It's no surprise that water activities are a major draw for Sunshine Coast visitors.
The Sunshine Coast is bounded by the Strait of Georgia to the west and Howe Sound to the south, with countless bays and inlets, and also has gorgeous lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams. There's virtually no end to the water activities visitors can enjoy on the Sunshine Coast: kayaking, canoeing, fishing, diving, boating, water taxiing, and more.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Directly north of Sechelt, go kayaking or canoeing on the tranquil expanse of Sechelt Inlet, as well as the adjoining Salmon Inlet and Narrows Inlet. Surrounded by the Coast Mountains, kayakers and canoers will find plenty of places to stop for a picnic or a swim, including Halfway Beach, Piper Point, and Tzoonie Narrows. The Skookumchuck Narrows offer a dynamic challenge for experienced whitewater kayakers, located up Highway 101 near the village of Egmont. Equipment sales and rentals, lesson, and guided tours are available from several operators in Sechelt and Gibsons.
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Fishing
Excellent fishing abounds in Davis Bay, directly south of Sechelt. June through September is the prime season for catching Coho salmon. Charter a fishing boat or fish directly off the beach. The Chapman Creek Hatchery, situated at Wilson Creek between Sechelt and Roberts Creek, has played a major role in keeping local fish stocks high. Sechelt Inlet, north of Sechelt, burgeons with Coho salmon, Pink and Sockeye salmon (particularly August to September), and Chum salmon (particularly September to October). One of the best freshwater fishing opportunities near Sechelt is at Trout Lake. It's located near Halfmoon Bay, 10km/6mi north of Sechelt off Highway 101.
Diving
For divers, the Sunshine Coast has abundant marine life to view, from giant octopi and anemones to dolphins and porpoises. The variety of dive sites impresses too: dramatic walls and pinnacles offer adventure and natural beauty, and drift dives are also popular. Go diving at the wreck of the HMCS Chaudière in Sechelt Inlet, explore the rocky reef walls at Tzoonie Narrows, or plunge beneath the foaming waters of the Skookumchuck Narrows.
Boating
Sailboats, motorboats, and other vessels offer innumerable opportunities to explore the waters of the Sunshine Coast and admire local marine life and wildlife. Cruise out of Gibsons Harbour around Keats Island, Gambier Island, and Bowen Island. Head up the coast to the protected inlet of Pender Harbour. Or sail up to the spectacular waters of Desolation Sound and Jervis Inlet. There are close to 20 accessible marinas along the Sunshine Coast.
Water Taxis
Water taxis offer a great way to explore local harbours, commute to nearby Sunshine Coast communities, or even head down to Vancouver. Take a tour of Pender Harbour with Malaspina Water Taxi, watching for seals and dolphins, checking out sailboats and swanky shoreline cottages, and viewing sights as diverse as a prawn plant and a World War II US navy plane. Explore remote forested shores on Sechelt Inlet with Tzoonie Outdoor Adventures, which transports guests 21-foot, radar-equipped motorboat. Sunshine Coast Water Taxi, based in Gibsons, offers 24/7 service to downtown Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, and the Gulf Islands.
Windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, and parasailing are other popular water activities on the Sunshine Coast. For more information and suggestions on water activities, contact the Sechelt Visitor Centre (5790 Teredo St.).
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