| |
  Tucker’s
Inn B&B is located on the Sunshine Coast, a pastoral, green belt on
British Columbia’s west coast. The fact that it’s only a 40-minute
ferry on island-studded waters from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver
to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast, means that it is close to
Vancouver’s cosmopolitan pleasures but light years away from the
traffic and bustle of the city. The lower section of the Sunshine
Coast stretches 80 kilometers from Gibsons to Earl’s Cove where
another ferry connects to Powell River. Tucker’s Inn B&B is
conveniently located about midway between the two ferry terminals
making it an ideal stepping off point to explore this precious
section of coast.
A
Sunshine Coast vacation begins as you depart the ferry terminal in
Langdale; highway 101 meanders through stands of Douglas fir,
hemlock and cedar, past long sweeps of beaches and a smattering of
small towns. Traveling up the coast, most of the best postcard
scenes are hidden from
sight: fabulous fjords with sculpted shorelines of granite,
off-shore verdant islands and lovely, mossy trails that, as well as
sky-reaching, second growth forest, boast lustrous, red-barked
Arbutus trees.
Neighborhoods
are a mix of pretty summer cottages and posh homes tucked into the
woods or overlooking the ocean, and are populated by loggers,
fishers, craftspeople, writers and artists as well as those who seek
the simpler life. Sunshine Coast commerce revolves around small,
locally-owned businesses that look forward to the fact that, in
summer, it’s population of about 27,000 burgeons to a quarter more
as week-end cottage owners and visitors arrive to enjoy the idyllic
climate. Its name is no tourist marketing gimmick, it boasts 2400
hours of sunshine annually.
Just
off the ferry, Gibsons Landing, arguably one of Canada’s prettiest
small towns with charming shops and galleries and a boat-adorned
harbour backed by mountains, has a folksy appeal. It’s familiar to
Canadians as the setting for the long-running Beachcombers
television series – Molly’s Reach is still a popular restaurant
overlooking the ocean and currently a Beachcombers production is
being filmed once more. At Roberts Creek, you cut down from the
highway to admire gardens and waterfront parks, and visit funky
restaurants and craft galleries. The food is great and local artwork
can be seen at The Gumboot Garden Cafe. Davis Bay offers a long
stretch of waterfront that can be walked; there great java at Pier
17, a classy gallery is upstairs and fish and chips can be enjoyed
along with the sunset.
 The
village of Sechelt, is set on an intriguing land formation as the
Sechelt Peninsula joins the mainland at a narrow neck of land,
sheltering an inland sea that was gouged out of the landscape by a
massive ice formation some 10,000 years ago. This is home to the
Sechelt Nation, a thriving community that is part of the Coast
Salish Nation.
Entering
Sechelt (which means ‘land between the waters’), stop at The House
of Hewhiwus that includes a Native gift shop, museum and theatre.
Also, walk along the waterfront (which is mostly hidden from the
village) starting at Snickett Park with its intriguing rock
formations carved by crashing waves; follow the shoreline east to
take in the row of exquisitely carved totems that face the ocean.
Sechelt has a number of good restaurants – The Old Boot and Johnny
Oregano’s Restaurant are on the main drag – a charming community art
gallery and don’t miss the gardens at Rockwood Lodge. Each year, in
August, he Annual Festival of the Written Arts is held here in a
heritage building. The three day festival features best Canadian
writers. In 2002 it celebrated its 25th year anniversary and it is
highly successful.
 Sechelt
accommodation consists of a few small motels and a fine offering of
bed and breakfast accommodation. Tucker’s Inn B&B is located five
minutes drive west of Sechelt -- you can’t miss the welcoming carved
wooden bear sign. You wind up a long driveway past bursts of
wildflowers, luxuriant gardens with benches and ponds and an
expansive lawn. The two-storey, spacious home is set on 2.3 acres
(0.93 hectares), backed by woods where a
gentle creek flows. It’s a short walk to the beach and walking,
hiking and mountain bike trails lead directly from the property. As
well as welcoming families to their Sechelt B&B, which was
specifically designed as an inn, it is a spa retreat. A massage at
the end of a busy day, is an option. Tucker’s Inn B&B is ideally
situated for a Sunshine Coast vacation as there are multi activities
and places to visit within a short distance.
Just
past Tucker's Inn you can explore the tiny communities of Halfmoon Bay,
Madeira Park, and Garden Bay, as well as the beauteous settings of
Secret Cove and Pender Harbour. Don’t miss the delightful general
store at Halfmoon Bay – there’s a new bakery/deli/cappuccino bar as
well – and, further along communities face island-dotted natural harbours of dazzling blues and greens that cry out for a National
Geographic photographer. Any number of side roads lead to woodsy
provincial parks, tranquil coves or a wink of a village. (From
Sechelt, it’s another 54 km to Earl’s Cove and the ferry to Saltery
Bay and the northern section of the Sunshine Coast.)
 A
Sunshine Coast holiday is about being outdoors and whatever you
thrive on, can be found here. Click on ‘Getaways’ and enjoy the
feast of offerings. The
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia is an enchanting step-back from the
busy world. To experience the best in coastal life, book some time
at Tucker’s Inn B&B.
Text by Judi Lees: Judi Lees
is an award-winning freelance travel writer who lives in Halfmoon
Bay. She is an avid hiker, kayaker, skier and cyclist. Judi is the
author of 'Vancouver The Ultimate Guide' and co-author of '51
Weekend Activities Around Vancouver'.
|
|
