 BC Ferry in Horseshoe Bay, Tourism BC photo
Gibsons is located on the British Columbia mainland just 40 minutes northwest of Vancouver by ferry, which is how most visitors get here. Arriving on the Sunshine Coast by bus or air is also an option. Most travelers get around the lower Sunshine Coast by car, although the popularity of taking public transportation, biking or walking.
Car TravelVisitors can rent a car in Vancouver before catching the ferry, or head to one of the two car rental agencies in Gibsons. Sechelt, which is 23km/14mi north of Gibsons, also has car rentals.The main road connecting communities on the 180km/110mi Sunshine Coast is Highway 101 offers a leisurely, winding drive with single-lane traffic. Contact Sunshine Coast Taxi for cab service, and Sunshine Coast Shuttle Service for vans, mini-coaches, and limousines. Some B&Bs and resorts will arrange to pick up guests.
Public TransportationFor those wishing to travel by bus, Malaspina Coach Lines offers daily scheduled service from Vancouver (including Vancouver International Airport) to Gibsons and the rest of the Sunshine Coast as far north as Powell River. To get around the lower Sunshine Coast, there are four public bus routes with limited service: #1 Sechelt/Gibsons-Langdale, #2 West Sechelt, #3 Sechelt Arena, and #4 Halfmoon Bay.
Ferry TravelBC Ferries offers regular sailings between Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver and Langdale Ferry Terminal on the Sunshine Coast. The 40-minute cruise through Howe Sound amid green coastline and glittering waters is an attraction in itself. From morning till night, ferries depart about every two hours.
From Langdale, it's 5km/3.1mi to Gibsons Landing, the historic heart of Gibsons overlooking the harbour. Langdale also has foot passenger ferry service to nearby Keats Island and Gambier Island. Those coming from Vancouver Island can take a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay and then travel from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale.
BC Ferries also has daily service from Comox on Vancouver Island to Powell River on the northern Sunshine Coast. From Powell River, visitors can drive to Saltery Bay, take a short ferry ride to Egmont, and then make the 76km/48mi journey down to Gibsons.
Air TravelScheduled and charter float plane service is available between the Sunshine Coast and the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), as well as Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver. The majority of scheduled flights go into Sechelt.Visitors can also arrive by float plane from Vancouver Island destinations like Victoria, Nanaimo, or Tofino, from the mainland ski resort of Whistler, or from Seattle.
Other Transportation OptionsBoats can arrange moorage at marinas in Gibsons, Sechelt, and other Sunshine Coast communities. Water taxis are a great option for taking harbour tours, exploring local islands, or even traveling down to Vancouver. Among other companies, Sunshine Coast Water Taxi operates out of Gibsons, and Coastal Water Taxi is based in Sechelt.
Pick up maps of Gibsons and the surrounding area at the Visitor Centre.
|