Local events and activities on the Sunshine Coast of BC Canada.	Reserve online or call 604-740-4261

Waterfront Accommodations in Sechelt Sunshine Coast BC

Activities waiting for you to discover while vacationing on the beautiful West Coast of BC.

Activities & things to do while staying at Absolute Heaven Oceanfront Suites
— Sechelt, BC, Canada.

There is never a shortage of exciting activities waiting for you to discover on the Sunshine Coast of BC. Explore the area’s many unique art galleries & boutiques or participate in the many local events. Hike or bike the trails, bring your boat, enjoy a game of tennis, walk the beaches, golf, take advantage of Absolute Heaven's personal fitness centre or simply relax at the oceanside. Boating, Diving & Beach Activities Sechelt waterways are a natural for kayaking and canoeing. There are public boat ramps nearby on the ocean, in Porpoise Bay and Sechelt Inlet. Kayaking and canoe rentals are available. Visit the marine park located on Sechelt Inlet. Sechelt, where sea life and undersea plant life abound, is a destination for avid divers. An artificial reef was created with the sinking of the warship H.M.C.S Chaudiere off Kunechin Point at the mouth of the Salmon Inlet. For more information on local diving contact Suncoast Diving in Sechelt. Relax in a reclining chair on Absolute Heaven's private beach in front of our waterfront Sunshine Coast accommodation. The swimming is fine, or visit Porpoise Bay Provincial Park beach, one of the several scenic beaches located in the Sechelt area. Hiking and Biking Regardless of your abilities, the Sunshine Coast hiking experience can range from a refreshing waterfront stroll to tackling the more advanced trails. Hike the back country, view a 27 foot diameter tree or marvel at the ten foot tidal changes of Skookumchuk Narrows. The Sunshine Coast is bike friendly. Cycle to Porpoise Bay Provincial Park or around Sechelt and stop for coffee and a muffin at one of the many sidewalk cafes. For the skilled rider, visit the bike shops in Sechelt for information on more challenging rides. Golfing on the Sunshine Coast Get the clubs out for a round of golf at one of the three scenic courses on the Sunshine Coast. Call for more information: Blue Ocean Golf Club 6177 Ripple Way, Sechelt (604) 885-4653 Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club 3206 Highway 101, Roberts Creek (604) 885-9212 Pender Harbour Golf Club 13823 Highway 101, Madeira Park (604) 883-9541 Birding Birds attract our attention by their sheer numbers, variety, beauty, and bold, lively behaviour. If you're curious about birding, the Sunshine Coast is an excellent area to visit. The Sunshine Coast has a wide variety of habitats, including estuaries and mudflats, rocky shores, woodland ponds, and vast expanses of coniferous forest, both old growth and second growth. The mild winters of Georgia Strait attract a very large number of wintering waterbirds, and each spring, over 60 species of birds arrive from distant points south, to breed on the Sunshine Coast. It is possible to record 50 species of birds in a few hours at any season. About 200 species are recorded each year, and the all-time checklist is just under 300. Arts and Entertainment Throughout the year the Sunshine Coast features arts and entertainment for people of all interests. There are music festivals, craft fairs, antique and custom car meets, golf and tennis tournaments, boating, mountain bike racing and sand castle contests. Pick up a copy of the Sunshine Coast Purple Banner, which is a guide to all of the artisans on the Sunshine Coast. Dining in Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast Sechelt is home to some very unique restaurants and pubs. Among the many restaurants, fine dining can be experienced at Daphne's Greek Restaurant. To enjoy homemade Italian specialties visit the Old Boot Eatery located downtown in Sechelt. The Lighthouse Pub on Porpoise Bay has a large outdoor patio and is known for its intriguing collection of artifacts. As you explore the Sunshine Coast you will likely discover your own favorite dining experience.
	ACTIVITIES:
	Boating, Diving & Beach Hiking and Biking Golf Birding Arts and Entertainment Sunshine Coast Dining Local Events


"Doug and Doreen's hospitality is exceptional. They anticipate your every need starting with the lovely designed suites with every amenity you might require. While there is lots to do and see on the coast (again Doug and Doreen will have all the info at your fingertips) this hideaway is so stunning that to leave the beach, the hot tub, or your glass of wine while watching the sunset from your patio is almost impossible."

Local Events and Activities — Sunshine Coast BC, Canada

There is never a shortage of exciting activities waiting for you to discover on the Sunshine Coast of BC. Explore the area’s many unique art galleries & boutiques or participate in the many local events listed below. Hike or bike the trails, bring your boat, enjoy a game of tennis, walk the beaches, golf, take advantage of Absolute Heaven's personal fitness centre... or simply relax at the ocean side.

SUNSHINE COAST MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

JANUARY

ANNUAL POLAR BEAR SWIM Gibsons, Davis Bay and Garden Bay

ROBBIE BURNS DAY DINNER: Pender Harbour Legion
This winter ceilidh for Scots and the Scottish at heart celebrates the birth of the bard with traditional food (haggis), music (piping), entertainment and dancing (high-stepping) and more.

FEBRUARY

ANNUAL CEILIDH NIGHT: Backeddy Marine Pub - Egmont
Phone: 604-883-3614

MARCH

WINE TASTING: Pender Harbour Community Hall - Madeira Park
This annual (est. 2006) fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour includes canapés and, for those who actually swallow the wine, free rides home. All ticket sales are in advance, adults only.

APRIL

ARTWAVE: Pender Harbour
ArtWave is back – bigger and better! This time, 10 Pender Harbour area studios and galleries are gearing up for their second ArtWave tour, to be held during the Easter weekend (April 2-4).

SECHELT FARMERS MARKET: (April to September)
Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Raven's Cry Theatre parking lot in Sechelt, featuring artisans, farm produce, home baking, pickles and preserves and live entertainment.

ANNUAL APRIL FOOL'S HALF MARATHON: Gibsons Park Plaza to Sechelt
Starting at Gibsons Park Plaza and finishing in Sechelt. Sunshine Coast Hwy. Run, walk or relay this 13.1 marathon from Gibsons to Sechelt or try the half-marathon.
> learn more: www.foolsrun.com

APRIL TOOLS WOODEN BOAT CHALLENGE: (Last weekend in April)
This growing event, at Millennium Park in Madeira Park, attracts people from all over the coast. For an entrance fee teams of up to 4 people have 3 hours to construct a boat from the materials provided. This must be accomplished using only their hand tools and cordless screw guns! Once building is complete and after a short break, teams are divided into two heats and then the races are on! There are lots of activities for the whole family.

MAY

SECHELT FARMERS MARKET: (April to September)
Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm - downtown Sechelt on Cowrie Street. Featuring artisans, farm produce, home baking, pickles and preserves and live entertainment.

ANNUAL WOOD DUCK FESTIVAL: Pender Harbour
At the Ruby Lake Resort - Sunshine Coast Hwy. This festival which includes tours, hikes, activities for children, crafts, live music, guest environmental speakers and an outdoor barbecue lunch make for a fun filled day.

ATTACK OF DANGER BAY: Pender Harbour
Local and other coast longboarders host this international talent in a fast paced professional downhill longboard race; followed by an awards ceremony and dance in the Madeira Park Community Hall.
> learn more: www.coastlongboarding.com

ANNUAL PENDER HARBOUR MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS: Madeira Park
With the first Pender Harbour May Day in 1946, ours is the second-oldest May Day celebration in the province (New Westminster has the oldest). It features a parade, fly-over, fairground entertainment, live music, face painting, beer garden, arts/craft fair, food, concessions, salmon barbecue, dances, contests and games for children and adults.

SUNSHINE COAST DRAG RACES: Field Road Airport, Wilson Creek

JUNE

EGMONT DAYS: Egmont Community Hall and Egmont Park
The Egmont Community Club puts on this annual celebration featuring a kids' fishing derby & games, arts/craft fair, contests, food, concessions, raffles and an old-time family dance with a live band at the Egmont Hall.

PENDER HARBOUR BLUES FESTIVAL: Held throughout the Pender Harbour Area
Many shades of the blues are represented in this 3 day event, held the first weekend of June (June 5-7, 2009 this year); blues from Mississippi delta to right here in Pender Harbour, featuring many top blues performers.
> learn more: www.penderharbourbluesfestival.com

ANNUAL GIBSONS LANDING JAZZ FESTIVAL: Gibsons
> learn more: www.coastjazz.com

SECHELT NIGHT MARKETS: Sechelt
The Sechelt downtown Business Association presents night markets on Cowrie Street between Inlet and Wharf Street with music, food, crafters, and fun for children.

JULY

CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS: various locations
Celebrate Canada's birthday with parades, food and live entertainment. Events take place in Gibsons at Winegarden Waterfront Park, in downtown Sechelt and Hackett Park in Sechelt and Coopers Green in Halfmoon Bay where there is an evening fireworks display.

ANNUAL MALASPINA REGATTA: Garden Bay, Pender Harbour
Since 1990, the Garden Bay Sailing Club hosts this, the biggest regatta of the area, every Canada Day weekend. All classes and sizes of sailboats compete for trophies, and a handicap system ensures that the biggest boat doesn't necessarily win. The day starts with a skippers' breakfast and ends with an awards ceremony and barbecue. Tom Barker, 604-883-2689.

ANNUAL HALFMOON BAY COUNTRY FAIR: Halfmoon Bay
This old fashioned community fair starts with a scavenger hunt and reception barbecue on Friday night, a kids decorated bike parade and fishing derby, a bocce ball tournament, an Italian family dinner on Saturday and finishes Sunday with a 3 mile run from Connor Park to Cooper's Green fairgrounds, pancake breakfast, craft fair and live entertainment.

ANNUAL SEA CAVALCADE: Gibsons
Various locations in Gibsons feature free live outdoor performances, opening night salmon barbecue and fireworks, parade, kids' fun day, logger sports, aerial demonstrations and a windup barbecue and family fun night in Dougall Park.
> learn more: www.seacavalcade.ca

AUGUST

MISSION BOAT RENDEZVOUS: Hospital Bay in Garden Bay
Every second year, Coast Columbia Mission Boats from all over the west coast of North America return to the former St. Mary's Hospital at Hospital Bay. The event features marine and historical displays, boat tours, special guests, arts & craft fair, marine competitions and concessions; coincides with Hospital Bay Days.

HOSPITAL DAYS: Hospital Bay in Garden Bay
On the location of the former St. Mary's Hospital (Sundowner Inn), is the site of historical displays, tours and events including an arts and craft fair, marine demonstrations, competitions and special guests. Every second year, this event is held in conjunction with the Mission Boat Rendezvous.

PENDER HARBOUR SHOW "N" SHINE: Garden Bay
Hot rods and cool classics are awarded trophies and prizes (spectators' votes determine the winners) in this family-oriented afternoon of cars, live music, remote-control racing, hill buggy rod rides for the kids, art, crafts, food and prize draws all day long. Admission is free, all proceeds go to the Egmont Volunteer Fire Dept. Held in conjunction with Coasters Car Club " Sleepy Hollow Rod Run" weekend events; this Pender Show "N" Shine is an alternative to their Sunday drag race and proudly presented by Garden Bay Hotel and Marina.
> learn more: www.PenderHarbour.org

FESTIVAL OF THE ROLLING ARTS: various locations
Several events throughout the coast including the Annual Sleepy Hollow Rod Run, Show N' Shine in Sechelt, the Pender Harbour Show "N" Shine and the drag races at Sechelt Airport.
> learn more: www.coasterscarclub.ca

SUNSHINE COASTS FESTIVAL OF THE WRITTEN ARTS: Sechelt
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. Past Guests include Rex Murphy and Chantal Hébert from The National on CBC and Mike McCardell from Global BC. Tickets ordered by telephone at 1-800-565-9631 or 604-885-9631 or in person.
> learn more: www.writersfestival.ca

HACKETT PARK SUMMER CRAFT FAIR: Sechelt
This is one of BC's largest and best juried craft fair with more than a 100 booths with outstanding work from BC's top artisans.
> learn more: www.suncoastarts.com

ANNUAL PENDER HARBOUR CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Madeira Park
Est. 2005, the Pender Harbour Chamber Music Festival is presented under the umbrella of the Pender Harbour Music Society at their intimate waterfront performance centre known as the Music School. The society reminds us every third weekend in August that "chamber music doesn't bite."
> learn more: www.penderharbourmusic.ca

ANNUAL ASTRONOMY DAY IN THE PARK: Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, Sechelt
This family event includes safe viewing of the sun through solar telescopes, kid's planet walk and crafts in the afternoon and a presentation in the amphitheatre at dusk.

DAVIS BAY SANDCASTLE COMPETITION: Davis Bay, Sechelt

BONFIRE MUSIC FESTIVAL: Kleindale, Pender Harbour
Three days of roots, groove, funk and folk music with performers from Vancouver and beyond in a fair-like atmosphere at Lions Park, along with onsite camping, great food, artists and other vendors.
> learn more: www.bonfirefestival.com

WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL:
> learn more: www.woodenboatfestival.ca

SEPTEMBER

PENDER HARBOUR JAZZ FESTIVAL: Pender Harbour
Known for offering a smorgasbord of jazz styles, the festival also features Swing, Big Band, Torch Songs, Hot Guitar, Cool Vibes, Traditional, Progressive, and Classical - just about any type of jazz you can think of. And all will be performed in the Festival's unique tradition of all-around-the-Harbour venues: al fresco, in local pubs, at the Community Hall, the Golf Course, and even in a private art gallery. Venues include THE RESTAURANT at Painted Boat with tickets available through the Jazz Festival at 1-877-883-2456, or email. Ask at the Main reception about tickets for events at THE RESTAURANT at Painted Boat.
> learn more: www.phjazz.ca

SKOOKUM WHITE WATER CHALLENGE: Egmont
This professional kayak rodeo is held every fall at the extreme white water of Skookumchuck Rapids in Egmont, sponsored by the White Water Kayakers Association of BC.

OCTOBER

SUNSHINE COAST MUSHROOM FESTIVAL: Pender Harbour October 16-18, 2009

PENDER FALL FAIR: Madeira Park
This annual family fair with a harvest theme at the Pender Harbour Legion features competitions for baking, cookie decorating (kids only), preserves, produce, wine, photography and milking Hilda the Harbour Heifer. Plus... a dog agility show, pony rides, face painting, hay rides, boat building for kids, Bouncy Castle vendors and live entertainment.

PENDER HARBOUR CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT: Kleindale
This open tournament (no pros) at the Pender Harbour Golf Club offers a $25,000 cash hole-in-one prize. Tickets, available at the Pro Shop, include golf, lunch and prizes. 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

HALLOWEEN FIREWORKS DISPLAY: Garden Bay and Madeira Park
A spectacular fireworks display, detonated on the water, with music, provides a great show from a variety of vantage points on Halloween night with by a bonfire, hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee at Seafarer's Park. Thanks to the Pender Harbour Fire Dept. and generous community supporters for providing this great Halloween event for the whole community.

NOVEMBER

REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE: Madeira Park
Lest we forget... join the community in remembering with a colour party parade through Madeira Park, laying of wreaths at the cenotaph, live entertainment, complimentary refreshment, beef stew and lots of camaraderie at the Legion 112 on November 11. The parade starts at 10 am.

LADIES HOSPITAL AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: Madeira Park
A show case of local and coast wide talent for sale just in time for Christmas.

DECEMBER

ARTWAVE TOUR Pender Harbour
Happening December 11, 12 & 13 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Visit a selection of Pender Harbour artists who will be opening their studios and galleries to the public, and offering refreshments as well as donating a portion of their sales to their local food bank. Learn More

LIGHT THE LIGHTS: Sechelt
Chorolations and Music Maker Choirs with the Chatelech Band accompany Santa to start traditional light display at Rockwood Center.

LIGHT THE LIGHTS: Madeira Park
Join this community celebration as the lights are turned on our tree in the center of Madeira Park to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

CAROLE SHIPS CRUISE: Madeira Park and Garden Bay
Lavishly decorated boats of all sizes and types provide seasonal music and a festive spectacle to an on-shore audience the Friday evening before Christmas. Join in with your own boat or as a caroller on any of the boats that stop at a variety of pick up stops and cruise the harbour.