This BC harbour town is an underrated gem with charming streets and clear-water beaches
It's just a ferry ride away from Vancouver!
BC Ferries. Right: Sunshine Coast.
There's no shortage of beautiful waterfront small towns in B.C., but this one is among the best.
Just a 40-minute ride on BC Ferries will bring you from West Vancouver to this little town, with quaint streets alongside a calm harbour, and nearby beaches that call for a summer vacation.
Local boutiques and small businesses fill the streets of this place, and paired with the natural beauty, it's hard to beat a sunny day exploring here.
Gibsons is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast for many, which (as the name suggests) is a stunning coastline, dotted with small communities and pretty beaches.
Gibsons Landing is the small waterfront area in town, where you'll find most of the shops and restaurants. It's the ideal spot to walk around on an afternoon, stopping it at local spots like The Black Bean Cafe and Beachcomber Coffee.
The town also has a public market, which is open six days a week and has everything from fresh produce to tasty baked goods.
Once you've explored town you can head to Armours Beach, which is right in town and a go-to swimming spot. Bonniebrook Beach is another popular spot in the summer and especially beautiful at sunset.
Nothing says summer, though, like driving down the Sunshine Coast. From Gibsons you can head out along the road, stopping at other beautiful towns like Sechelt.
Sechelt is home to Davis Bay – another stunning beach with clear water — and a pier that gives that classic coastal town feel. The paved walkway here stretches along the waterfront, so you can take in the views all day long.
Depending on how much time you have to explore you can keep on driving, exploring the whole South Coast, or even taking the ferry over to the North Coast, where it tends to be less busy.
Just want a day trip away from Vancouver though? Head to Gibsons.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.