Perched on a hillside, it overlooks a harbour and faces nearby islands in Howe Sound. As the crow flies, the “Gateway to the Sunshine Coast” is 16km/10mi from Vancouver. To get to Gibsons, it’s a 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver, followed by a 5km/3mi drive from the Langdale ferry terminal.

Gibsons has earned international recognition: it was recently named the “Most Liveable Community under 20,000” (2009) in a world-wide competition by the UN-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities. But, it’s perhaps most famously known as the location for the longtime hit TV show The Beachcombers, which first aired in 1972 and ran until 1990.

“Located at the south end of the Sunshine Coast, just north of Vancouver, Gibsons (population: 4,182) is a quaint town of artists and fishing boats.”

Nowadays, it attracts visitors with its chilled-out blend of water and land activities, suitable for all ages and ability levels. Go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. Enjoy hiking in the Sunshine Coast’s regional and provincial parks, or play golf. Relax while visiting farmers markets, dining at diverse restaurants, browsing through museums and art galleries, or checking out local festivals and events.

The Groves are for all – hardy hikers and just strollers too.With over 125 acres, there are easy walks of just a 15 minutes and some longer.All trails are well marked and signed and prepared for your safety and comfort.

Some Nice Things About The Hidden Groves

> unique combination of ancient giant trees, maple wetland and  rocky  promontories.
> easy access and parking  at  entrance to trails
> Views of Vancouver Island and Sechelt Inlet
> most trails are a minimal challenge
> legal off-leash area for well behaved dogs

only 3km from Tranquility Bay and the most stunning trails of the coast

The House of Héwhíwus, or House of Chiefs, proudly documents the culture of the Sechelt Nation, who have resided on the Sunshine Coast for thousands of years. Exhibits showcase traditional weaving and salmon-smoking methods, colourful masks and paddles, stone carvings, and more. Performances with live singing and dancing take place in the adjacent Raven’s Cry Theatre.

Sechelt First Nation

The Sechelt (shíshálh) First Nation, located on BC´s scenic West Coast is proud of our heritage and community values. Our spectacular scenery and natural resoures in the territory have sustained our people and way of life for centuries. We thrive on a communal lifestyle that respects the wisdom of our elders.

shíshálh Nation Vision
To achieve self-reliance and independence for the shíshálh Nation we recognized that our collective success depends on knowing our history, understanding our present circumstances and charting a path that leads towards a healthy and prosperous future.

In 1986 the shíshálh Nation became an independent self-governing body . . . a unique third order of the government of Canada. The Sechelt Indian Government District holds jurisdiction over its lands and exercises the authority to provide services and education for its residents.

Territory Description

The shíshálh territory has always been defined by natural landmarks from the named mountain tops down through their valleys, brooks, steams, rivers and lakes to the coastal shores, inlets and open waters forming the regional watersheds. Those territories include the entire area draining into lilkw´ émin (Agamemnon Channel) swiwelát (Princess Louisa Inlet)?álhtulich (Sechelt Inlet), stl´ixwim (Narrows Inlet), skúpa (Salmon Inlet), smit (Hotham Sound), and part of sínku (the open waters of Malaspina Strait and Georgia Strait) including the southern half of slháltikan (Texada Island) and chichxwalish (Sabine Channel).

The name shishálh, from the language of sháshishálem, refers to the entire population descended from the four sub-groups that officially amalgamated in 1925. They include xénichen at the head of Jervis Inlet), ts ´únay (at Deserted Bay), téwánkw ( in Sechelt, Salmon and Narrow Inlets), and sxixus.

However you travel, you´ll know you have arrived when you see the massive sloping roof of the House of héwhíwus (House of Chiefs) complex and the Raven´s Cry Theatre. The raven, a mischievous bird in shíshálh folklore, is a gatherer and collector of stories. This storytelling house of the raven features plays, concerts recitals and big screen movies nightly.

Visitors are invited to attend cultural events throughout the year, hosted by our community.

The tems swiya museum welcomes you to a journey encompassing the shíshálh land, history and culture. Stop by the tsain-ko gift shop and take home a reminder of your visit to Sechelt.

The newly built long house represents a proud return to age-old celebrations and gatherings. The shíshálh tl´e enak-awxw (Feast House), a joint project with the Sechelt Indian Band, the Federal Government and the First People´s Cultural Foundation, celebrated its grand opening in October 1996. This celebration also marked the Sechelt Indian Band´s 10th Anniversary of Self Government. A totem pole was raised to represent the people from xénichen (Hunaechin). The other poles raised represent the people from t´sunay (Deserted Bay), téwánkw (in Sechelt, Salmon and Narrows Inlets), and sxixus (Pender Harbour). A fifth and final pole placed in the middle represents the shíshálh as it exists today. It is located in the centre of the other four marking the amalgamation of the Band.

The picturesque seaside village of Lund, BC, is located on the west coat of Canada, 128km north of Vancouver, on the Sunshine Coast.

A village with about three hundred year-round residents, the population swells in the heat of summer as visitors boat, drive, or cycle here to enjoy Lund’s charm and to access Desolation Sound Provincial Park, the Copeland Islands, Okeover Inlet, and tropical Savary Island.

Savary Island is rimmed by sandy white beaches and warm water – only minutes away by water taxi which offers service year round.

Sarah Point, 12km north of Lund, is the start of the 180km-long Sunshine Coast Trail which ends in Saltery Bay. With several access points and tributaries along its route, this scenic trail offers easy day hikes and free hut-to-hut hiking for multi-day trekks.

Outside the north end of the Lund Harbour, the pristine Copeland Islands Marine Park (aka Ragged Islands) hugs the shoreline toward world-renowned Desolation Sound.  another route to Desolation Sound is along Okeover Inlet past the mariculture farms and through Malaspina Inlet.  both popular waterways are happily shared by sport fishers, pleasure boaters, kayakers and avid scuba divers who enjoy the excellent underwater visibility and abundant sea life.

“Sightseeing boats offer easy access to the area’s ocean playground while kayakers intrigue curious sea lions, seals, dolphins, and rogue pods of orca whales.”

ACTIVITIES IN LUND

What is there to do in sunny Lund, BC, you ask? Where to begin?

Sea kayaking is exceptional, especially around the sheltered bays and islets of the nearby Copeland islandS Provincial Marine Park (aka Ragged islands) click here, a group of pristine islands situated north of the Lund Harbour. The sea life is abundant with seals, sea lions click here, fish, sea stars, and water fowl.  Orcas are now frequenting the waters regularly and bald eagles are plentiful.  Or paddle into world renowned Desolation Sound Marine Park click here for a bigger outdoor experience.

Salmon, cod and prawn fishing is rewarding.  Not interested in fishing?  Charter asightseeing tour boat and explore the Copeland Islands Provincial Marine Park click here or the spectacular sights of world famous Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park click here.

Snorkel, swim or sunbathe the sandy white shores of tropical Savary Island click here which is just minutes away by water taxi. The unpaved roadways, winding trails and friendly islanders make it a relaxing place to bike, hike, or beachcomb.

Accessible by boat, the bird sanctuary on Mitlenatch Island Provincial Marine Park click hereis a bird watcher’s paradise but is also home to interesting and unusual flowers, foliage, and butterflies, not to mention the seals and sea lions.

Hike the nearby Sunshine Coast Trail click here which begins at Sarah Point, north of Lund, and ends in Saltery Bay south of Powell River.  Accessible from several points along the route, hikers can plan short day hikes, overnight hikes or longer multi-day free hut-to-hut hikes. The shorter Hurtado Point Trail is 1km south of Lund and has a spectacular ocean view.

The Sliammon Nation offers a First Nations cultural experience. Native to the area, this west coast nation offers traditional canoe trips and longhouse ceremonies with meal. Very educational.

Purchase a Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License click here and pick oysters or dig clams on the beach at Okeover Inlet.  From the shore, several oyster farms can be identified by their white floats across the Inlet.  Also, catch crabs or dig for clams and cockles on Savary Island.

With the warmest waters north of the Baja Peninsula, local scuba diving boasts excellent visibility and truly abundant sea life.  Night dives can be spectacular, especially for octopus enthusiasts.

New this year are Toonie Tours being offered by Tourism Powell River.  This $2.00 half-hour walking tour of Lund reveals some history and stories of the area.  Meet at the old waterwheel on Wednesdays at 10am or 2pm.

Basically Lund is a place to really get away from it all; relax, unwind and take a deep breath of fresh ocean air then repose a while or engage in exciting adventure

Porpoise Bay Provincial Park on the Sunshine Coast offers many opportunities for coastal fun and is a favourite family park. The park is separated from the Strait of Georgia by the isthmus at Sechelt. This park is characterized by second-growth forest, open grassy areas and sandy beaches. This park also makes an excellent base camp for paddlers exploring the Sechelt Inlet.

Park Size: 61 hectares

“This park is characterized by second-growth forest, open grassy areas and sandy beaches. “

Originally founded as a resource extraction centre – once home to the world’s largest pulp and paper mill – Powell River now offers water lovers countless opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and scuba diving. Don’t miss Marine Avenue’s art galleries and dining, plus the historic, planned Townsite, designated a National Historic District in 1995.

The city (pop. 12,957) is located on the upper Sunshine Coast, about 145km/90mi northwest of Vancouver. It’s accessible by ferry from Vancouver Island, or from Earl’s Cove while driving up from Gibsons or Sechelt. The black-tailed deer of Texada Island and the white, sandy beaches of Savary Island await via a short ferry ride or water taxi ride.

“Where endless green mountains meet sheltered Pacific Ocean waters, Powell River provides a stimulating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural amenities. “

Roberts Creek is a beautiful community situated on the Strait of Georgia between Gibsons and Sechelt. Known as the Gumboot Capital of the World,it bears a relaxing atmosphere. Out of the many traveling destinations on the Sunshine Coast, Roberts Creek possesses a unique rural feel and is a mere hour and a half away from Vancouver. A delightful blend of beaches, forests and fantastic people makes Roberts Creek a wonderful place to visit.

Outdoor pursuits are virtually limitless in this recreational paradise. One can enjoy diverse activities ranging from nature walks to kayaking. A new adventure can truly be found every day…

Roberts Creek is home to some of the most talented artists on the Sunshine Coast. Painting, pottery and a myriad of other art forms can be found in the local galleries and studios.

“Quaint cottages and unique bed & breakfasts can provide you with a relaxing getaway. Whether it is for a weekend or a season, Roberts Creek offers the very best of the Sunshine Coast.”

Recreation in Roberts Creek

From beach-combing to forest hikes, mountain biking to hiking- Roberts Creek is a gem for recreation on the Sunshine Coast. A great network of trails, beaches and parks make for great day’s outing.

Roberts Creek Pier (Sunshine Coast Regional District)

This waterfront park has a large pier with natural driftwood bench seats and driftwood carvings. Enjoy the beautiful view of Georgia Strait. At low tide, there is a sandy beach. There are public toilets. Located halfway between Sechelt and Gibsons in Roberts Creek. Turn off Hwy 101 at the Roberts Creek Volunteer Fire Hall onto Roberts Creek Road. Follow road down to a 3 way stop. Turn right at the stop and follow down to the waterfront.

Smuggler Cove is a small, picturesque all-weather anchorage on the south side of Sechelt Peninsula near Secret Cove. To access this park by land, visitors can hike 4 km from a parking lot off Hwy 101. This park provides camping, hiking, swimming, kayaking and picnicking.

Park Size: 185 hectares

Special Notes:

> Entry from Welcome Passage is best made at low tide when reef and rock projections are visible. > Please watch for drying and projecting reefs as you navigate around the cove. > There are many eye bolts located along the shoreline to accommodate stern lines.
> Excellent protected anchorage for boaters. > Stern pins are available.
> Smuggler Cove is closed to sewage discharge by Federal Regulation.> Vessels must keep sewage contained in holding tanks while at anchor.
> Beavers are residents in Smuggler Cove Marnie Provincial Park and have been hard at work on some home renovations in this park! While you are visiting their home, please be respectful of their wetland habitat.

>Many other birds, wildlife and plant species will flourish in this expanded wetland environment.

>Do not disturb the dam site, stay on the trail and keep pets on a leash.

16 km West of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. Accessible by boat from the north end of Welcome Pass. Also accessible from Brooks Road off Hwy 101 halfway between Secret Cove and Halfmoon Bay on the Sunshine Coast. It is a 4km hike from the parking lot to Smuggler Cove.

“Entry from Welcome Passage is best made at low tide when reef and rock projections are visible.”

Getting to Sechelt, is just a 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver, followed by a 27km/17mi drive up Highway 101. Nestled on a strip of land between Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia, this municipality on the Sunshine Coast attracts visitors with its blissful mix of water and land activities, suitable for all ages and ability levels.

Go kayaking, fishing, or diving. Enjoy hiking in the Sunshine Coast’s regional and provincial parks, or play a round or two of golf. Relax while visiting farmers markets,dining at diverse restaurants, browsing through museums, or checking out localfestivals and events.

Accommodations range from chic to cozy: B&B’s, luxury resorts, cottages, and camping are popular. Other lower Sunshine Coast communities like Gibsons and Pender Harbour are a short drive away.

“Located on the Sunshine Coast north of Vancouver, Sechelt (population: 8,454) is as laidback as it is scenic, full of artists and surrounded by  mountains.”

Thanks to Pedals & Paddles for sharing this great info!

Sechelt Inlet is a paddler’s paradise and only two hours from downtown Vancouver.   While most visitors to the Sunshine Coast follow Highway 101 up the rugged and beautiful east shore of Georgia Strait, surprisingly few are aware of the solitude and natural beauty that awaits them on the Inlet side of Sechelt Peninsula.

Sechelt Inlet is protected from wind and waves that are common on open ocean waters by high surrounding mountains. Mornings and evenings are typically calm and peaceful with lush green mountains reflecting off of the tranquil blue ocean surface.  As there are no roads beyond the village of Tuwanek, wilderness and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities are just minutes away.

Sechelt Inlet is blessed with many sand and gravel beaches, which are the result of alluvial deposits left by streams flowing from high in the mountains.   Eight of these river estuaries have been designated Wilderness Marine Parksand offer excellent rustic overnight camping facilities with such “luxuries” as year round fresh water, clear tenting areas and tent pads, outhouses, fire rings, and warm swimming beaches. There are eight designated Wilderness Marine Parks, as well as many unserviced beach areas. Finding a secluded sheltered and easily accessible spot to camp is seldom a problem. Campers on the east shore of the Inlet are treated to spectacular evening sunsets while west shore campers enjoy the warming rays of early morning sun with their coffee.

Novice kayakers and canoeists will appreciate the fact that the shoreline is always close by; the longest crossing being only about one kilometer. This also makes Sechelt Inlet an ideal place for families to paddle and camp.

While paddling on Sechelt Inlet, you can expect to find an excellent example of B.C.’s West Coast natural beauty. The tall, green mountains with their snow-capped peaks tumble into the clear waters below. Mornings and evenings are typically calm and peaceful, offering a time for quiet reflection. During mid-day, thermal winds often blow from south to north creating a more   challenging and active paddling adventure.

[quote_right author=”” profession=””]Mornings and evenings are typically calm and peaceful with lush green mountains reflecting off of the tranquil blue ocean surface.[/quote_right]

As you experience Sechelt Inlet and the various smaller inlets, bays and reaches that are to be found up and down its length, you can expect to be entertained by an abundance of wildlife. Spectacular blue herons grace the shoreline while magnificent bald eagles soar high above in search of food or perch in the trees that line the shore. Curious seals appear out of nowhere and accompany most paddlers while a dozen varieties of ducks and other waterfowl fly, swim and dive   for food all along the shore. In the evening, loons glide gracefully over the water as their eerie call haunts the still evening air. With a sharp eye, visitors can observe mountain goats high on steep mountain terrain and occasionally glimpse cougars and bears in the thick shoreline brush. Below the water’s surface, many species of fish and various marine creatures create a complex ecosystem in a near pristine environment.

See 2015 Tide Tables Here – Visit on XL only to ensure spectacular rapids:

Skookumchuck Narrows forms the entrance of Sechelt Inlet on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast in Canada. Before broadening into Sechelt Inlet, all of its tidal flow together with that of Salmon Inlet and Narrows Inlet must pass through Sechelt Rapids. At peak flows, whitecaps and whirlpools form at the rapids even in calm weather. The narrows are also the site of a Skookumchuk Narrows Provincial Park.

Each day, tides force large amounts of seawater through the narrows—200 billion US gallons (760,000,000 m3) of water on a 3-metre (9.8 ft) tide. The difference in water levels on either side of the rapids can exceed 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height. Current speeds can exceed 16 knots (30 km/h),[1] up to 17.68 knots (32.74 km/h).[2] Although it is sometimes claimed to be the fastest tidal rapids in the world,[3] Norway’s Saltstraumen reaches speeds of 20 knots (37 km/h).

“The tidal patterns keep the water moving at virtually all times in the narrows area, which attracts a plethora of interesting sea life.”

The unrelated B.C. town of Skookumchuck is several hundred kilometres east in the East Kootenay region of the province. Another location bearing this name, Skookumchuck Hot Springs, is on the Lillooet River east of Whistler. All locations take their name from Chinook jargon for “strong water” and the term is common in maritime jargon for any set of strong rapids, particularly those at the mouth of inlets.

The park protects a wide range of landscapes, including mountain peaks, lakes, streams and wetlands, and the Sechelt area community watershed. Elevations in the Tetrahedron range from 900 to 1,800 metres and include Tetrahedron Peak, Panther Peak and Mount Steele. Recreational opportunities at this park are limited but include hiking, cross country skiing and overnight use of the cabins.Park Size: 6000 hectares

 
DIRECTIONS:

From the main lights in Sechelt at Wharf and Hwy 101 head north on Wharf (turn right if you’re coming from the south, go straight through if you’re coming from the north); turn right at E Porpoise Bay Rd, which later becomes Sechelt Inlet Rd, and continue for ~10 km; just after crossing the bridge over Grey Creek, turn right onto the Grey Creek Forest Service Road. After ~1 km take the left fork (a memorial marks this major junction) and keep to the main road. You will cross a bridge at ~7 km, and reach the lower parking lot – with info kiosk and outhouse – at 11 km. In summer you can continue 1+ km further to the upper parking lot, but the road is rough and requires clearance.

In winter, when possible, the road is ploughed as far as the lower parking lot.
4-WHEEL DRIVE & CHAINS ARE NECESSARY FOR WINTER TRAVEL ON THIS ROAD. THE ROAD IS POSTED AS 4WD ONLY.

CABINS:

The four cabins were built to accommodate 12, are always open, and are NOT reservable. On weekends and especially during holidays in the winter they are often VERY busy, but the summer sees fewer overnight visitors. They are located at Batchelor Lake, above Edwards Lake, between McNair and Chapman Lakes, and below the summit of Mt. Steele (see our maps page for location maps and Bivouac.com for GPS data). Each cabin has a table and bench seating for 12, a sleeping loft upstairs, a wood stove and firewood, tools, a snow-melting pot, sinks for dishwashing, greywater buckets, and an outhouse. You must bring all your sleeping gear, food equipment (stove, dishes, cutlery), toilet paper, and firestarter (newspaper and matches/lighter). Drinking water can be collected from creeks or lakes near all cabins most of the year. In the winter those creeks may be running but if not snow can be melted on the wood stove and boiled on your personal cooking stove. All water should be treated by chemicals or heat.

“Tetrahedron Park encompasses the headwaters of Chapman and Gray Creeks – watersheds that supply local communities with drinking water. Protection of watershed values is extremely important. Special park regulations are in effect. Please be familiar with park rules before “