Looking for the best things to do in Gibsons BC or planning a trip to Gibsons? This vibrant coastal town on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada offers an array of exciting activities and attractions that will leave you enchanted.
From breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and delectable cuisine, Gibsons has something for everyone.
There is something for everyone in this bustling Canadian city, regardless of your choice of activities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the 18 best things to do in Gibsons BC, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this captivating destination.
Things to do in Gibsons BC
1 Explore Gibsons Landing, Gibsons BC
Start your journey in the heart of Gibsons at Gibsons Landing, a picturesque waterfront district filled with historic charm and the cultural heartbeat of this coastal community.
Gibsons Landing comes with a storied history that will thrill all visitors. This area is best known as the location behind CBC’s famed show, The Beachcombers, which holds claim as the network’s longest-running (and arguably most popular) show in the city.
Stroll along the wharf, visit boutique shops, and art galleries, and enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant while taking in the stunning views.
2 Visit Molly’s Reach
One of the top recommended things to do in Gibsons BC is to visit Molly’s Reach. Fans of the popular TV series “The Beachcombers” will always be delighted with a visit to Molly’s Reach.
This iconic landmark served as the fictional café in the show and offers a nostalgic glimpse into Canadian television history.
The show depicted the adventures of a group of people who made a living by beachcombing along the coastline of British Columbia.
Visitors can enjoy the coastal atmosphere, and beautiful views, and perhaps even take a trip down memory lane by dining at the place made famous by the show.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Gibsons, Molly’s Reach is definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of “The Beachcombers” or simply want to experience a piece of Canadian television history.
3 Soak up the Sun at Secret Beach
Located near Gospel Rock, this beautiful pebble beach overlooks the Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island. Escape to the tranquil shores of Secret Beach, a hidden gem known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views.
Relax on the sandy beach, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or explore the surrounding tide pools. Secret Beach offers a picturesque setting with its sandy shoreline, stunning views of the ocean, and surrounding coastal landscape.
The beach is relatively small and can be quite peaceful, making it a great spot for relaxation, picnics, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
4 Hike the Sunshine Coast Trail
Embark on an unforgettable adventure by hiking a portion of the Sunshine Coast Trail. This scenic 180-kilometer trail offers hikers a diverse range of landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty.
Along the way, you’ll encounter old-growth forests, stunning coastal views, sparkling lakes, cascading waterfalls, and meadows filled with wildflowers. The trail provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of British Columbia.
One unique aspect of the Sunshine Coast Trail is its network of backcountry huts. There are 14 huts located along the trail, offering shelter and amenities to hikers.
These huts are rustic and equipped with sleeping platforms, cooking areas, and outhouse facilities. They provide a convenient option for overnight stays, reducing the need to carry extensive camping gear.
Whether you choose to tackle the entire trail or embark on shorter sections, it promises a memorable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
5 Discover Winegarden Park
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Winegarden Park. This peaceful park features walking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic ocean views. Winegarden Waterfront Park is located in downtown Gibsons on the waterfront near the marina and yacht club.
The park was a group effort by the community to provide a comfortable, clean area for sightseeing, walking, and relaxing.
The waterfront park has carved wooden viewing benches scattered throughout. There is a cedar-carved artistic bus shelter, bridges, and many different floral colors and scents contributed by the selection of flowers and shrubbery in the park.
The Winegarden Waterfront Park is a treasure and a beautiful colorful display brightening up the village streets in Gibsons Landing.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes.
6 Explore Artists’ Studios and Galleries
Located in the heart of historic Gibsons, BC, Gibsons Public Art Gallery is part of a lively arts and heritage community that supports five outstanding commercial galleries, several artists’ studios, a heritage museum, and this public art gallery.
Gibsons is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts. Discover the vibrant local art scene by visiting artists’ studios and galleries, where you can admire a diverse range of creative expressions, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, and glasswork.
The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, providing a platform for artists to display their work.
7 Experience Persephone Brewing Company
Indulge in the craft beer culture of Gibsons at Persephone Brewing Company. Take a brewery tour, sample their handcrafted beers, and relax in the rustic outdoor beer garden while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
This Brewing Company is dedicated to producing high-quality craft beer using locally sourced ingredients. They strive to create a variety of innovative and delicious brews that reflect the character of the region.
One unique aspect of Persephone Brewing Company is its farm-to-glass philosophy. They grow their own hops on-site, and they work with local farmers to source other ingredients, such as barley and fruits, for their beers.
This company also has a welcoming and rustic tasting room where visitors can sample their beers. The tasting room offers a cozy atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy the brewery’s offerings while taking in the scenic surroundings.
8 Visit the Gibsons Public Market
Immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary delights at the Gibsons Public Market. Browse through local artisan shops, savor fresh produce and gourmet treats, and enjoy a meal at one of the market’s eateries.
This bustling public market features six merchants and an award-winning bistro providing a variety of fresh, local food since 2017.
You can find a variety of events, programs, and activities at Gibsons Public Market for locals and visitors alike. Join us for FREE Live Music performances on Saturday afternoons, daily Happy Hour, tours of the Aquarium, shopping with the merchants, yoga classes, and many more.
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9 Enjoy Water Sports at Gibsons Marina
Get your adrenaline pumping by engaging in water sports at Gibsons Marina. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or even try your hand at sailing and explore the scenic coastline from a different perspective.
It offers both transient and permanent moorage options, accommodating recreational boats, fishing vessels, and other marine crafts. The marina is equipped with amenities such as power hook-ups, water supply, and fuel services.
Gibsons Marina offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, waterways, and nearby islands. Boaters and visitors can take in the natural beauty of the area while at the marina or while out on the water.
Whether you’re interested in sailing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a day on the water, the marina serves as a convenient starting point for various recreational adventures.
10 Sample Fresh Seafood at Smitty’s Oyster House Restaurants
Gibsons is renowned for its fresh seafood offerings. Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure by indulging in locally caught seafood dishes at Smitty’s Oyster House restaurants.
With a focus on fresh seafood, killer cocktails, great wine, great beer, local ingredients, and an upbeat relaxed atmosphere, this new location is set to become an essential part of Main Street’s restaurant and nightlife culture.
From succulent fish and chips to mouthwatering seafood platters, there’s something for every seafood lover to enjoy at Smitty’s Oyster House restaurants.
11 Attend Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival
If you’re visiting Gibsons BC in the summer, don’t miss the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival. Experience the vibrant sounds of jazz music while enjoying live performances by talented musicians against the backdrop of stunning ocean views.
The event is held annually on the second weekend in June. The Jazz Festival Weekend is preceded by “Jazz Week,” a full week of live performances at restaurants and other venues on the Sunshine Coast to highlight the region’s finest musicians and generate interest in the Jazz Festival Weekend.
Other activities are presented throughout the year by the Sunshine Coast Jazz and Entertainment Society, including performances, dances, seminars, and more.
If you’re a fan of jazz, attending the festival should be on your bucket list of things to do in Gibson BC.
12 Visit the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives
As a history buff, don’t forget to add Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives to your list of top things to do in Gibsons BC.
Delve into Gibsons’ rich history and culture at the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives. Explore exhibits showcasing the region’s indigenous heritage, early settlers, and maritime history, providing valuable insights into the town’s past.
The museum collects, preserves, and exhibits artifacts, photographs, documents, and other materials related to the history, culture, and development of the Sunshine Coast.
Visitors can explore various exhibits that highlight different aspects of the region’s past, including its First Nations history, pioneer life, logging and fishing industries, transportation, and more.
13 Things to do in Gibsons BC: Take a Coastal Cruise
To truly appreciate Gibsons’ coastal splendor, embark on a leisurely coastal cruise. Hop aboard a boat tour and cruise along the sparkling waters, offering glimpses of marine wildlife and stunning vistas.
Enjoy the serenity of the ocean, learn about the local marine ecosystem, and capture memorable photographs of the breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Whether you choose a sightseeing tour or a fishing excursion, a coastal cruise is an ideal way to connect with Gibsons’ natural beauty.
14 Things to do in Gibsons BC: Chaster Park Gibson
Chaster Park is located in Gibsons on the lower portion of the Sunshine Coast. Mostly at low tide, the region is a well-liked day-out trip location for beachcombing, beach walks, and picnics. Many locate this park for its quiet relaxing areas.
The little park is fortunate to have many places where people may reach the shore Once in the parking lot, the beach area opens up with miles of ocean vistas. The park features a sizable grassy area that is shaded by trees.
Chaster Park offers a beautiful drive or stroll along the lake through arbutus trees to Gospel Rock and a vista over Gibsons Harbour. The park also features a historic mansion on the shore called Chaster Mansion that is available for rentals and mostly utilized for weddings, meetings, and organizations.
15 Things to do in Gibsons BC: Georgia Beach
Located on the shores of the Georgia Strait, Georgia Beach is a beautiful beach with a view of the mountains and the beautiful ocean.
This beach is a favorite spot for kayakers and dog walkers in Gibsons. It is advised that you have great swimming skills if you intend to swim in the strong current that runs off the beach. Georgia Beach has a grassy park with picnic tables for sunny day picnics.
If you’re a beach lover and you’re yet to include Georgia Beach on your list of things to do in Gibsons BC, then your list needs to be adjusted.
16 Gibsons Cinema
If you’re a movie freak, then Gibsons Cinema ought to be on your list of things to do in Gibsons BC. This is where both locals and guests watch amazing thrilling movies of both old and recent releases.
The Gibsons Cinema is the greatest and ideal theater to attend if you are in Gibsons with your spouse and want to have a perfect movie time together.
17 Things to do in Gibsons BC: Nineteen-02
Nineteen-02 is a tea bar shop located in the downtown of Gibsons. The bar shop is one of the largest ranges of Organic Tea in North America. They focus on fresh tea that can still bring you health benefits from drinking Tea while tasting even more amazing than what you are used to.
Visit the Tea Bar in Gibsons, British Columbia, to observe the mixology and ingenuity used to manufacture your custom beverage or the tea blends that Nineteen-02 made for you.
Your body will wonder why you haven’t come here sooner while your mind will be left wanting more after visiting this pub.
18 Gibsons Harbour Ferry
On the last note of things to do in Gibsons BC is to visit Gibsons Harbour Ferry. This is a place to go if you like wildlife viewing while on a boat tour. The Harbour provides transportation across the harbor, connecting various points within Gibsons and nearby areas.
The ferry service is primarily used for commuting, allowing residents and visitors to travel conveniently between different parts of Gibsons without having to take longer road routes.
The 23-foot, 7-passenger high-speed harbor ferry is a 20 Knot cruise water taxi that provides tourists visiting the area with a gorgeous and pleasurable form of transportation.
Best Time to Visit Gibsons BC
