History
First Nations people have been on this land since time immemorial. Part of the larger Coast Salish people, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, shíshálh, Tla’amin, Klahoose and Xwémalhkwu Nations thrived in this region for millenia, creating rich cultures celebrated for a deep connection to place and understanding of the coastal landscape. Indigenous artifacts date upwards of 10,000 years ago and represent a continuous occupation of the area. The Coast Salish people engaged in fishing, shellfish harvesting, hunting, berry picking, trade, and more, and were noted for their carvings, house posts and totem poles, cedar canoes, longhouses, and unique oral languages.
The arrival of European-settler communities, the small-pox epidemics, and the system of residential schools initiated by colonial governments all left lasting legacies for Indigenous peoples and for this region. However, through great resilience and generosity of spirit, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, shíshálh, Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Homalco people continue to thrive today. We honour the resilience and ongoing cultural resurgence of Indigenous Nations here, and invite visitors to reflect on this shared history. In addition to the Sunshine Coast's local museums, additional learning resources are available from the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
In the 1880s, as more European and non-Indigenous settlers arrived, fishing and logging were the main occupations, along with small-scale farming, mainly for their subsistence. The establishment of logging camps and mining sites in the area in the 1880s was a precursor to more significant economic developments.
Between 1910 and 1912, the pulp and paper mill in Powell River was built on the waterfront by the Brooks, Scanlon & O’Brien Company. By 1930 the mill employed more than 2,000 workers and had become the largest newsprint mill in the world. The development of the highway—which reached Pender Harbour in the 1930s and the northwest end of the Sechelt Peninsula in the 1950s—brought the settlements closer together and, after car ferry service began in 1951, closer to Vancouver. Subsequently, the population increased rapidly. Powell River Townsite was designated as a National Historic District of Canada in 1995—one of only seven in Canada. A charming community that's remarkably intact, it boasts over 400 original buildings within the borders of the 1910 town plan.
The naming of “The Sunshine Coast” originated with a pioneer family: the Roberts of Roberts Creek. In 1914, Harry Roberts painted “The Sunshine Belt” name on the side of the freight house on the first wharf built in Roberts Creek, and the name was used to promote Roberts Creek as a summer resort destination. When Black Ball Ferries started a car ferry service to the coast in 1951, they started using the term “Sunshine Coast” to promote the whole area, and the name quickly caught on.
You can learn more about the Sunshine Coast at one of several local museums.
Environment
The Sunshine Coast’s climate is characterized by mild, moist winters and warm, dry summers. The Sunshine Coast remains sheltered from the open Pacific, and temperatures on the Coast can range from a damp, cold, and wet 2C (35F) in winter to highs of 30C (86F) in summer. The annual rainfall is approximately 100cm (40in). The low annual rainfall and often long, dry summers mean everyone on the coast must help conserve water.
Winters on the Sunshine Coast are mild enough that it’s possible to snowshoe at the Knuckleheads or Dakota Ridge in the morning and then go golfing the very same afternoon. Depending on your planned activities and time of year, we recommend packing the following basics: bring layered clothing, a t-shirt, sweater, rain jacket, comfortable shoes/boots, hat, sunscreen, and casual evening clothing and shoes.
The Sunshine Coast is full of rugged coastline, beaches, lakes, trails, and parks to discover. This is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a prime location for everything from kayaking and scuba diving to mountain biking and hiking.
Wildlife
The Sunshine Coast is home to abundant wildlife, including black bears, cougars, coyotes, wolves, whales, and sea lions. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that our recreational pursuits do not contribute to conflict between humans and wildlife. Learn more about local wildlife and backcountry safety at WildSafeBC.com and AdventureSmart.ca.
Communities
The Sunshine Coast is split into two main areas: the Northern Sunshine Coast and the Southern Sunshine Coast. They are separated by a large inlet but are connected by car ferry (between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay) and by air.
The South Coast and the North Coast are home to several communities and islands, including Gibsons, Sechelt, and Powell River. Consider spending some time in multiple communities during your stay to gain a deeper connection to the Coast and understand it better as a whole.
