A Guide to Gibsons: The Gateway to the Sunshine Coast

Located within the traditional territories of the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh), Sechelt (Shíshálh), and Sliammon (Tla’Amin) and Klahoose First Nations, the Sunshine Coast is filled with natural wonders. Here you’ll find majestic old growth forests, secluded beaches, magical fjords that cut through rugged mountain ranges, and quaint towns. Perched at the southern end, Gibsons is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. This quaint town is formally known as Gibson’s Landing and is often the first stop for visitors arriving from Vancouver. There are so many great things to do in Gibsons, from outdoor adventures to art and music events.

I visited Gibsons several times when I lived in Vancouver – on a girls trip, as part of a Sunshine Coast road trip, and on a weekend getaway with my partner. I’ve gone hiking and kayaking, eaten my way around the town, and discovered nearby local gems. In this guide, I’m covering the very best things to do in Gibsons to help you plan your own trip. You’ll also find accommodation recommendations and personal tips to make the most of your time in this cute town!

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Getting to Gibsons

How to get to Gibsons by car

Gibsons is a mere 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay and trust me when I tell you it is a beautiful journey! The ferry ride will always be one of my favourite things about visiting the Sunshine Coast or Vancouver Island – it really feels like you’re setting off on an adventure. My biggest tip? Always have your camera ready and spend as much time out on the deck as you can. I have seen whales, dolphins and seals on several ferry crossings. Just make sure you wrap up warm!

BC Ferries run daily services between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale for foot passengers and cars. You can check the sailing schedule here. Return tickets usually cost around $82 per vehicle. Once you arrive in Langdale, it’s just a 5 minute drive to Gibsons.

Ferries do get busy especially over long weekends so I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. I found out the hard way on my first trip to Gibsons. We didn’t book tickets so we had to wait for 3 hours before we managed to get a ferry across to Sunshine Coast. It was definitely worth it but not it’s not really the way you want to start your trip!

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How to get to Gibsons on public transit

If you don’t plan to take a car, you can take the 257 express bus from Vancouver city centre directly to Horseshoe Bay and board as a foot passenger. BC Transit offers a regular bus service between the BC ferries terminal in Langdale and stops in Gibsons. It then continues on to other towns such as Roberts Creek and Sechelt. You can check schedules and times here.

You don’t need a car once you get to Gibsons as the town is quite compact. However, if you want to travel outside the town, you’ll need to use local buses or hire bikes.

The best things to do in Gibsons

1. Explore the town

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Howe Sound, Gibsons is a very pretty town. Although the town may be small, there’s a lot to explore. Browse the local clothing stores and charming shops that line the Landing, before stopping in Winegarden Waterfront Park. With sweeping views of the harbour and Keats Island, it’s a lovely spot to sit and relax.

At the bottom of School Road, you’ll find Molly’s Reach, the iconic restaurant featured in CBC’s The Beachcombers. This TV show was one of the longest-running television shows in Canada and ran for 387 episodes before wrapping up in 1990. In 1995, the property was converted into a restaurant and is still heavily associated with the show.

The ‘Persephone’, the logging tugboat that appeared in the show, was donated to the town in 1991. It was restored by volunteers and installed in 2007 as a historical landmark next to Molly’s Reach. As a Brit who didn’t grow up in Canada, I had never heard of The Beachcombers before I visited Gibsons, but my Canadian friends were very excited to see these sights! If you were a fan of the show, you can visit the local museum and check out the “Beachcomber Relics” exhibit.

2. Visit Gibsons Public Market

This charming public market is situated in the heart of Gibsons Landing and overlooks the harbour and marina. Open all year round, here you’ll find a traditional market with local merchants offering fresh produce, delicious baked goods, beautiful flower arrangements, and specialty products.

But Gibsons Public Market is much more than just a market. It’s a community hub where residents and visitors alike can enjoy art and entertainment. They host live music on Saturday afternoons, cooking classes, art shows, food demos and more. Our Air BnB host told us a trip to the market was one of the best things to do in Gibsons and she was certainly right! You can check what is on during your visit on their website.

3. Hike Soames Hill

Soames Hill Park has over 5 km (3 miles) of trails which wind through the impressive second-growth forest, leading to sweeping views over Gibsons Harbour, Howe Sound, and the coastal mountains. I’ve been lucky to visit many of the towns on the Sunshine Coast over the past 5 years, and this is still one of my favourite viewpoints!

The hike up Soames Hill can be done in under an hour but I recommend setting aside a few hours so you can enjoy the views at the top. My friends and I packed a little picnic and sat at the top for a couple of hours just soaking in the views.

While the hike may be short, don’t be fooled! It is quite a good workout as it’s all uphill and involves climbing 434 steps to the top. Make sure you are prepared; take plenty of water and wear sensible shoes with good grip. It’s not uncommon for bears and other wildlife to frequent the park, so make sure you are prepared and be bear aware.

You can access the park from four different locations as shown on this map, courtesy of the Sunshine Coast Regional District. You can take your dog but it must be on a leash at all times. If you need more information, the Sunshine Coast Regional District website is a great resource.

4. Learn about the marine ecosystem of Howe Sound

Remember when I said Gibsons Public Market was much more than a market? In addition to all the events they run, the market is also home to the Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium where you can immerse yourself into the underwater world of Howe Sound. If you’re visiting with kids, this is one of the best things to do in Gibsons as a family!

Located on the top floor of the building, the Tidepools Aquarium operates under a ‘collect-and-release’ model. The aquarium’s professional SCUBA divers collect local marine life which housed in the centre for around 6 to 18 months (depending on the species), and then released back into its natural environment. This philosophy promotes sustainable education and allows the public to learn more about their local coastal waters without damaging the ecosystem.

The centre is currently open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It costs $9 per adult, $6.75 for students and seniors, and $4.50 for children aged 5 – 12. They do run free admission days throughout the year which are sponsored by BC Ferries. You can find more information on their website.

5. Kayak to Keats Island

Gibsons’ location makes it an ideal place to explore the nearby islands in Howe Sound, namely Keats and Gambier. If you’d like to get out on the water, there are a number of companies kayak rentals, lessons and guided tours. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as there are often a few curious sea lions that pop up from time to time!

There are plenty of sheltered inlets and bays around the Sunshine Coast so kayakers of all levels can enjoy this activity. That being said, if you’re renting privately, the local companies do prefer you to have previous experience. This is the case particularly in Gibsons as the winds can be quite strong in Howe Sound.

We booked our kayak rental with Alpha Adventures. Although they’re based in Sechelt, they deliver kayaks and paddle boards to your location on the water. They will bring all the gear (kayaks, oars, life jackets etc.), but you should bring your own dry bag to keep your personal items dry. We didn’t make it all the way to Keats Island as it was so windy on the day we went but we still had a great time and spotted a few seals along the way!

If you don’t fancy kayaking to Keats Island, the Gibsons Harbour Ferry is a popular alternative. The high speed ferry costs $30 per person and the harbour ferry costs $10 per person. Both will take you directly to the island where you can spend the day exploring.

6. Sample the local craft beers

Home to multiple award-winning craft breweries, the Sunshine Coast has an incredible craft beer culture. So much so that there is actually a Sunshine Coast Ale Trail which stretches all the way from the south coast to the north coast!

There are now three distinct breweries in Gibsons. I’m not a beer drinker (I’ll take wine and cider over beer any day!) but my friends love trying new craft beers so we have visited all three breweries and it was such a fun thing to do in Gibsons. Each place has it’s own unique atmosphere and has plenty of options for non-beer drinkers, including some tasty non-alcoholic beverages.

Persephone Brewing: One of British Columbia’s most unique breweries, Persephone Brewing doesn’t just grow beer. It’s also a farming community with two fields, two apple orchards and two market gardens. This ‘beer farm’ is a wonderful spot to relax whilst trying some of their local beers.
The 101 Brewhouse + Distillery: For the non-beer drinkers (myself included), the 101 Brewhouse + Distillery offers the best of both worlds. Gibsons’ first craft distillery, it has an array of unique gin and vodka cocktails, as well as locally brewed beers.
Tapworks Brewing Company: If you’re looking for somewhere with a view, Tapworks Brewing Company has a large patio which looks out over the ocean and the mountains. And better yet, they host fun trivia nights every Monday.

7. Check out the local cideries

If you’re into cider rather than beer, you’re in luck because Gibsons also has two great cideries! Banditry Cider is a beautiful property with an orchard, wetland, and forest to explore. Bring a picnic and enjoy your afternoon sampling their semi-dry apple or hopped blackberry ciders. You can also get a growler filled to take away with you (for my non-Canadian readers, a growler is a cool looking refillable beer bottle). They also serve non-alcoholic tasting flights made with their in-house sodas which is perfect if you don’t drink or are the designated driver like me!

Just a short drive from Gibsons, right off Highway 101, is my favourite cidery, Sunday Cider. They have a lovely outdoor cider bar and picnic area where you can sit and enjoy a drink. In winter, it’s so cozy as they have little fire pits you can sit around! Their flagship cider is the Sunday Sesh which is very light and easy to drink, but my favourite is the Sunday Rosé. It’s made from Okanagan apples, Saskatoon berries, hibiscus, and elderflowers so it’s on the sweet side but it’s delicious. Their ciders are gluten free and vegan-friendly and are made on site in small batches from 100% fresh pressed BC apples.

8. Visit the other coastal towns on the South Coast

Gibsons is a wonderful base from which to explore the other coastal towns. Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, and Pender Harbour are all situated along the South Coast on Highway 101, the main highway on the Sunshine Coast. They’re a short drive from Gibsons so you could easily visit a couple of them on a day trip depending on how much time you have.

If you don’t have a lot of time and there’s only one thing you do, I’d highly recommend driving along the coast to Smuggler Cove Marine Park near Sechelt. Used in the 1920’s by American prohibition alcohol smugglers, the area has a very colourful history! Today, it’s a popular spot for hiking and offers impressive views over Georgia Straight, Thormanby Island, and Texada Island.

Where to eat and drink in Gibsons

With a vibrant food scene, your biggest challenge will be choosing where to dine. Here are a few of my personal favourites:

Buono Osteria

Serving simple dishes packed with fresh, natural flavours is Buono’s speciality. Perched on the water’s edge, the restaurant offers a scenic setting which is complimented by the warm hospitality and focus on Italian family style dining.

Lunitas Mexican Eatery

From Italy to Mexico. Lunitas Mexican Eatery is a must-visit if you’re partial to tacos, burrito bowls, and tequila fuelled cocktails. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up modern-day versions of classic Mexican dishes.

Smoke on the Water BBQ

Commonly known as ‘the barbecue shack’ by locals, Smoke On The Water BBQ is located right on the wharf offering diners a beautiful view. All of their meats are smoked on site with real hardwood to recreate those authentic southern flavours. If you’re a fan of BBQ food, you simply have to try their signature pulled pork, chicken and brisket sandwiches. It’s primarily a takeout venue but it does have 14 seats outside overlooking the harbour.

Smitty’s Oyster House

Just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, Smitty’s Oyster House is ideally situated to serve some of Gibsons’ best seafood. I’m sadly allergic to shellfish so we didn’t personally dine here, but several locals recommended it to us so I had to include it here. If you’re a lover of seafood, book a table at this former marine repair shop and enjoy the catch of the day.

The Black Bean

If you’re looking for a breakfast or lunch spot, stop by The Black Bean in lower Gibsons. They serve gluten-free muffins, bakes sweets, breakfast sandwiches, and hearty soups.

Beachcomber Coffee Co

No trip to Gibsons would be complete without stopping by Beachcomber Coffee Co. Known for their specialty coffees, it’s here that you’ll find the delicious Deadly Donuts (and the real reason for our visit to the coffee shop). These donuts were created in collaboration with Cheeky Monkey Cakes in Sechelt and are available in vegan and gluten free options.

Where to stay in Gibsons

There are plenty of lovely apartments and guesthouses in Gibsons to suit every budget. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Caprice Bed & Breakfast

I stayed here with my partner and can’t recommend it enough! It’s a pet-friendly guesthouse with three rooms, two of which open onto the terrace. The spacious lawn is framed by west coast cedars, hemlocks and firs and overlooks the Strait of Georgia. And the best part? You can finish up a busy day exploring by soaking in the hot tub and outdoor pool! Check prices here >

Bonniebrook Lodge

Although slightly further from the town than other options, this lodge is probably one of my top picks in Gibsons. This historic gem has been renovated over the years but has managed to retain its original beauty. The suites are spacious and contemporary, each with their own private entrance and balcony overlooking the water. Check prices here >

Gibsons Garden Hotel

While I prefer to stay in guesthouses and B&Bs when travelling, quite a few friends have stayed in the Gibsons Garden Hotel and said it was a pretty good option. It has good reviews and amenities. Check prices here >

Final thoughts

Whether you choose to stay for a week or just an afternoon, there are so many lovely things to do in Gibsons. There’s a lot of information in this guide so don’t forget to save it so you can read it again later. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Where to explore next?

I’ve been to the Sunshine Coast several times as it was the perfect weekend getaway when I lived in Vancouver. If you’re planning a Sunshine Coast road trip, make sure you check out Sechelt, Maderia Park, Pender Hill (a quick but rewarding hike), and Egmont on the south coast. If you have more time to spend on the Sunshine Coast, I would highly recommend extending your trip and visiting Powell River on the north coast. It’s located in the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation and has an endless supply of outdoor adventures, including the incredible Sunshine Coast Trail.