Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 787

which faces the boat-bobbing marina, for perfect fresh-catch treats. Alternatively, amble
along the pier at the nearby Government Dock for tasty tacos at the friendly, shack-like
Shed (Government Dock; mains $6-12;

11am-4pm & 6-8pm) .

Sechelt

The second-largest Sunshine Coast town, Sechelt isn't as funky as Gibsons and Powell
River. But there are lots of outdoor-activity opportunities, plus good spots to fuel up. For
information, drop by the visitor center ( 877-885-1036, 604-885-1036;
www.secheltvisitorcentre.com ; 5790 Teredo St; 9am-5pm) .
With a good kayak launch site and a sandy, stroll-worthy beach, fir-and-cedar-forested
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park ( www.bcparks.ca ) is 4km north of Sechelt via East Por-
poise Bay Rd. There are trails throughout the park and an 84-site campground
( www.discovercamping.ca ; campsites $25) with handy hot showers.
If you didn't bring your kayak (or bike), Pedals & Paddles ( 604-885-6440;
www.pedalspaddles.com ; 7425 Sechelt Inlet Rd; rentals 2/24hr $32/80) organizes rentals and
kayak tours of the inlet's tranquil waters.
If you like the idea of a secluded waterfront retreat, check out the two spacious suites
and the cottage at Beachside by the Bay ( 604-741-0771; www.beachsidebythebay.com ;
5005 Sunshine Coast Hwy; d $199-$239; ) . Facilities include full kitchens, covered out-
door hot tub and a huge private beach deck where you can spend the evening barbecuing
and watching passing eagles.
And if it's time to eat, join the locals - and dive into a fresh-baked maple-cinnamon
bun - at ever-buzzing Wheatberries Bakery ( www.wheatberriesbakery.com ; 5500 Wharf St;
baked goods from $2; 7am-5pm; ) . Or hit the waterfront Lighthouse Pub
( www.lighthousepub.ca ; 5764 Wharf Rd; mains $12-22) , a quality neighborhood haunt where
you can eavesdrop on Sunshine Coast gossip while feasting on hearty pub grub.

Powell River

A further ferry hop along Hwy 101 brings you to this funky spot, founded as a paper-mill
town a century ago. Cooler than Sechelt and busier than Gibsons, it's well worth a sleep-
over.
Pick up a free heritage-buildings flyer from the visitor center ( 877-817-8669,
604-485-4701; www.discoverpowellriver.com ; 4670 Joyce Ave; 9am-6pm) for a self-guided
tour. Highlights include the the lovely Patricia Theatre ( www.patriciatheatre.com ; 5848 Ash
Ave) , Canada's oldest continuously operating cinema, and Townsite Brewing