We stayed at this campground for $29 per night, with an additional fee for a second vehicle,…read morebringing the total to $41, which we put into an envelope and deposited at the site. We chose a double site, which was ideal, and appreciated that it operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Many people book online but often do not cancel if they are no-shows. Although the website showed no availability, there were plenty of empty sites when we arrived. The bathrooms are clean and spacious, which was a plus. However, the amenities need improvement. The power outlets did not work, the taps only provided cold water, and the showers never got truly hot. The water was lukewarm at best. Since it was cold and rainy during our stay, a hot shower would have made a big difference. The showers operate on a push-button system, delivering water in short 10-second bursts, which was frustrating. The windows are left open, making the bathroom area uncomfortably cold. Toilet seat was like a sheet of ice in the morning. On the positive side, the campground has a large number of sites and is conveniently close to the beach.

A nice, well maintained provincial park for camping, with a busy day-use area…read more This beautiful nature setting is just minutes out of Sechelt. The campsites are a good size, with newly painted picnic tables that are in excellent shape. I expected the camping area to be busier, so we made reservations, however, it wasn't even half full when we arrived for weekend camping. We had to share the communal fire pit (with convenient benches in place around the outside) the first evening, but had it to ourselves the second evening. We didn't have any problems with sharing, since the clean air bylaw is the reason, plus the park provides the wood. I was shocked (and then happy I hadn't bought any in town) when we realized the wood was brought over each day by the PFOs (Park Facility Operators). The PFOs were friendly, and helped us to avoid an extra car fee but letting us know the other vehicle could just park across the road from the park on the highway. Score. We had a double site, which was super awesome for our needs, but you definitely wouldn't want to be in one if you didn't know the people on the other side. This campground is suitable for camping wusses, since there are showers and real flush toilets available. Otherwise, use the outhouses and the cold water. The water from the taps available around the site is wonderful. There is no need to boil it or to buy water. The park is on the municipal system. Those wanting to go down to the water should realize that the day-use area does get very busy, and seems to be a popular destination for families and gatherings with ankle-biters. Our attempts to find non-tarp covered shelter from the rain at the covered tables were thwarted by a child's birthday party. A sunny day following meant the beach was also packed, and tour groups with kayaks were setting up. There is a nice, short trail through the trees and over a creek to get to the estuary. This area is peaceful, and if you look closely you can see salmon fry seeking shelter in the back eddies of the river. The beach seems to be a favourite for clam diggers, as well. I had a quick chat with a friendly BC Parks ranger on my way out of the day-use area.

If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air Quaint little…read morevillages here and there You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse (Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse, that old Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse) It reminded me of a set off of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. All that was missing was my man, a cat, suitcase of books, and a portable record player. But I was content with the miles-long green ocean that stretched on beneath the blue sky. Waves that crashed violently against the pebbles and rocks. An enchanting scene that cannot be eclipsed. It's the smallest lighthouse you'll ever see.

Part of the fun of living in Vancouver is having little pockets of loveliness like Bowen Island,…read moreavailable to visit as a day-trip. As of yet, I haven't accumulated the funds to purchase my own private island a la Richard Branson...but Tunstall Beach allows us to indulge such fantasies. This gorgeous, sheltered beach can be accessed by car, bike or bus. At times it is busy, and other days we have had the beach to ourselves. When folks are there, it is fun to watch people kayaking, swimming and picnicking. There are 'rustic' but totally functional washroom facilities (bring Purel :) I do not recommend it for ones with mobility issues, as there is a small incline down from the parking to the beach area. Other beaches on Bowen Island are flat. Our favorite thing to do is pack a blanket, some pate, cheese and crackers, fruit, prosecco...and watch the sunsets that are truly breathtaking. It is a short ferry ride home to be back to work/life the next day but you will feel as if you have had a mini holiday! Bowen Island has some cute shops, restaurants, artisans and a riot of fabulous scenery if you feel like kicking around a bit longer during the day...

Nice beach with relatively easy access to water. A generally pleasant place to sit around. As with…read moreother beaches on the island, lots of mussels and sea stars.

This is a water access only marine park, over looking Georgia Strait towards Vancouver located on…read morethe edge of Porlier Pass.. A few camp sites for the boaters and a nice sandy beach if you can get to it..

The boardwalk boasts an impressive backdrop of the Howe Sound, snow-capped mountains, and clear…read moreblue sky. This is the most southerly fjord in North America. With the parking lot being near the highway and free, many visitors (both people and dogs) stroll the area.  Watch out for the webby tents of caterpillars in the trees. They're a bit unsightly. Other things to do at Porteau Cove: - Scuba dive among shipwrecks, artificial reefs, sunken sculptures, and diverse marine life - Explore tide pools - Camp along the waterfront Porteau Cove was a picturesque stop along our Sea to Sky Highway road trip. I wish I could come back here to watch sunset or the stars at night. (Part 2)

This place has been my escape and sanctuary for a few years now. Whenever I need to escape the city…read moreI usually drive up here. I have also used this place many times to capture pictures. I find this location great for night photography. Stars, Moon, Milky way and have even been able to capture Northern Lights. Not the best Northern Lights but considering it is close to home a score. Worth checking out.

If you are traveling on the highway along the Sunshine Coast, you get to see the same view of the…read moreSalish sea. I love this spot out at Davis Bay. The first time I drove past it was a few years ago and it was grey and dreary due to the rain. But I remembered it. So I decided to get a place to stay in the area when planning my trip to the Sunshine Coast after the pandemic. I got to appreciate the place more when staying here as I had the opportunity to walk along the coast in the morning (during sunrise), afternoon, evening (sunset) and night. There are always people fishing and crabbing on the pier. The pier is the iconic landmark of Davis Bay. The highlight was seeing several seals swim past just after sunrise when I was out at the pier. I saw probably 10 or more seals swimming in groups of 2-3 in the half hour period. One even breached the water. I was told it is also common to see grey whales swim here too. Besides the gorgeous sunset where you can literally see the sun go down, it is a lovely walk along the sidewalk, especially in the morning and evening. The beach is a bit too rocky to walk comfortably. Parking is available by the road. Across the pier, there are a few restaurants. Make reservations there as they are always busy, especially for dinner.

This is a beautiful beach along the seawall in Sechelt Coastline. There are plenty of free parking…read more H and I really enjoy watching sunset here and taking a stroll after dinner. Some parts of the beach are very rocky and not great to walk in. It is a beautiful beach and they have a viewing deck that extend out to the water for anyone who wants to go fishing. certain areas have stairs that you can walk down from the parking area to the beach. Yes parking is just right above the beach.

If you enjoy nature this place is worth visiting. It is calming and has great views and a few…read morelarger rocks to climb around. There are many areas to snap great touristy photos and nice for the sunset too. Park is well maintained and easily accessible with parking lots nearby.

Many people go to Horseshoe bay to take the ferry to Bowen island but a stop at Whytecliff Park on…read morethe way is clearly a nice Idea. Lovely views of the bay, lazy sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, easy trails to walk on and lots of benches to sit, relax and enjoy the view. There's even a cafe in the parking lot near the entrance. Hot food, snacks and drinks, if you forgot to bring food you won't starve there.

My parents live 5 mins from here, so it tends to be our go-to for one of our Island Beach Days!…read more They have a really great playground & water squirt park, clean change/rest rooms. The beach itself isn't bad, but it can be quite rocky so I would strongly suggest to wear a cheap pair of rubber flip flops on the beach and wear them in the water! Also, the water is COLD! You can swim in it, but it's a rough go on the way in! Another thing to be aware of is the tide. At times you can walk and walk and walk before you get to swim. However, the tide will come in quickly, so watch your bags, towels etc. When we were there the first week of July, we decided to go onto a rock mass that was above sea level by quite a bit and had a Tee Pee on it! It was quite private as there was only another coupon on it at the time. We swam (froze) but generally had fun. We had waded across below the knee level to get to it. When we decided to leave, it was no longer knee level- it came up past my chest (I'm 5-8) I slightly panicked as I didn't know how we were going to get back to the beach. Luckily my husband is 6-2, but he had to carry the bags above his head in order for him to safely get across without getting our phones etc. wet! Funny after the fact, not so much at the time !!

This is a huge park! There are plenty of parking all over. We parked somewhere in the middle near…read morethe children playground. Lots of families were there on the day we went. There is a green space in the middle where the arboretum is. It feels peaceful to walk in the greenery under the cover of the trees. During low tide, you can see the seabed as far as the eyes can see. Families will take the opportunity to be out there with their beach towels. I did not venture out there but I think you will also see shellfish in the seabed. The advisory was not to harvest them as they are contaminated. My favorite part of this park is at the end where there is a Legacy Labyrinth. It is quieter here. You can meditate while walking the labyrinth. There are also many cairns set on the logs. Pretty neat to see them.

* Easy hike, very peaceful *…read more Just a short hike from the docks this is a beautiful little spot. If you follow the posted signs to the picnic area and stop just a bit short there is a little hidden bench made out of beautifully polished wood (this ain't no ordinary splintery bird poo covered park bench!) that is smooth and makes for a wonderful spot to just lay down, enjoy the view, listen to the ducks, and watch the dragonflies with the mountains off in the distance. Beautiful!

A short stroll, right off the ferry will transfer into the woods of Bowen Island. This well marked…read moreout trail will make you feel like you have walked right into a Canadian jungle.. that's because you have! I have done this walk probably 20 times and it has yet to get boring. I like doing the loop with my parents dog. I can take the dog off leash most of the time, but just be respectable if your dog isn't responsive in off leash situations because you will probably run into other dogs and people. I find most of the times i am actually alone out there and it's so nice. Lots of view points, and benches to take breaks and savor the view. Picnic tables for those people that don't want to grab lunch at a place on the strip or Artistan square. It takes me 45 minutes to complete the loop, but i also drive right to the picnic tables.