Exploring the Sunshine Coast

Thanks, David, for the mention re POTD.

What a full day I had yesterday! Up at 6:15 and over at my friend's place by 7:30 to drive together to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry to go over to a part of the Sunshine Coast. The last time I was there was last November but just to look around for a couple of days with another friend and to "get away." This time, I had an ulterior motive...the area is in the running as a place to live in our retirement years. The Sunshine Coast is located north of Vancouver BC and is accessed by water or air and once there, you'd think you were on an island. However, it is attached to the mainland of British Columbia but there just isn't any road access.

I have lived in my little village of Ladner for many many years and came here specifically because it was a quiet little burb away from the hustle and bustle of noisy city living. However, lately it seems to be growing by leaps and bounds and we hear traffic, sirens, and children shouting all the time now. There has also been an increase in homelessness, drugs, and crime. So for our retirement years we'd like to live in a more peaceful location that suits our lifestyle.

My friend knows several people, including her immediate family, who live in Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and other areas. The climate is mild, being protected by the outlying islands and there are more than 20 provincial parks, lakes, beaches, a lot of artisans, and great food. We visited 2 totally different Bed & Breakfast accomodations run by people my friend knows - one quite elegant and the other more laid-back/countryish with outdoor fire pits. Here are a few photos I took that might help give you an idea of the beauty of the region. Be sure to click to enlarge the photos to get the best effect possible.

So, two thumbs WAY UP for the Sunshine Coast. How could anyone say "no" to such gorgeous beaches where you can walk your dog and let it go swimming at any time of the year, the sealife, the sailing and other types of boating, its history, peace and quiet, all the friendly folks, and lots of the "Arts."

Of course, the Okanagan (namely the town of Peachland) is also in the running. But we won't know for a while as I think we both need to visit these places a few more times to make an informed decision.