Sechelt

ch’atlich

Sechelt (ch’atlich) is located on the traditional territory of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation. It’s the name of a people, a community, a peninsula, and an inlet.

The community of approximately 10,847 people sits on a narrow isthmus that separates the Sechelt Inlet from the Salish Sea. To get to Sechelt, you must take a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (and either drive, bike, or take transit along Highway 101 for the remainder of the way), travel via float plane, or navigate by boat.

Surrounded by coastline and forests, Sechelt serves as a fantastic adventure hub for people of every level of ambition and ability. There is also a bustling arts scene full of many skilled artisans, performers, and other creatives.

Stop by the Sechelt Visitor Centre to learn about attractions in the area, check out your transportation options, and get up-to-date local insights from friendly experts. The Visitor Centre is surrounded by gardens and has its own courtyard complete with a water feature, making it a nice respite after a long car ride. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs!

Within walking distance from the Visitor Centre you’ll find Trail Bay Mall, Sechelt Aquatic Centre, the Sechelt Seawall, and Cowrie Street—the main shopping street in Downtown Sechelt. You can also access local public transit and other shuttle services along Cowrie Street.

Things to Do

Looking for indoor activities in Sechelt? If you’re feeling active, choose from one of two climbing gyms, stop by the Aquatic Centre and try out the waterslide, or sign up for a fitness class. When all you need is some rest and relaxation, check out one of the many wellness and beauty experiences available in Sechelt. They include massage therapy, aromatherapy, and salon services, just to name a few.

If you want to see some local art, the Doris Crowston Gallery is just a short walk from Downtown Sechelt, or you can pick up a Purple Banner Tour brochure from the Sechelt Visitor Centre. Purple banners fly in front of galleries, studios, and more—and are often an invitation to drop in. You can also check out a variety of shops and boutiques in Sechelt that are full of unique local finds.

When it’s time to get outside, there are plenty of activities to do in Sechelt. Nestled between the Salish Sea and the Sechelt Inlet, it’s no wonder that water sports are so popular here. Sechelt Inlet (and adjoining Salmon & Narrows Inlet) offer opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and boating, along with free, marine access-only campsites. Things such as kayaking tours and equipment rentals are available to help you make the most of your visit.

Sechelt also boasts well-maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. Take a hike through Hidden Grove or to Burnett Falls, get your heart pumping on the mountain bike trails at Coast Gravity Park, or snowshoe at Dakota Ridge (winter is an excellent time to visit).

For easier walks that are just as beautiful, you can explore the flora at the Botanical Gardens, walk the seawalls in Sechelt and Davis Bay, or check out some cultural landmarks like Totem poles, public murals, and historic buildings. There are also some beautiful beaches to explore, such as Davis Bay Beach, Porpoise Bay Beach, and Sechelt Beach. You can check out this District of Sechelt Beach Access Guide for more information.

Looking for more ideas? Consider a flightseeing tour on a float plane, bring along your scuba diving equipment, or hit the links at a local golf course.

Where to Stay

You’ll find a variety of hotels, short term rentals, and B&Bs in Sechelt. Camping opportunities in provincial parks and private campgrounds are also available for tent, van, and RV campers. There are also limited hike-in or marine access-only campsites available in the area surrounding Sechelt.

Food and Drink

Sechelt is home to restaurants and cafes, as well as a brewery and a cidery. Dine on a patio while watching the seaplanes come and go, sip on seasonal ciders at The Bricker Cider Company, or enjoy some small-batch ice cream.
Whether you’re planning a night in, or just need to pick up a few supplies for your camping trip, there are local specialty food shops to check out. The local Farmers’ Market also offers a selection of local food and products.

Events

Any visitor to Sechelt should try and catch a live event featuring local and visiting talent. The Raven’s Cry theatre is not only a movie theatre but also frequently features live dance and musical performances, and live music can be enjoyed at venues such as Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen.

Annual events to look forward to include the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, Sechelt Arts Festival, Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, Performing Arts Festival, Sechelt Summer Music Series, and more. There is also a weekly Farmers’ Market that runs throughout the year (note that the market moves indoors in the winter).