24hours:Sechelt
The go-to city guide - when you've barely got a weekend Weekenders have been checking out the "land between two waters" ever since the town of Sechelt got its start, in the 1890s, when Bert Whittaker built a store, wharf and resort hotel next to the Shishalth First Nation reserve at Chatelech. Whittaker also constructed a sawmill and did a little logging. But the forestry-tourism combo, while incongruous, didn't faze Vancouver residents, who came in droves by boat to take in the sights. A pretty sweep of beach on Trail Bay and Sechelt Inlet at one's back door (the "two waters"), plus fi shing, boating, swimming, relaxing: these were the attractions for mainland escapees. By the 1920s, a flourishing excursion trade was ferrying weekenders up the Sunshine Coast by steamship. And when Whittaker's hotel burned to the ground, he just put up a better one then added a row of cabins along the waterfront. Tennis courts appeared, and playing fi elds, picnic grounds, a tearoom and dance pavilion. Today's mainland escapees still enjoy this legacy, as a service industry catering to recreationists, cottage owners and retirees increasingly replaces logging, mining and pulp and paper - the traditional economic mainstays of the Lower Sunshine Coast. Sechelt, its population pushing 10,000, has also become a regional hub, while Gibsons, just a half-hour south (and less than half the size), retains its fi shing village atmosphere. In recent years, a wealth of festivals, events, workshops, culinary and craft markets and artisan studios has only reinforced the area's attractions. Anchored by Sechelt's renowned Festival of the Written Arts, this cultural mecca celebrates most everything: music, art, crafts, the culinary arts, gardening, the environment - even custom cars and sandcastles. Crowd-free scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, golf, hiking, mountain biking and birding also provide plenty of diversions, all just a half-hour drive - and scenic 40-minute ferry ride - from Horseshoe Bay. Meanwhile the beaches and wildlife-rich coastal waters, which drew folks here in the fi rst place, continue to offer a soothing balm for body and soul. -Andrew ScottThe Go Spots
* The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, now in its 29th year, showcases Canada's top writers. Rockwood Centre. August 4 to 7. writersfestival.ca * The Pender Harbour Jazz Festival, just north of Sechelt - for Afro-Cuban, Dixieland, fusion, gypsy, '40s swing and straight up jazz in intimate venues and spectacular outdoor settings. September 16 to 18. penderharbourmusic.ca * The new, view-drenched, 37-km Suncoaster Trail between Halfmoon Bay and Earls Cove (north of Sechelt). sunshinecoastcanada.com * Sechelt Inlets Marine Provincial Park Idyllic and convenient for kayakers, with Pacifi c white-sided dolphins cruising the inlet. env.gov.bc.ca/bcparksTrendy Vittles
* Relocated, redesigned and reasonably priced, downtown's Old Boot Eatery wows with zesty pastas, pizzas and warm-salad specials. 604-885-2727 * The creative menu and fresher-than-fresh seafoods keep locals fl ocking to Sechelt's Sushi Bar 5517. Must-have: lollipop scallops cradled in zucchini and eggplant, with spicy mayo. 604-885-0220 * The Lighthouse Excellent pub grub and the best view on the Coast. Arrive in style via fl oatplane; the dock is just below the restaurant. 604-885-9494Best Crash Zones
* Rockwater Secret Cove Resort The defi nition of "romantic getaway." From $239/night. 1-877-296-4593. rockwatersecretcoveresort.com * A Place by the Sea Deluxe, private, serene. From $279/night. 1-866-885-2746. aplacebythesea.com * Sechelt Inlet B&B Outstanding mountain/water vistas. From $145/night. 1-877-740-0776; secheltinletbandb.com Y For Member savings on CAA-approved Sunshine Coast accommodation: 1-800-663-1956 (press option 2, then 3). For additional Member travel savings: www.bcaa.com/savings 10 WESTWORLD >> SUMMER 2011 Duane Burnett
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