It’s 2016 and most of us, whether we’ve told anyone or not, have made a few quiet lifestyle resolutions. Adventure, ease, community, health, or inspiration: no matter what you want more of in your life, the Sunshine Coast has much to offer those who want to make big changes or minor tweaks in order to live better. Here, where we have a terrain for every taste—surf or turf, sea and sky, village or wilderness, salt water or fresh, inlet or white-capped strait—our residents seek to be active, to commune with nature, and to make wellness a priority.
Opportunities for adventure are everywhere on the Sunshine Coast, and getting out on the water is a good place to start. If you are already a boater, consider taking some landlocked friends for an outing to Thormanby Island or Plumper Cove (Keats Island). Chances are they’ll happily pack a sumptuous lunch for everyone, or buy dinner at a marine pub later. Tour companies can take groups fishing, up wilderness inlets, and to visit First Nations sites. Or rent/buy a kayak and do some exploring on your own. Combine adventure, fitness, and socializing by joining a paddling club. Kids and teens can take sailing lessons in Gibsons, where there’s always just the right amount of wind. Or maybe a leisurely sunset cruise around Pender Harbour suits you best. And if your goal is to get into the water more this year, you are spoiled for choice in the Pender Harbour area, with several large, uncrowded, crystal-clear lakes to choose from. Prefer salt? Then join the adventurous kite-boarders at Davis Bay on a windy day, or the happy families at Porpoise Bay when it is calm.
from top: Justin Samson, Krisztina Harasztosi
Our richly forested mountainsides are veined with world-class trails for bikers, hikers, and horse riders. Roberts Creek has an active equestrian community, and mountain bikers come from all over to challenge themselves on our trails. The fine sandy stretch of beach beside the Roberts Creek jetty is perfect when you need to cool down after your forest ride. And let’s not forget how easily we can access an alpine experience. All you need is a moderately rugged vehicle, and in no more than half an hour from Sechelt you can be hiking or skiing Dakota Ridge or the Tetrahedron. Abundant fluffy snow in winter, and wildflowers and wild blueberries in summer are waiting.
from left: Vern Bahti Minard, Krisztina Harasztosi
But maybe you’re craving ease and simplicity for 2016. If so, companies and individuals can offer help with downsizing and decluttering. Also, a number of businesses offer meal preparation and delivery, housecleaning, and pet and yard care. Maybe this is the year to go easy on yourself and call in some help. Perhaps ease involves a move? Sechelt is a mecca for seniors and families. The hub of the Coast enjoys the convenience of a newly expanded hospital, great schools, shops, and restaurants, all in a compact, flat, and user-friendly town, complete with float plane access. Mobility issues? The Sechelt promenade is a kilometre of carefully tended seaside sidewalk with benches at convenient intervals—perfect for a baby stroller or wheelchair. There’s no reason the very young, the getting older, and the temporarily laid-up cannot smell the fresh sea air while watching for herons, hummingbirds (year round!), sea lions, and whales.
Perhaps you’re craving more community involvement and new friends. Our communities thrive on volunteer expertise and energy for everything from arts events to Polar Bear swims. Make some inquiries, look around, and you’ll realize there’s a whole world of warm community, satisfying involvement, and so many events that need you! Or consider lending your voice to one of the Coast’s fantastic community choirs. It’s a great way to meet people of all ages and be a part of something wonderful.
Our residents are discerning and health-conscious. Every community on the Sunshine Coast has natural health stores to provide organic produce or high-quality herbs and supplements. Ask a friend to recommend a health or alternative-medicine practitioner if you feel in need of a tune-up. You will find certified massage therapists, physiotherapists, naturopaths, homeopaths, reiki practitioners, TCM, reflexologists, herbalists . . . just to mention a few. The list is long, and the expertise runs deep. Our local resorts and spas have just the right pampering package if you or a loved one is feeling a little run down.
from top: Justin Samson, Vern Bahti Minard , Daniel Curtis
Inspiration is vital to wellness and finds us via many pathways. Maybe this year should start with a yoga or meditation retreat, or perhaps it’s time to set up a regular regime. Sometimes you need to set aside the time and space for playful creativity, whether it’s clearing out a room in your home, finding a secret place in the woods, or going dancing. Maybe a move to a home/workspace with an inspiring view would get that novel or dissertation finished. Or perhaps just a day of solitude and a forest walk. If you think more attention to Nature, be it bird-watching, mushroom-picking, bee-keeping or wild-crafting, would be just the thing to recalibrate your life, a few inquiries will set you up with a club or put you in touch with a mentor. And if you are hoping to find a group that shares your interests on a spiritual path, you’ll be surprised by the variety of options that a little searching will reveal.
Or . . . just find a mossy rock in a quiet place and let your spirit catch up with you. Our splendid natural environment will help in any way it can. Your wellness awaits.
Special thanks to Yoga by the Sea and Pedals & Paddles
Words | Nancy Pincombe
