Day Tripping: Gibsons, Welcome Back

Comments 9 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Any good Canadian kid remembers growing up watching The Beachcombers, which took place in Gibsons, BC on the Sunshine Coast.

In recent years I had a moment at the CBC with some memorabilia, and giggled fondly when a posted about Bruno Gerussi’s beard hair in 2006 (link via Darren Barefoot). A focal point of the show and the town is the welcoming sight of Molly’s Reach, but there’s much more to the Sunshine Coast than canned CBC TV archives.

A quick 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay will lead you to Langdale terminal, and I must point out (because I’ve been asked countless times) that the all-encompassing Sunshine Coast is not on an island – even though you take a ferry to get there.


Photo credit: Megan Cole on Flickr

For about ten years I attended summer camp in Roberts Creek so I came to know the coast pretty well. Also, my best friend’s grandparents lived over there so once she got her license we’d cruise the strip in Sechelt looking for trouble. Okay, there was no cruising of the strip although I wonder if they have installed an actual stop light since I was there last. But I digress.

The Town of Gibsons has two main commercial areas: Upper Gibsons which has a number of shopping malls, restaurants, services and a light industrial area located on Gibsons Way and Lower Gibsons which is a quaint fishing village with bakeries, cafes, and shops that surround the bustling fishing wharf, a seawalk and the Gibsons Harbour.

Recent developments in the Town include the Downtown Revitalization of Lower Gibsons, a new log wharfinger building and boardwalk over the breakwater, and the development of the Winegarden Waterfront Park. [Gibsons]

The Sunshine Coast towns offer fishing, camping, hiking, gorgeous beaches, boast “an internet savvy population,” and the best part is that the cost of the ferry is only charged one way. Also, you can walk on the ferry at Horsehoe Bay and use the Sunshine Coast Transit System to save money, and the environment during your outing.


Photo credit: Paul Hillsdon on Flickr

In Gibsons you’ll be able to take in a Sunday Market, enjoy Jazz Week from June 7-15, and even the World’s Best Water (that one the “Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting” contest in 2005 [wiki]). It’s come a long way from its Beachcomber days, and I even remember when it got its first Wendy’s/Time Horton’s – that was a pretty big summer for us. Now that the nice weather is creeping up on us, and that one of my dearest friends lives over there, we’ll have to make a point of day tripping to Gibsons in the near future.

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9 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. JanWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 7:15am PDT

    Love your Day Tripping series. I’ve wanted to visit the Sunshine Coast but always thought it look a bit far on the map. Thanks for pointing out the Sunday Market. Going to add this to the list of vacation spots for this summer.

  2. Keira-AnneWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 8:17am PDT

    Um, can we do this sometime this summer? It’s been ages since I’ve been to Gibsons.

  3. DaveOWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 8:28am PDT

    Enjoyed the Sunshine Coast last summer for a getaway – tasty food, easy pace and not too far from North Van. For real Beachcomber’s authenticity, wear a medallion a la Bruno Gerusi or a toque like Relic.

  4. RaulWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 9:00am PDT

    Such a great post, Rebecca! I want to go to Gibsons with my Mom, probably will take her there this summer (you guys are also welcome to join). I also love the Day Tripping series. The fact that you add your own childhood memories makes it even so much more precious 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  5. C.V. – MotionGroove.comWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 11:44am PDT

    I love Gibsons such a cute small town. I was camping up there when I was a kid as well, grade 7 class. Gibsons is probably the perfect place to retire. Another 40 years for me, lol.

  6. JordanWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 1:44pm PDT

    I can’t wait until your series takes you all the way to my hometown of Powell River (ALSO on the Sunshine Coast, and not, as most people assume, on Vancouver Island). 🙂

  7. KrissyFriday, May 16th, 2008 — 2:27am PDT

    I’m an Aussie and they used to show Beachcombers here when I was a kid. I used to love it. When I lived in Vancouver 10 years ago I went to Gibsons and loved how it brought back memories of the tv show.
    I love this series that you’re doing, although it’s making me ‘homesick’ for Vancouver in a big way!

  8. ChrisMonday, May 19th, 2008 — 10:47pm PDT

    No traffic light in Roberts Creek yet. =) I highly recommend eating at either the Ruby Lake Lodge & Resort (fine dining but it’s a beautiful dinner during the warm summer months on the patio) or the Old Boot. Hmm.. two Italian restaurants…

  9. Spring Break Activities 2009 » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittTuesday, March 17th, 2009 — 8:57am PDT

    […] Drive (just south of the border), Hell’s Gate (take the airtram across the Fraser Canyon), Gibsons (just a quick hop across the ferry to Langdale, stop by Molly’s […]

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