Beaches

No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without time spent enjoying the water—whether it’s paddling, boating, swimming, or beach exploration. Our rugged ocean shoreline gives way to smooth pebble beaches and stretches of sand that are full of ocean treasures and life, including clam shells, driftwood, kelp, hermit crabs, starfish, and so much more. If you’re a freshwater seeker, our lakes offer opportunities for lakeside lounging, picnicking, and play.
 

Beach Etiquette

There are a few ways you can do your part to keep local beaches enjoyable for all:

• Pack out what you pack in. Leave no garbage behind. 
• Keep pets on leashes and clean up after them. 
• Be considerate Be considerate—many public beaches are in residential neighbourhoods. Parking may be limited and noise should be kept to a minimum. Try to carpool, take transit, walk, or bike to the beach.
• Beach fires are are not allowed within Powell River city limits, the Town of Gibsons, or in some marine parks. Outside of those areas, beach fires are banned during high risk periods. Click here for tips on campfire safety.
   

Sunshine Coast Beaches

There’s public beach access close to just about anywhere you decide to visit on the Sunshine Coast. Some beaches are rockier and better for tidepools or skipping rocks, while others have stretches of soft sand. Typically the best beach is just the one closest to you, but here are a few of our favourite Sunshine Coast beaches to explore. 

Armours Beach, Gibsons

Armours Beach has been a favourite swimming beach for more than 100 years. The Armours family were early European settlers that established a swim float and rowboat rental business here in 1912. While you won’t find rowboats anymore, the park features beautiful views of Keats Island, grassy areas for playing and lounging, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities. 

Bonniebrook Beach, Gibsons

Bonniebrook Beach is beloved by walkers, cyclists, and kiteboarders and is an excellent spot to enjoy sunsets. It’s also home to the oldest, longest-running accommodation on the Sunshine Coast—Bonniebrook Lodge—which has been running for nearly a century. Imagine arriving back in the early 1900s by steamship, greeted by one of the lodge staff in a rowboat! Picnic in the grassy area nearby at Chaster Park.

Roberts Creek Beach, Roberts Creek

Discover a waterfront park that’s right next to the beach. Enjoy views of the Georgia Strait as you walk along the Roberts Creek Pier, which features driftwood bench seats. During low tide it’s possible to walk along the sand bar on the beach. Don’t forget to check out the community mandala in the park, which is re-painted with a different theme every year.

Davis Bay, Sechelt

You know you’ve reached Davis Bay when you come around a curve on Highway 101, and suddenly the trees give way to expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. On a clear sunny day when the tide is out, you can sprint along the beach and fly your kite, play in the waves, skimboard, and even build sandcastles. It is a popular beach with plenty of room to eat at picnic tables or large driftwood logs (whichever suits you), or you can venture across the street to fuel up at local eateries. Afterwards, you can walk the seawall down to the pier to catch a sunset.

Sechelt Waterfront

There is a paved walkway the length of downtown Sechelt making it easy for anyone to stroll and enjoy the sea air. Park yourself on the large granite boulders in Snickett Park and lose yourself in a book, chill out with your latest tunes, or simply watch the wind whip on the waves just one block from downtown. 

Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, Sechelt

Porpoise Bay features sandy beaches and open grassy areas, along with a backdrop of second-growth forests and mountain vistas along Sechelt Inlet. Whether you want to swim or paddle, this beach gives you more of the feel of being on a large lake rather than an ocean inlet. You’ll find plenty of parking, public washrooms, picnic areas, and a marked swimming area for the kids. There are reservable camping sites in the park, and there’s a private campground just across the road.

Katherine Lake, Pender Harbour

Katherine Lake is a popular family swimming spot to enjoy for the day or as part of a camping trip. The sandy beach includes picnic tables, a small playground, and camping facilities. There are also two other lakes—Garden Bay Lake and Mixal Lake—just steps from this one. Pender Harbour is also home to Baker Beach, which features a wheelchair-accessible trail leading to a small swimming beach and picnic area.

Dan Bosch Park, Pender Harbour

Spend the day relaxing at Dan Bosch Park’s sandy beach and swimming in the fresh waters of Ruby Lake. The park features picnic tables, washroom facilities, roped swimming area, and a short loop trail along the shoreline of Ruby Lake. Arrive early on summer days to grab a spot, and be prepared to share your space for this stunning oasis hot spot.

Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, Halfmoon Bay

Sargeant Bay is located just off Redrooffs Road in Halfmoon Bay. The park has washrooms and a rocky beach separated by a wide, flat berm trail with a wetland on the other side. This area’s unique ecology makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, so be sure to bring your binoculars. Nearby in the Halfmoon Bay area, take a quick five-minute drive north on Redrooffs road and discover the beauty of Welcome Beach or Cooper’s Green Park.

Gillies Bay, Texada Island

Gillies Bay features a sandy beach that plays host to Texada Island's Sandcastle Weekend each year. One of the most impressively vast intertidal zones makes for a great sandy playground at low tide and a shallow, warm swimming area at high tide. Bring your skimboard! Note that there are no washroom facilities, but you are within walking distance to a handful of community amenities.

Shelter Point Regional Park, Texada Island

Shelter Point is a beautiful park with a year-round campground. There are a few sandy spots to the south of the park for those wishing to do a little exploring, or you can wait for a low tide. You’ll find washrooms, picnic tables, a seasonal concession stand, a playground, and even an archeological display window containing artifacts found in the park. 

Willingdon Beach, Powell River

Located on Marine Drive, Willingdon Beach is located close to shops and restaurants in Powell River. It’s a sandy beach that boasts an oceanfront campground with 83 sites, picnic tables, washrooms, mini golf, a kids’ waterpark and playground, and outdoor fitness equipment. Fish off the float at the end of the breakwater, walk the Willingdon Beach Trail, or enjoy a picnic with gorgeous coastal views.

Palm Beach, Powell River

Palm Beach Regional Park is located south of Powell River—watch for the signs off Hwy 101. Here you’ll find a long, sandy beach with warm water that’s great for swimming. There is a large grassy park perfect for picnicking and playing. The annual Sunshine Music Festival is held here annually on Labour Day weekend.

Mowat Bay, Powell River

Mowat Bay is a family-friendly beach located on the south shore of Powell Lake and features a picnic area, playground, boat launch, and washroom facilities. The lucent water makes for an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Inland Lake Provincial Park, Powell River

Inland Lake is a popular provincial park with only a small beach area; however, the water is quite warm in the summer months, and the park features a number of accessibility amenities, including a 13km circuit trail, an accessible fishing dock and campsites. Launch a canoe or kayak or walk the waterfront trail, and you’ll see why Inland Lake is a regional favourite.

South Beach, Savary Island

Savary Island is where you’ll find the warmest waters north of Mexico and a ring of gleaming white sand beaches, including South Beach. Grab a water taxi from Lund to get to this little piece of paradise. Bring water and a picnic, and be prepared—there are no public amenities like washrooms or campsites, and it’s advisable to book accommodations ahead of time.