Summary: Approximately two hours away from Vancouver, including the ferry ride, Gibsons is a town that has a privileged location. Here is a guide to enjoying the Jewel of the Sunshine Coast at the max!
From the moment Gibsons was declared the “Most Liveable Community in the World” (under 20,000 population) at the international Livcom Awards back in 2009, the town has experienced growth and prosperity. Gibsons is happy to receive visitors who look for fun, Nature and sustainable entertainment.
Here is a place in Canada where you can find Best Places To Retire. Gibsons can have a lot of rain, but everyone seems to enjoy it. The rain keeps Gibsons green and full of blooms all year round. Here are some ideas about how to have a fun holiday in this delightful town.
The BC coast from the air
Visitors report one of their best experiences is getting to know the Sunshine Coast from above. The scenic air adventures are surely a wonderful way to know your way around. Tofino Air offers a 30-minute tour that includes some of the best views from the air Canada has to offer.
Imagine visiting the Clayoquot (“clah quat”) Sound Biosphere Reserve and taking some spectacular pictures. This reserve consists of a network of islands full of breathtaking alpine valleys as well as forests and rivers. What makes this reserve so special is the varied kinds of ecosystems you can get to see in only half an hour.
To top the air experience, imagine being able to spot and photograph grey whales, black bears, and bald eagles. Sometimes, if you get lucky, an orca will be fully visible!
The tour requires only a 2-seat minimum. The price per person is $134 CAN. Tofino Air is a local business with a personal and friendly service. They will provide a lot of helpful information and guide your visit as well. Flying in either their Havilland Beaver or their Cessna 180 makes a wonderful tour. We give this coastal tour our full five stars!
Wildlife viewing at the solitary Sechelt Peninsula
If you want to explore wildlife in solitude, the beautiful Gibsons, we invite you to visit the Sechelt Inlet. Here you will notice Nature is more impotent since it is naturally protected from the winds and the waves from the open ocean. If you reach the town of Tuwanek, there are no more roads ahead. It is an exceptional lookout for wildlife viewing.
Eight beaches from the inlet have received the designation of Wilderness Marine Parks. They are secluded places to enjoy the wide variety of Canadian wildlife from a distance. You can also kayak or paddle in a canoe or, if you are more adventurous, you can do some scuba diving or snorkeling.
Community Events in Gibsons
In Gibsons, there is a good array of events where all the community participates. Come to the Sea Cavalcade, where for a whole weekend in July you can enjoy pancake breakfasts, teddy bear picnics, fireworks, and the Sea Cavalcade Mile. Anyone can join in a mile road race on the parade route. Awards include cash, medals, and draw prizes.
Canada Day is also happily celebrated at Gibsons. There is usually live music, magicians, clowns, and movies for kids. The Night Market shines with food and beverages for the whole family. Go to Winegarden Park to celebrate with the Legion Colour Guard & Pipe Band singing O’Canada in both English and French. Celebrate with us!
During the summer, the Music In The Landing event consists of a series of concerts where local talented musicians fill the town with all genres of musical entertainment during the summer. This event began back in 2003 and transformed Gibsons Landing into a wonderful place to enjoy not only music, but a Starlight Film Night as well.
Gospel Rock, a perfect place for a hike
If you are in town and want to go in the search for whales, we recommend you find Gospel Rock. Take your binoculars with you since it is also a perfect hotspot to watch the most amazing and varied birds.
Gospel Rock is a very important landmark in Gibsons. Back in the 1900s, sailors would use it as a reference. People used to write on the rock biblical messages in bright colors.
The name “Gospel Rock” has a fascinating story. Supposedly, pirate ships would shelter in Gibsons harbor. A local priest would say the gospel standing on this rock and blessed the ships before they went out to the sea. The place continues to enjoy this fame. Easter Sunday services are usually held here.
Gibson Wine Company
If you are a connoisseur looking for recommendations on the local wine scene, here is one you will like. The Gibson Wine Company started back in 1939. They started big by crushing 7,000 tons of grape unloaded by hand! Can you imagine how much work that was for a company that only had 33 members?
The founder of the company, Bob Gibson, was renowned as a bird fancier. He owned the largest private collection of exotic birds in the USA back in the 70s. Today the company works as a coop and belongs to 23 members who are mostly growers. This gives their wine its precious taste.
We recommend the Crazy Cock canned wines, which come in beautiful cans (you might want to collect them). It has a variety of flavors, from dry wine to sparkling dry rosé.
Heritage Gibsons
The town of Gibsons started a very interesting work in rescuing its past. Now, thanks to their Heritage Inventory, we can recommend two buildings that represent faithfully Canada’s rich past.
Stonehurst
This 22-room residence was built by Dr. Frederick K. Inglis for his six children and wife. The house was meant to also house the doctor’s office as well as his pharmacy. The building is noted for its innovative construction and the beauty which still dresses Gibsons today. You can stay in it at the Stonehurst Heritage Bead and Breakfast and enjoy it fully.
Marina House
Known previously as the Orkestra Inn, this house is perfectly preserved since 1919 when it was built. It has a beautiful 3-story porch design and an unusual roof. Its interiors are remarkably well preserved. It has beautiful maple floors and an unparalleled waterfront view.
If you want to know more about Gibsons past, go to the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives, where you can enjoy the history of the Sunshine Coast and its inhabitants. The museum has a reference library and over 9,000 photographs and documents.
So if you are looking for some of the best places to retire abroad? Gibsons is waiting for you with open arms!
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