The Sunshine Coast region begins slightly north of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and stretches north all along a coastline that encompasses naturally sandy beaches and lush unexploited wilderness. From Langdale and Gibsons in the south to Powell River and Lund in its north and many villages in between, small-town hospitality is rampant in these parts, as are outdoor pursuits.

The Sunshine Coast Trail, a 180-km (112-mi) hiking tour de force, delights hikers of all ages and abilities. Kayaking, canoeing, biking, golfing and fishing are just a small sampling of the other activities available. Urban dwellers will find themselves enticed by the plethora of funky shops and eclectic restaurants. Be sure to pay a visit to Molly's Reach, a cultural icon in Gibsons, which was the set of a popular Canadian sitcom for 17 years. The Sunshine Coast also boasts an active art community that is strongly influenced by Aboriginal history and traditions, as well as numerous year-round festivals and events. One warning though: those who visit this gracious paradise often find it quite hard to leave.