Long weekend is a good oppurtunity to explore new places, or go back and revisit beloved local attractions. This time around, I decided to explore Gibsons. I had been going back and forth in Sunshine Coast but I never had a chance to stop by at Gibsons to explore the area. Gibsons is along the way when heading to Sechelt where my friend lives and for the longest time, Gibsons was always a place where we passed by.

I had extra time and it was a long weekend so I decided to go back and see what is there to see. I took a ferry and bus to go around the area and spend a day there which was more than enough. Let me share with you my Gibsons adventure. Let’s GO!

Quick Tour of HorshoeBay Area

HorshoeBay is where the BC Ferry Terminal is located. This is where you take the ferry if you are going to Nanaimo, Bowen or Sunshine Coast. It is a nice area to walk around. If you come early and you have few minutes or hrs wait for the ferry, try to walk around the Horshoe Bay. They have nice waterfront, park, cafes and restaurants. Here’s a short video of the area. Enjoy!

Where is Gibsons located?

Gibsons, located in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, is a picturesque coastal community along the Strait of Georgia. Gibsons serves as the main marine gateway to the Sunshine Coast in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Visitors can expect a temperate coastal climate, with mild winters and warm, dry summers.

The town of Gibsons has a population of approximately 4,758 residents. It is accessible by ferry from West Vancouver and offers a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, farm-fresh food, craft beverages, and live events

How to buy ferry ticket to get to Gibsons

To get to Gibsons, you will need to take a 20 minutes ferry ride and would costs 15.25 CAD round trip. You can buy the ticket at the Horshoe Bay Ferry Terminal or online if you are travelling with a car. It is a short cheap ferry ride which makes Gibsons a great day trip get away. Gibsons is located in Sunshine Coast and if you have more time on your hand, you can extend your exploration and go to Sechelt as well. I have a video for Sechelt when we did a day trip and hiking activity have a look.

Have a look at this video here to get an idea how to get to the Horshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and what the ferry ride looks like.

Getting around Gibsons in a Bus

Transit website here is very useful so make sure to check before you go. Gibsons is a small place and the bus service is not as often as when you are in downtown Vancouver. If you are exploring farther like Sechelt, you may need to take the bus 1 or 90 unless you are travelling with a car. Bus 1 has more service time than bus 90. The day trip ticket costs 4CAD.

If you are not going far and just staying in Gibsons area, you don’t have to take the bus. You can walk the area, from Langdale terminal to Gibsons Public Market and surrounding area. It would take about 45 minutes walk, but if you took the bus only 5 minutes and you are there. Save a lot of time and the fare is not that expensive.

What is there to see and do?

Gibsons is a small area to explore, you do not need the whole day to go around but you are definitely welcome to stay longer if you wish. You can stroll down the Marina area, have breakfast, bike or do some hiking.

If you are looking for brewery, Gibsons have few notable oes that are recommended.

Persephone Brewing Company: This charming brewery is known for its sunflower fields and hops used in their beer production. It’s a great spot to enjoy good beers in a pleasant atmosphere.

Tapworks Brewing Company: As a microbrewery on the Sunshine Coast, Tapworks aims to reflect the community’s spirit through its accessible and fun beers. Embrace the coastal lifestyle while sipping on their brews.

For a shrt hike, chdckout the Soames Hill (aka Knob Hill): Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the hike up Soames Hill. Follow the road, turn right, then left onto Bridgeman Road to reach the small parking lot. The trail offers scenic views and a chance to connect with nature.

Stop by at the Gibsons Public Market

Walk by the Gibsons Marina

I stayed most of the time walking the Marina, it was a short walk but nonetheless I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. If you have some packed snacks with you, this is a good spot to have a snack.

How long do you need to allocate for the visit?

You can do a day trip to explore the place, with or without a car. You will definitely reach more area with a car. A simple itinerary would be have breakfast or brunch when you arrive in Gibsons, explore the Gibsons Landing, Marina area, Public Market area or if you feel like more physical activity, go to Soames Hill Park for a short (but steep) hike. Have something to eat before heading back to end the trip.

How to get there?

As I mentioned earlier, you will need to take a ferry ride. BC ferries operate a route to take you to Sunshine Coast where Gibsons is located. Here is a short vide of the ferry ride.

What is the best time to visit?

Even if it is just a day trip, I suggest coming early on a Summer day. End of Summer, around September are better are the weather is cooler but still sunny. July to September are great time, but I prefer the month of September. You can still get lucky and have a nice day on October but the chances of rain as more as Fall is starting. I was lucky when I went here first week of October, thanksgiving long weekend it was a sunny day but it was cooler as the temperature starts to dip.

Let’s have breakfast @The Mad Hen

Found this place as a recommendation for best places to have brunch in Gibsons. It has a nice retro 70’s vibe, like a diner type place.

They have great selection of food in the menu from meat lovers to vegan or just vegetarian.

What’s in the Menu

They have a lot of items in the menu. If you feel like a heavy breakfast, I like breakfast or brunch, they got you covered. They have hot and cold drinks, soup and sandwiches, pancakes, egg Benedict’s, omelette and desserts!

What I ordered

Sunshine Coast Hash: 19CAD

Homemade hash brown, 2 poached eggs, smoked salmon, red onions, spinach, tomatoes, goat feta cheese, dill,capers, whole grain toast, Choice of hollandaise, basil pesto or Sundried tomato pesto sauce.

This dish is delicious!! I was worried that it is going to be too heavy and I was wrong. The serving portion was just right and the combination of the vegetables worked well together. Just one thing to note, it barely have any salmon in it, but it was still delicious. I highly recommend this place when you visit Gibsons.

Wine Garden Waterfront Park

Winegarden Waterfront Park is a delightful spot located in downtown Gibsons, British Columbia, near the marina and yacht club. This park was created through a collaborative effort by the community to provide a comfortable and clean area for sightseeing, walking, and relaxation. Here are some key details about this charming park:

• Location: Winegarden Waterfront Park is situated right on the waterfront, offering picturesque views near the marina and yacht club in Gibsons.
• Purpose: It serves as a peaceful oasis where visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, take in the scenic surroundings, and unwind by the water.
• Community Effort: The park’s development was a collective endeavor by local residents who wanted to enhance the area for both residents and tourists.
• Attractions: While at Winegarden Waterfront Park, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline, watch boats sail by, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
• Local Flavor: Gibsons Landing, where the park is located, has a rich history and cultural significance. It’s known for being

I spent some time just seating on the bench in the Wine Garden Waterfront Park. It was nice and peaceful ..

Gelato at Mike’s Place to cool down the heat of the Summer

My vacation regardless if short or long .. there will often be an ice cream or gelato involved. It was a sunny and hot day and what could be better than double scoops of gelato. Luckily, I found this gelato place just few steps away from The Mad Hen. I got a scoop each of Cafe Latte and Ferrero Roche.

Sandy’s Shoppe is just around the corner for sweet cravings

If you are looking for a spot to grab some delicious baked goodies, head to Sandy’s Shoppe just few stops away from Mike’s Place. The treats looks really look, and if you are into pie … this is definitely the place.

The Beachcomber Coffee Company, for coffee lovers

Popularize by the 90’s show, this Beachcomber Coffee Company have a very rustic vibe. If you are into coffee, this is the place to be.

The space is not quite big with just few chairs and tables for dine-in customers.

Tips for the Trip

1. Plan Ahead – Weather you are driving or walking when you get to Gibsons, it is always good to plan ahead. Weekdays are better time to visit as it is not as busy, but if weekend is all you have alloted then that is good as well. Gibson is not a busy area as this is mostly a stopover rather than the main destination of most travellers.
2. Check the weather– Always check the weather before you go especially if you are visitng early Spring or Fall. Here in BC, we get more rain during Fall so just be prepared, it won’t hurt to bring an umbrella or poncho with you.
3. Wear proper clothes for the weather: Whatever season you visit, dress for that season. Summer could be hot, do not forget to bring sunscreen or wear a head covering. Early Spring could still be cold and wet, same with Fall. Bring your cold and rain gears with you. Lastly, Winter is definitely going to be cold, mitten, toque and warm jacket are advisable. I personally recommend visitng during Summer for better experience.
4. Bring Snacks – There are quite a few places to eat in Gibsons but when you do the hikes, there are no food or drinks places inside or even close to the trail. I highly recommend to bring drink or light snack with you just in case you get hungry while doing the hike.
5. Come in Early – Gibsons is a small place, but if you are only doing a day trip it is a good idea to take the earlier ferry. This will give you enough time to check the area and stop for a meal or snack.
6. Do not take the last sailing – unless really needed, avoid taking the last sailing so that if there’s a cancellation for whatever reason, you will not get stuck there.

Features Videos:

• A Ferry ride from Vancouver to Bowen Island
• Easy 45 mins Hike to Dormat Point
• Good hike close to the ferry terminal – Kilarney Lake Loop Trail
• Quick stop for snack at Tell Your Friends Cafe
• A lovely promenade to relax at Lady Alexandra Promenade
• The BEST brunch place, The Artisan Eats Cafe
• A stroll at the Artisan Village Square
• A short hike away from the crowd at Wild Coast Nature Conservatory
• Cannot miss the Lighthouse at Cape Roger Curtis
• No effort hike at Sea Walk

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