No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to Sechelt, the Coast’s largest centre – a narrow strip of land guarded to the south and north by the Pacific Ocean, Sechelt, which literally means “Land Between Two Waters” in the Coast Salish tongue, offers a plethora of seaside activities and in-town attractions to accommodate every interest.
Rated the second best place to dive on the planet by Jacques Cousteau, the Sunshine Coast’s spectacular underwater attractions lure scuba divers from all over the world. The HMCS Chaudiere, a retired war ship, was purposely sunk in 1992 between the Sechelt and Salmon Inlets on the Lower Coast, creating an artificial reef for divers of all levels to explore, while a 2.7-meter (9-foot) bronze mermaid lures divers to her lair off the shores of Powell River, further up-coast.
While you’re down there, keep your eyes open for giant Pacific octopi. Averaging between 23- 27 kg (50 –60 lbs.), with an arm span of approximately 6 m, (20 ft.), this is the world’s largest species of octopus. You’ll have to see it to believe it!
On shore, gently poke a finger into the spongy sea anemones or search for starfish as you explore the tidepools at Smugglers Cove Marine Park. Perfect your sunbathing technique on the soft sands at Davis Bay, or enter into the annual Sandcastle Competition, which occurs each July. Far from the typical plastic bucket creations, past entries have included sand replicas of geckos, igloos, and even a sea monster downing a ship!
Sechelt is located on the Sunshine Coast’s main highway, Highway 101. BC Ferries sails several times a day between Horseshoe Bay in Greater Vancouver to Langdale Ferry Terminal in Gibsons, 27 km (17 mi.) southeast of Sechelt, connecting this coastal paradise with BC’s mainland. This scenic 64-km (40-mi.) crossing through Howe Sound takes about 40 minutes.
BC Ferries also sails from the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal near Powell River to Earl’s Cove, 59 km (37 mi.) north of Sechelt. Malaspina Coach Lines takes passengers from Vancouver across on the ferry to the Sunshine Coast with stops in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour, while scheduled flights arrive from Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo into Sechelt, 27 km (17 mi.) northwest of Gibsons. A 24-hour water taxi service is also available from Gibsons, Secret Cove, and Egmont. Population: Sechelt: 8,000 Lower Sunshine Coast: 26,365 Elevation: 8 m (26 ft) Average July Temperature: 18ºC (64ºF) Average January Temperature: 4ºC (39ºF) Annual Rainfall: 3 cm (1 in.) Annual Snowfall: 93 cm (37 in.)
To make your travel plans to or from Abbotsford start with Abbotsford Connections and make your bookings for Abbotsford, BC, Canada or anywhere in the rest of the world. If you’d prefer, our professional and friendly Abbotsford travel agents will give you a hand to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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Abbotsford Travel Agents
To make your travel plans to or from Abbotsford start with Abbotsford Connections and make your bookings for Abbotsford, BC, Canada or anywhere in the rest of the world. If you’d prefer, our professional and friendly Abbotsford travel agents will give you a hand to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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Abbotsford Airport
Situated at the heart of the Fraser Valley and connected to the entire Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Abbotsford International Airport has been proudly serving the surrounding communities of the Vancouver and Lower Mainland for over 30 years.
In 2008 more than 500,000 passengers came through Abbotsford Airport. Come discover why more and more people are choosing to fly YXX.
Abbotsford Tourism
What to do in Abbotsford – all the links to all the activities and sites you’ll want to see during your stay in Abbotsford. Check out the opportunities for Agri-Tourism, Sky-Diving, Hiking, Restaurants and Nightlife al in one location. Abbotsford Tourism’s website provides you with a one-stop-shopping opportunity to experience Abbotsford.
Everything tourism-related about Abbotsford is at your fingertips.
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Accommodations, activities, attractions, camping, real estate, tours & packages, and transportation in Abbotsford. Book your reservations, choose your hotel/motel plan your tour, explore the possibilities in Abbotsford and around BC all with one click.
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