Soul Searching on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia

On July 27, the one-year anniversary of my dad’s passing, I journeyed to the Sunshine Coast in search of solitude and self discovery. Accessible only by air and ferry due to the rugged mountain range connecting the Sunshine Coast to mainland British Columbia, this one-hundred-eighty kilometer stretch is conveniently serviced by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. So early that Friday morning, I headed to Horseshoe Bay and sailed across the Howe Sound to Langdale, where I embarked on a much needed soul-searching adventure.

Over the next three days, I went as far as the bus service and my own two legs would take me, trading in the worries of society for the healing powers of nature. As I worked my way along the southern Sunshine Coast by bus and by foot – from Langdale to Gibsons, Roberts Creek to Sechelt, and Halfmoon Bay to Secret Cove – I spent my mornings climbing mountains, my afternoons racing through forests, my evenings practicing yoga on beaches, and my nights chasing the sunset and the moonrise.

I hope that this post will not only serve as a useful resource for those visiting the Sunshine Coast without a car, but also provide a glimpse into my continued journey of emotional healing and spiritual growth.

And with that, let the soul-searching adventures begin.

Gibsons
Located just five kilometers from the Langdale ferry terminal, Gibsons is known for its local artists and fishing boats, as well as the famous Molly’s Reach restaurant where CBC’s The Beachcombers series was filmed. Commonly referred to as the Gateway to the Sunshine Coast, this is where I booked an Airbnb for my two-night stay and also where I kicked off my weekend adventures. First I strolled along the Gibsons Seawall from Armours Beach to Gibsons Public Market, then I peeked my head into the quaint shops and art galleries in the seaside village of Gibsons Landing. Next I enjoyed a refreshing cold brew at Beachcomber Coffee Company before hiking to the summit of Soames Hill. Standing two-hundred-fifty meters above sea level, I took in the breathtaking views of Bowen Island and Keats Island down below.

Before I knew it, the evening had started to set in. I picked up a vegan sandwich from Black Bean Roasting Company and headed down Gower Point Road in the direction of my Airbnb, passing Secret Beach on the way. I took a seat on the secluded pebble beach to gather my thoughts and admire Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island in the distance. Afterward, I checked into my little studio and continued walking to Chaster Park and Bonniebrook Beach where I anxiously waited for the sun to set. I say anxiously because July 27 was a very special night. Not only was it my dad’s deathiversary, but it was also a full moon, as it had been on the night of his funeral. Over the past year, the moon has become a significant symbol in my life, a sort of reassurance that my dad is still here. When the sun finally set and the moon claimed its spot in the sky, I stared into the magical glowing ball and subconsciously slipped away from the land of living.

Roberts Creek
The next stop on my itinerary was Roberts Creek, a tight-knit community with a great deal of historical significance. The small downtown area includes a post office and a general store, a garden and a music store, several independent shops run by local artists, and a health food store where I was excited to find kombucha on tap. With a glass of bubbly fermented tea in hand, I ventured down to Roberts Creek Pier. This is where the first settlers arrived in the late 1880s and where a government wharf was constructed in the early 1900s to accommodate the ships filled with goods and people. At the entrance of the pier, the Roberts Creek Mandala is an annual community art project that is nothing short of a colorful masterpiece. After appreciating the artwork, I walked slightly inland to Cliff Gilker Regional Park, where I explored the five kilometers of trails featuring wooden bridges and majestic waterfalls.

Sechelt
After zenning out in the park, it was time to venture into the lively town of Sechelt, also known as the heart of the Sunshine Coast. The word Sechelt means land between two waters and the community is known to put on many events and festivals throughout the year. Every Saturday during the summer months, Cowrie Street hosts the Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market, where I found locally grown apples and vegan popsicles. I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the pedestrian-friendly downtown area full of shops and boutiques, followed by the stunning beach area. Pebbles Beach is perhaps one of the best places to swim on the entire Sunshine Coast and Sechelt’s Seawall is a beautiful stretch of trees, picnic tables, benches, and beach access points. As the night began to fall, I walked along the waterfront to the Trail Bay Pier and listened to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

Halfmoon Bay
The third and final day of my Sunshine Coast adventures took me to Halfmoon Bay, which was honestly the reason I had chosen this trip in the first place. My original plan had been to spend the evening of the full moon in Halfmoon Bay because the sound of it just spoke to me on a spiritual level, but when I realized the limited bus service may leave me stranded in the moonlight, I had to reorganize my itinerary. So on day three, in full daylight, I finally made the trek to Halfmoon Bay. My first stop was at Halfmoon Bay Cafe for a bottled cold brew coffee, then I proceeded to the sandy beach which looks out toward Anchor Rock, Whale Island, and Coopers Green. After submerging my feet in the sand and the water, I followed Redrooffs Road to Coopers Green Regional Park where the annual Halfmoon Bay Country Fair and Apple Festival are held.

Secret Cove
During the summer, the bus to Halfmoon Bay continues to Secret Cove, so I made a spontaneous decision to check it out. Home to Buccaneer Marina with a small store and a fuel dock, I quickly learned that Secret Cove is primarily a hub for boat owners to refuel and take care of any boating needs. The stretch between Halfmoon Bay and Secret Cove is also popular among kayakers for its protected harbors and marinas. Since I was exploring only by land this time around, I left the marina in search of hiking trails, which is when I stumbled upon Homesite Creek Park. Just off of Highway 101, I found the Homesite Creek Falls Trail nestled between the trees and climbed deep into the thick forest. As I made my way further into nature, the soothing sound of crashing waterfalls drained out the loud sound of speeding cars and I finally felt at peace.

One year and twelve days ago was my dad’s last day on earth. One year and one day ago was my dad’s funeral. They said the milestones would be hard, but I wasn’t prepared for just how hard they would be. I spend a lot of time replaying the events of last year, wishing things could be different, trying to come to terms with it all… and that has caused me to pull away. Not just from my blog, but also from my friends and family… and from my mind, my body, and my soul.

This weekend was very special to me and that’s why I wanted to share it with you. Having spent three days reconnecting with myself, I’m finally ready to reconnect with you. In other words, more posts are coming. If you’re feeling lost yourself, pack a bag and go on an adventure of your own. I think we all could use a little soul-searching now and then.

Thank you for reading and thank you for being here. Talk soon.

With ♡, Julia Elizabeth