5 Things to do in Gibsons and a Giveaway from The George

Comments 101 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Last week I was invited to Gibsons for the afternoon, to check out the plans for The George Gibsons Marine Resorts and Residences, a new development on the waterfront in this Sunshine Coast hub. My niece and I hopped on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay and sailed the Queen of Surrey to Langdale on a bright and sunny morning. I spent a lot of time on the Sunshine Coast as a kid and teen counselor at summer camp, but Gibsons was never the destination. Aside from Beachcombers and a trip to Molly’s Reach with my family as a kid, I didn’t know much about the seaside town until recent years.

A photo posted by Rebecca Bollwitt (@miss604) on

After the lovely day over in the corner of the “604”, and after a few other recent trips to the Sunshine Coast for writing assignments, I can confidently recommend these 5 Things to do in Gibsons.

1) Art & History

Gibsons, BC

Whether it’s history of a CBC television series, or that of the town itself, you’ll find it all right in the heart of Gibsons Landing. There’s the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives, Heritage Walks, and the George Gibson statue where, right beside the visitor centre, George and his family are buried. George Gibson was the first European settler in the area. He was a British naval officer who moved from Ontario to the area and claimed Gibsons Landing in 1886 (the same year Vancouver was incorporated).

Gibsons, BC

There is so much art on the Sunshine Coast. SO MUCH ART! From Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, the Sunshine Coast is home to more artists per capita than any other Canadian region. You can follow the purple artisan banners during events like the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl or pick up guide and start visiting galleries and studios where you could spend hours (and days) browsing all kinds of beautiful, crafty, and creative works. The Gibsons Public Art Gallery is a great place to start.

2) Shop

Sunshine Coast

Whether you’re visiting the Gibsons Public Market or Gibsons Sunday Market, filling up your bottles at Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Co., or picking up some beautiful seasonal styles at a local boutique, you’ll want to fill your shopping bags (and trunk of your car) with all the goodies you can find in Gibsons. Swish Ladieswear is worth a browse even for the beautifully designed displays.

gibsons-swish

3) Beach

Gibsons has 20 parks and civic lands, beach accesses, trails and natural areas for public use and enjoyment. There are four beaches within Gibsons proper, and during our visit I also drove us up to Roberts Creek — a beach I was familiar with as a child — where we dipped our toes in the water before returning to the ferry. From town, check out Pebbles Beach, Atlee Beach, and Armour’s Beach.

gibsons-beach

4) Beer

Persephone Brewing is at the top of my list for my next visit, I still haven’t been to the award-winning farm but you can get their beer in Vancouver. Persephone operates an 11-acre farm and craft micro-brewery in Gibsons where they grow their own hops – one of the principal ingredients in beer – and other food crops in support of local food security.

5) Food

Gibsons, BC

For lunch, we stopped by Smitty’s Oyster House, right on the waterfront (below Molly’s Reach). There we enjoyed some delicious oyster po boys and the menu also offers fresh oysters, halibut fritters, mussels, crab cakes, fish tacos, and more fresh-caught deliciousness. Of course there’s also Molly’s Reach, and out further on the wharf is Smoke on the Water BBQ. Within walking distance there’s Sweetwater Bistro and The Black Bean is great for breakfasts.

The best part is that you only pay one way for the ferry, and it’s a quick ride through Howe Sound (40 minutes) compared to Vancouver Island crossings. We took the 9:40am ferry over and we were back on the 2:40pm after a full day of fun.

If you would like to explore Gibsons, I have a $60 gift card for Smitty’s Oyster House to give away, courtesy of The George. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win $60 for Smitty’s Oyster House in Gibsons from @thegeorgecondos & @Miss604 http://bit.ly/2bJ27SF

I will draw one winner from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.

thegeorgegibsonsThe George Gibsons Marine Resorts and Residences is a new waterfront luxury hotel and private residences that will rise in the Sunshine Coast’s historic town of Gibsons Landing. 40 luxury private condominium homes will offer ever-changing Howe Sound and North Shore mountain vistas.

The resort hotel will offer residents access to concierge services and fitness facilities, and will feature meeting facilities, a 350 dinner-seating conference style ballroom, and a 21,000 square foot Health & Wellness Centre, the first of it’s kind in the Vancouver region. Follow The George on Facebook and Twitter for more information about the the development in Gibsons.

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101 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. MichelleFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 6:34pm PDT

    I love black beans, so had to follow the link for a place named for them. Looks like it’s about coffee, though, but still some appealing menu items.

  2. JoFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 7:14pm PDT

    Was just here last weekend. Had a lovely time.

  3. LoriFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 7:15pm PDT

    Love exploring Gibsons!

  4. DanFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 7:16pm PDT

    Love to take the wife.

  5. SabrinaFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 8:13pm PDT

    I would love that! I love the Sunshine Coast, and would love to retire in Gibsons. Crossing my fingers!

  6. Mary MFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 9:22pm PDT

    We love lower Gibsons everyday. We walk our dog there and enjoy the shops, restaurants and the great locals. Thanks

  7. RobinFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 9:51pm PDT

    But you missed the hiking on Mount Elphinstone, Bonniebrook Beach or Davis Bay Beach, paddling up Sechelt Inlet, Tetrahedron Provincial Park, with its 4 cabins, all the coffee shops in Upper Gibsons.

  8. TarrahFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 9:52pm PDT

    I grew up on the Sunshine Coast.. Lovely prize

  9. Maya McDonaldFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 11:17pm PDT

    I love the Sunshine Coast!

  10. AmandineFriday, September 2nd, 2016 — 11:30pm PDT

    I love going to Gibsons for long week ends. Leo’ s Grill is another great spot for a bite to eat, they do delicious Greek food.

  11. Brian BiddleSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 6:57am PDT

    Hiking, Biking, great Food, Art
    Everything your soul needs can be found in Gibsons!

  12. NicoleSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 7:15am PDT

    Visited the Sunshine Coast last month. Didn’t get enough time to explore the area. Looking forward to visiting again this month!

  13. KellSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 7:20am PDT

    Somewhere I’m hoping to visit soon!

  14. Milynne BorasonSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 7:38am PDT

    I’ve never been here, and would love to explore it! Such a cute place!

  15. Mrs. PrimeSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 7:48am PDT

    Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a day!!!

  16. Lisa DantonSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 7:55am PDT

    Oh what a lovely little getaway! We’ve spent some romantic weekends on the Sunshine coast would love to do so again.

  17. nancySaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:09am PDT

    And there’s a wonderful short hike up to the viewpoint (access at the curve at the south end of Stewart Rd).

  18. Bridget CliffordSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:11am PDT

    I love Gibson’s. Always a great place to visit.

  19. Bonnie RSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:19am PDT

    Great way to spend the day!

  20. Val CaldicottSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:20am PDT

    I have done the walk with the many tiny shops. I was please at the selection & bought a few Xmas & Birthday gifts to be put away till needed.

  21. JeanieSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:21am PDT

    went there a few weeks back… would love to go and explore around again!

  22. TanyaSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:29am PDT

    I’m going to Gibsons this fall!!! Love it!

  23. Alex KingstonSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:29am PDT

    It is so different form Vancouver and so close !

  24. Krystal KSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:41am PDT

    My family loves Gibsons! Excited to check out the George.

  25. Shara CodySaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:47am PDT

    Lower Gibsons! Might I suggest the spinach gomaae (best anywhere) and Spicy Tunafornia roll at Sushi Bar Nagomi…. Or the duck drummettes at Harbourside Bistro…. Or the grilled fish tacos at Gramma’s Pub? You need a longer trip next time! There are so many wonderful cottage rentals and B&B’s all over the Coast! I hear great things about Shades of Jade in Roberts Creek.

  26. Debra KatoSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:51am PDT

    I’ve never been to the area but your post makes me want to go!

  27. LeslieSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:00am PDT

    You just “spilled the beans” about the best kept secret in B.C.!

  28. MicheleSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:15am PDT

    What a great way to spend a day! I think you hit all of the highlights of the Gibsons area. It is so easy to get here from Vancouver, yet it feels like you are in another world. Maybe next time you’ll stay overnight and avail yourself of some of the marvellous outdoor activities- hiking, kayaking, mountain biking…….

  29. WinnieSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:18am PDT

    I’ve never been to Gibsons and this looks like a perfect place for a family trip!

  30. BrendaSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:21am PDT

    I love Gibsons!

  31. RachelSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:22am PDT

    Would love to visit

  32. FarinSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:26am PDT

    I’ve never been to Gibsons; it looks so pretty and I’d love to go

  33. NicoleSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:39am PDT

    Love the fish fritters at Smitty’s!

  34. VictoriaSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 10:08am PDT

    A great little get away!

  35. AshleySaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 10:20am PDT

    Sounds like a fun day ?

  36. ShawnSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 10:38am PDT

    Such a gorgeous place.

  37. AndreaSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 10:49am PDT

    Am looking forward to a trip to Gibsons this fall and a possible relocation there next year!

  38. Lynette MurraySaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 11:33am PDT

    Beautiful place!

  39. Chandra MatlockSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 11:52am PDT

    The meal sounded absolutely delicious! Would love to check out the beaches and take a dip in the water. 🙂

  40. Steve VanderwoerdSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 12:06pm PDT

    Great article overall! Would love to win.

  41. Gareth JonesSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 12:55pm PDT

    Love visiting Gibsons! Thanks for some new ideas 🙂

  42. Jude HannahSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 1:01pm PDT

    Three friends recently moved to the Sunshine Coast. I can see why! Looks amazing!

  43. Lindsey McDowellSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 2:00pm PDT

    An excellent excuse to get back over to the Sunshine Coast!

  44. KengSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 2:29pm PDT

    Gibsons is growing so fast and I’m loving it !!

  45. DebzSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 2:36pm PDT

    Love Gibsons!

  46. JennySaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 2:41pm PDT

    I’ve never been.. would love to go 🙂

  47. AmberSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 2:44pm PDT

    Oh this would be fantastic! We’re heading there next month!

  48. MarkSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 2:51pm PDT

    Would like to take my wife here! The gift certificate would be nice!

  49. lorSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 3:15pm PDT

    Oh yum – I LOVE Smitty’s!

  50. GarySaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 3:22pm PDT

    Would love to take my wife there…

  51. Frances LagasseSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 3:28pm PDT

    Love Gibsons, spent many summers in Gibsons, as a child
    Many changes

  52. Frances LagasseSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 3:29pm PDT

    Love Gibsons, spent many summers here as a child
    Many changes

  53. Rachel THextonSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 3:36pm PDT

    Gibsons is such a beautiful community with a relaxing vibe

  54. Michelle LiSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 4:13pm PDT

    I would to eat oysters!

  55. StephanieSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 8:54pm PDT

    I havent been to Gibsons in years! I would love an excuse to go again 🙂

  56. MeghanSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 9:36pm PDT

    Loving Gibsons! Would love to try a new place. Mmmmm oysters!!

  57. AnnieSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 11:00pm PDT

    Gibsons is such a charming village that is a breath of fresh air for us city folk.

  58. BrieSaturday, September 3rd, 2016 — 11:08pm PDT

    I’d love to win, Gibsons is awesome!

  59. LisaSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 12:50am PDT

    Love the Sunshine Coast!

  60. CathySunday, September 4th, 2016 — 1:12am PDT

    The very best part about Gibson’s, besides what you have mentioned in your article is… The people! The locals are friendly, helpful and a happy bunch!

  61. GeordiaSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 4:12am PDT

    I’ve been to Gibsons because we have friends that live there, would love to go back soon and would love to go to Smitty’s oyster house to try oysters for the first time!

  62. LynSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 6:25am PDT

    I’ve been once; would love to go back!

  63. RichardSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 7:10am PDT

    Lots of fond memories of the Sunshine Coast, thanks for the photos. I’ve also shared your story on my flipboard ‘Living in Beautiful British Columbia’ http://ow.ly/QCM0

  64. chrissy youngSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 9:36am PDT

    Sounds wonderful and is my boyfriends bucket list destination!

  65. Marcy OakleySunday, September 4th, 2016 — 10:16am PDT

    Gibsons has so much to discover! Good people too.

  66. Jen LongtinSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 12:28pm PDT

    Love the Sunshine Coast and can’t wait to go back.

  67. Marcellina AnnSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 1:50pm PDT

    I can’t wait to visit the sunshine Coast! my husband and I have never been and we are so excited to visit the week after next. Thank you for the ideas for our trip to Gibsons!

  68. AngelaSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 9:34pm PDT

    I’d love to go again! I’ve only been once.

  69. JenelleSunday, September 4th, 2016 — 10:18pm PDT

    Sept. 7 is my birthday, and my fervent wish is to go to Gibson! You have mapped out so much to do Thanks.

  70. FayeMonday, September 5th, 2016 — 9:56am PDT

    The whole family has been to Smitty’s! We’d love to go again now that the youngest is now 7!

  71. GCMonday, September 5th, 2016 — 11:31am PDT

    Never been to Gibsons before and would love to go

  72. anne marieMonday, September 5th, 2016 — 6:36pm PDT

    I would love to discover this place!

  73. TonyMonday, September 5th, 2016 — 8:45pm PDT

    Would love to take the Family!

  74. Janice MMonday, September 5th, 2016 — 9:32pm PDT

    I would love to win this!

  75. LindaMonday, September 5th, 2016 — 10:40pm PDT

    Lover getting up to the Sunshine Coast!!

  76. StotesTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 6:24am PDT

    I’ve never been to the Sunshine Coast–this would be great!!

  77. christopheTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 10:02am PDT

    Me me me!

  78. KristyTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 11:17am PDT

    I am due for a trip back to Gibsons!

  79. MarinaTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 1:36pm PDT

    Trying to visit all of the islands and Sunshine Coast. This sounds like a lovely getaway and I love oysters!! 🙂

  80. janTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 1:50pm PDT

    would like to make it up there

  81. KristyTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 2:19pm PDT

    I go to the coast all the time as my family lives there but we have never been to Smitty’s would love to go.

  82. SamanthaTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 3:38pm PDT

    Nice! Would love to check out that resto!

  83. bjhTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 5:12pm PDT

    My mom grew up in Gibsons, but I’ve never been – I’d love to take her back for a visit!

  84. KellyTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 8:26pm PDT

    These are some of my favourite things to see and do on the Sunshine Coast too!

  85. JenZTuesday, September 6th, 2016 — 8:34pm PDT

    Haven’t been in years and planning to go for a visit this fall – this would be a very nice treat!

  86. ShannonWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 9:29am PDT

    This would be a great Prize!

  87. ScottWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 9:30am PDT

    Beautiful!

  88. GregWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 10:31am PDT

    It’s one of my favourite places!

  89. roseWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:43pm PDT

    Beautiful!

  90. ariaWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:44pm PDT

    love the sunshine coast!

  91. peteWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:44pm PDT

    due for a revisit.

  92. yingWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:45pm PDT

    a favorite place of mine!

  93. A HWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:46pm PDT

    good luck everyone!

  94. A LWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:48pm PDT

    Great post!

  95. A LWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 12:49pm PDT

    Excellent post!

  96. AnaWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 1:11pm PDT

    Awesome– I love Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast!

  97. JasonWednesday, September 7th, 2016 — 7:39pm PDT

    Gibson’s would be great to see.

  98. adamThursday, September 8th, 2016 — 2:31pm PDT

    love the sunshine coast

  99. Ariel CThursday, September 8th, 2016 — 2:40pm PDT

    yes please!

  100. Lynda LFriday, September 9th, 2016 — 10:20am PDT

    Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease 🙂

  101. LindsayFriday, September 9th, 2016 — 11:23am PDT

    I’ve never been to the sunshine coast, would love a reason to check it out 🙂

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