For mom, dad and every little one, summer means sun, sand and, perhaps, a little play time on the water.
B.C.’s Sunshine Coast has the former in abundance — aptly named, this stretch boasts more solar action than many other parts of the lower mainland. As for counts two and three? This is a B.C. coastline, after all.
To begin, midway up the coast families can take the plunge in Desolation Sound, the province’s largest marine park, during Kayak ‘n’ Snorkel outings with Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. For a dip of a different sort, Alpha Dive and Kayak, also in Powell River, offers scuba instruction for the kiddies with their Ocean Quest Adventure Camp; no need for the folks to fret, as they too can learn a few tricks of the trade from adventure operator’s deft dive instructors.
For a final stop, journey southeast near Egmont, where the gang can snap on the life preservers for an educational splash with Sunshine Coast Tours.
This on-the-water exploration of the region’s famed Skookumchuck Narrows, a.k.a. the fastest tidal current in the world, will be nothing short of a rush.
From the dock at the Backeddy Marina you will go around this famous waterway. Travel one way on the Old Egmont (mainland) shoreline and the other way along the New Egmont (peninsula) shoreline. In the rapids travel is slow and careful. You’ll feel the power and be close to the action but (hopefully) won’t get splashed.
Take the Princess Louisa Inlet tour and travel through the wilderness areas of Jervis Inlet, pass through Malibu Rapids and into Princess Louisa Inlet to spend time ashore in the provincial park right beside the world-famous Chatterbox Falls. The water tumbles 60 metres from the falls.
Glacial action carved the steep sided fjords and these sheer walls make for numerous waterfalls and each passing weather system causes major changes to the look of the inlet. Every trip through here is unique.
Until mid-June the warm sun melting the mountain snow-pack creates more than 60 waterfalls that cascade and spume down precipitous walls to mingle with the waters of Princess Louisa Inlet.
While heading back to the mainland stop in at Roberts Creek, a beautiful community situated on the Strait of Georgia between Gibsons and Sechelt. Known as the Gumboot Capital of the World, it bears a relaxing atmosphere with a unique rural feel that is a mere hour and a half away from Vancouver.
This blend of beaches, forests and fantastic people make Roberts Creek a wonderful place to visit. Outdoor pursuits are virtually limitless in this recreational paradise. One can enjoy diverse activities ranging from nature walks to kayaking. Roberts Creek Pier is a waterfront park that has a large pier with natural driftwood bench seats and driftwood carvings.
Enjoy the view of the Georgia Strait and at low tide there is a sandy beach. For the more adventurous Cliff Gilker Park features forest trails, unique wooden bridges spanning foaming creeks and a multitude of waterfalls.
Roberts Creek is also home to some of the most talented artists on the Sunshine Coast. Painting, pottery and a myriad of other art forms can be found in the local galleries and studios.
Quaint cottages and unique bed and breakfasts can provide you with a relaxing getaway.
And, no matter your choice, each is sure to meet the family’s warm weather criteria.
For more information visit www.bcseakayak.com, www.divepowellriver.com and www.sunshinecoasttours.bc.ca.