Community Guide: Sechelt

Sechelt, the lower Sunshine Coast's largest town, is located on a peninsula between the Sechelt Inlet, a mountain-enclosed inland sea, and the Strait of Georgia.

Ariel view of Sechelt
Photo Courtesy of Sunshine Coast Tourism

WHAT WE'RE FAMOUS FOR:

• The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers.
• The boardwalk, along the shore in Sechelt, offers beautiful views from the totem poles on the shishalh lands to the sea on one side and gardens and forest on the other.
• Summertime Farmer's and Artisans' Market

Sechelt Farmer's and Artisans' Market
Photo courtesy of Coracle Cove Waterfront Suite

THINGS TO DO:   

• Chase the kids down the waterslide at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre
• Local artisan shopping.  You can follow the Purple Banner Tour from one end of Sechelt to the other
• Golf at the Sechelt Golf & Country Club
• Kayak Sechelt Inlet or embark on an overnight trip to Thormanby Island with outstanding scenery and incredible white sandy beaches
• Visit the House of Hewhiwus complex to explore the history of the shishalh (Sechelt) people at the museum, gift shop and theatre
• Embark on a self-guided Seaside Walking tour of Sechelt
• Take a Guided Botanical Garden Tour at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Gardens 
• See the 800 year old “Lonely Giant” with a short hike into Hidden Grove 
• Try Standup Paddleboarding, perhaps the fastest growing water sport of today! 

Hidden Grove

2012 FESTIVALS and EVENTS:

• Sechelt Farmer's and Artisans Market | Saturday Mornings - Apr to Sep
• Canada Day Parade | Jul 1
• Sechelt Night Market | Thursday Nights - Jul 5 to Aug 23
• Sleepy Hollow Rod Run and Show 'N Shine | Aug 10 - 12
• Festival of the Written Arts | Aug 16 - 19
• Hackett Park Summer Arts & Craft Fair | Aug 18 & 19
• Astronomy in the Park | Aug
• Sechelt Art Festival | Oct 11 - 21
• Sunshine Coast Art Crawl | Oct 19 - 21

Canada Day Parade

Festival of the Rolling Arts
Sechelt Show 'N Shine

Trail Bay Swimming Beach
Photo courtesy of Catch of the Day Cottages

On the Poop Deck
Photo courtesy of Catch of the Day Cottages

Bald Eagle
Photo courtesy of Catch of the Day Cottages

What's Happening: Victoria Day Weekend May 19-21

Caren Gardens - Madeira Park
Rhododendron Festival

Have you made plans for the Victoria Day weekend yet?  You might just have to take off for the Sunshine Coast this May long weekend!  There are plenty of things to do, here is some of what's happening:

Roberts Creek Art Festival - Roberts Creek

This 2 day festival is loaded with contemporary culture, music, film, art and design. You will be amazed at what sustainable living actually looks like. Beautiful studios, galleries, gardens and fields, filled with creativity, performances, delicious local food, drink and engaged people. It will be a trip to remember.  All daytime events are FREE!

May 19 - 20

www.robertscreekartsfestival.com

Roberts Creek Art Festival Map

Sechelt Farmer's and Artisans' Market - Sechelt

The Sechelt Market has re-opened for 2012 in it new location in downtown Sechelt.  This eclectic farmer's market has a wide variety of local produce picked fresh that morning, plus jams, fresh baked breads & goodies and local artisans with their wares, to name just a few.  Pick up some yummy items for a picnic lunch or BBQ later in the day.

May 19 (9:00am to 2:30pm)

www.secheltmarket.org

Sechelt Farmer's and Artisans' Market
Photo courtesy of Coracle Cove Waterfront Suite

Caron Gardens Rhododendron Festival - Garden Bay

Located on Hotel Lake in Garden Bay, Caron Gardens is a showcase of rhododendrons.  Enjoy a garden tour, flower show, free gardening seminars, and the opportunity to purchase rare and unusual rhododendrons from the best selection on the Sunshine Coast.  Ron Knight, a master gardener, will be on-site to answer questions about your garden.

May 19 (10:00am to 3:00pm)

http://www3.telus.net/rcknight/Caron_Gardens/Caron_Gardens.html

Caren Gardens Rhododendron Festival

Attack of Danger Bay - Pender Harbour

The Attack of Danger Bay Longboard Festival has put Pender Harbour on the map with competitors from all over the world. This 2 day event includes downhill races (men's and women's), slide competitions, longboard hockey, live music, and participation in the Pender Harbour May Day parade. 

May 17 - 23

http://www.penderharbour.net/May/may.html

Attack of Danger Bay
Photo courtesy of Wharf Waterfront Suite

67th Pender Harbour May Day - Pender Harbour 

This don't miss event is the 2nd oldest community May Day Celebration in the province. Join residents for the annual parade, a fly-over, arts & craft fair, salmon BBQ, live music, face painting, beer garden, dances, contests, games, and the great local food.

May 19 (11:00am to 4:00pm) 

16th Annual Spring Garden Tour - Powell River

This annual spring tour is a self guided tour that includes a selection of  gardens and homes from Lund to Saltery Bay.  Proceeds dedicated to community projects such as green space, beautifying, etc.  Tickets $10, including a map for the self-guided tour, and are available at Mother Nature, Springtime Garden Centre and Cranberry Nursery. 

May 20 (9:00am to 5:00pm) | Contact: Diane Wood (604 485 2860) 


Powell River Open Air Market - Powell River

Be sure to visit Powell River Open Air Market, an old-fashioned country style market with over 50 vendors selling everything from local produce to original hand-crafted items.  Enjoy hot food, listen to live music and the children will enjoy the new improved play area. 

May 19 (10:30am to 12:30pm)

May 20 (12:30pm to 2:30pm)
www.facebook.com/openairfarmersmarket 

Powell River Open Air Market