TRAVEL SERIES || A Day in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast
As the world slowly re-opens post-pandemic, the desire to discover new lands and experiences is at an all-time high. Our travel series seeks to inspire you with unique travel options and itineraries worldwide, spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and beyond. Join us as we hop on a ferry to discover the tranquil island life on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. Our first stop? The town of Gibsons.
Most of the town’s shopping and dining options are located along Marine Drive coming into town and Gibsons Way.
BEACHCOMBER COFFEE
This was my first stop after getting off the ferry from Vancouver and it was the perfect quiet spot on a Monday afternoon to enjoy a donut and enjoy a lavender latte with butterfly pea flower. The interior decor gives off beach vibes and I wanted to buy all the colourful branded souvenirs and cups! One can always use a bright yellow tote bag and a chrome water tumbler. The staff were super friendly as well, and we had a good chat about my Fuji camera.
First stop off the ferry would be to caffeinate at Beachcomber Coffee.
IKHAYA
Wandering along the shopping street, I came across Ikhaya, a home and lifestyle goods store that will make you want to buy every coffee table book and grab a few more sofa cushions in addition to the ten that you already have at home. Also, you can never have enough plates and cups right?
The shop also has a selection of unique gifts, everything from tarot cards to a floating lamp that looks like a planet floating in mid-air.
I was attracted by the adorable pieces in the window display.
Ikhaya is stocked with an abundance of home and lifestyle goods great as a souvenir for friends or for yourself.
SANDY’S BAKE SHOP
“I’m sorry we don’t have any muffins, but…” and I overheard the lovely staff at Beachcomber Coffee recommending Sandy’s Bake Shop to a couple who were grabbing their coffee. Of course, I needed to go try these pastries myself.
Although I also love muffins, I have a soft spot for scones, and the blueberry scone was calling my name, so I ended up savouring the scone for the rest of the time as I wandered down the remainder of the shopping strip.
The bake shop also has lovely cakes in addition to pastries, so if you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to love it here.
I was directed here to pick up a selection of tasty baked goods.
SMOKE ON THE WATER
Originally I had wandered down to the pier because I wanted to capture a landscape shot of the water and mountains beyond, but then I saw a motorcyclist zip past me as I was walking down and order a pulled pork sandwich at a small wooden cabin on the pier. This piqued my curiosity, and I discovered a cozy patio at Smoke on the Water overlooking the marina. I had the Beef Short Rib sandwich, where the toasted bread was crispy and the short ribs were juicy and flavourful. A most satisfying lunch you can enjoy by the water.
You’ll want to head down to the pier to enjoy one of the tasty sandwiches from Smoke on the Water.
On a relaxed Monday people are working on fixing up their boats for the upcoming (hopefully) warmer summer days.
Most of the shops are concentrated along the road coming in from the Langdale Ferry Terminal, so I would recommend parking at the beginning of the shops on Marine Drive and then walking up to Gower Point Road. Along the way, you can pop into cafes, bakeries, and shops to eat and shop to your heart’s content. As you get to the end of the shops and towards the quiet residential area, you can walk down to the marina and enjoy the tranquil setting of the park and the water.
Note that most shops are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so if you do decide to pop by, make sure to check the shops you want to visit are open!
A view of the marina from the end of Gibson’s shopping street.
Photos by Florence Leung
