Then get your beach fix
It seems amiss to go on a Sunshine Coast vacation without promptly hitting the beach. From the small town centre, Roberts Creek Beach is just a short walk away. Here, you'll also find the Roberts Creek Pier, which offers peak small-town charm — driftwood bench seats, locals reminding you not to miss their soap stand at the farmer's market, and sweeping views of the Georgia Strait.
At low tide, you can wander the sandbar moonlighting as a castaway (if castaways carried oat milk lattes and took photos on disposable cameras). Paddleboards and kayaks, as I've both witnessed and been assured, launch effortlessly from the beach, so bring your gear if you're the kind of person who has a rig on top of their car and/or owns a dry bag.
Head to the farmers market
Farm-to-table is not just a buzzword on the Sunshine Coast, it's an entire personality. A committed lifestyle. Every Wednesday afternoon (1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) the tiny community gathers around the Roberts Creek Community Hall for the Roberts Creek Farmers Market and turns it into a mini festival of local goodies.
More than a dozen farmers and artisans bring everything from fresh produce, eggs, and winter greens to handmade soaps (they've already told you about this when you were at the Pier), fudge, and baked goods. There's also live music providing your afternoon soundtrack and hot meals for you to grab-and-go. The whole scene is painfully quaint and adorable.
Get into nature
One turn off the Sunshine Coast Highway takes you to Cliff Gilker Park — a network of short, well-kept trails (most under 2 km) that lead to a waterfall. (In my humble opinion, if a hike/walk in nature doesn't end with at least a view, waterfall, or meal, I don't see the point). Cliff Gilker is an easy detour that delivers maximum outdoorsy cred with minimal effort. Plus, you can come back to the city and say you spent part of your day "forest bathing," which is insufferable, but also fun.
Sip on some cider
You've hiked, you're parched, but there's no need to reach for your water bottle when just a short drive away is Sunday Cider! (I am constantly severely dehydrated, so take from this what you will.)
Nevertheless, this local cidery offers a charming outdoor cider bar and picnic area set in an apple orchard. Their drinks are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. There are food trucks. There are dogs lounging in the sun. Need I say more?
Tine for snacks
If shellfish is your love language, Smitty's Oyster House is your soulmate. A former marine repair shop turned seafood destination, it was recommended to me by locals with an almost religious fervour. Perched on the edge of Gibsons Harbour is a working wharf, where you can watch halibut and crab trawlers unload their catch while you wait for yours to hit the table. (I told you, the farm-to-table thing is big here).
Enjoy a night cap
One thing about me? I love a legion. It's the one place you can pretty much guarantee won't run into anyone you know — blissful anonymity, guaranteed. The Roberts Creek Legion is no exception. It's a delightfully unpretentious haunt, serving as one of the town's live music hubs with social events all year round (including but not limited to open mic & jam, live music, and DJ nights).
Whether you're here for the beach, the forest bathing, the digital detox, or the community vibe that feels permanently tuned to “take a deep breath, it's weekend mode,” this sandy stretch of shoreline on the Sunshine Coast definitely delivers.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.