WELCOME TO THE

LOWER SUNSHINE COAST

If it had been up to Harry Roberts, an eccentric and hardworking pioneer who visited this area in the 1920s (and inspired Roberts Creek‘s name), you would be about to become residents of the "Sunshine Belt" – we apparently have a real estate developer from Gibsons to thank for adding the "Coast." But whatever the name, the natural and cultural environment are the real attraction to a community, though only 40 minutes from Vancouver, still seems a lifetime away from the "big city lifestyle."

Reached by ferry, float plane or water taxi, many mistake the Sunshine Coast for an island. In truth, the area is attached to a larger landmass that does not have road access, though does offer an extremely demanding six-day hike.

The Sunshine Coast is organized into the Upper and Lower Coast, with a number of communities in between. The Upper Coast, (also known as the Malaspina Peninsula), constitutes the Powell River region, including the areas of Lund, Saltery Bay and Desolation Sound. The Lower Coast, (the Sechelt Peninsula), stretches from Howe Sound to Jervis Inlet or Port Mellon to Egmont. newCOASTER Magazine highlights the Lower Sunshine Coast and introduces you to the various communities, businesses and attractions along this one-of-a-kind, 86-kilometre stretch of scenic coastline.

Having grown up on the Coast, we hope to inspire you to experience the culture, lifestyle and natural environment that make this area so special and proudly give voice to current residents and local businesses that help shape this unique region. Whether your visit is temporary or permanent, we offer newCOASTER as a guide to aid you with your integration to the Sunshine Coast‘s esteemed way of life.