Things become a little quieter on the coast in winter. But only a little! The season of dark and rest still offers quite a bit for visitors to experience in our area.
One of the lovely things about the West Coast is that our temperate climate means that local trails are much the same, winter and summer. Our big fir, cedar, and hemlock trees cool us in summer, and shelter us in winter. Mossy logs and gurgling streams are welcoming year ‘round. The trails and waterfalls of Cliff Gilker Park are an all-season delight to hikers and dog walkers. The tides at Skookumchuk are just as impressive, and the long, relatively flat walk is just as green and invigorating in January as in July. Plus, parking is easier! The views from Soames Hill, Pender Hill, and Daniel Mountain are, if anything, more wonderful in winter with the opportunity to look across at the snow-covered mountains of Howe Sound and Vancouver Island. Dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear, and watch for slippery areas.
If visitors crave more wintry conditions, and if they have a sturdy vehicle with chains, Dakota Ridge offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and incredible views, just half an hour away. It often surprises visitors to the Coast just how near an alpine experience is. There are trails and cabins in the backcountry of Tetrahedron Provincial Park for experienced and well-equipped adventurers. The Tetrahedron Outdoor Club has been in existence since the early 1970s, providing information on backcountry access, as well as many volunteer hours to help maintain trails and cabins.
Back at sea level, things don’t change that much in the winter. There are even a few hardy, determined locals who swim in the sea 365 days a year! Visitors who prefer to stay on top of the water when temperatures drop will find that winter ocean fishing on the Sunshine Coast is world-class. Five species of salmon swim in our local waters, as well as lingcod and rockfish. Winter Chinook are especially prized by sports fishers. Check for local guides in each of our communities who operate year ‘round and are up-to-date on fishing regulations. Their well-equipped boats can take you to their favourite places quickly and in comfort.
If you’re feeling a little chilly just reading this, worry not. There’s a warm and welcoming pub close by where you can look out at the snowy mountains and cold sea while you enjoy a burger or a bowl of steaming chowder.
For those more interested in cultural experiences, watch for winter markets and craft fairs, choral concerts, theatre, and dance. There are galleries and studios on the Sunshine Coast that are open all year and several fine community choirs that offer winter concerts. Watch for posters and check community pages on Facebook. For a low-stress, curated cultural experience, visitors can book an art tour that will take in select studios, plus stops at a brewery or distillery, plus lunch, all while being driven in comfort and safety – no maps, no winter driving!
Most local restaurants switch to winter hours but continue to offer delicious and diverse dining options. Visitors looking for live music won’t be disappointed. The Sunshine Coast has more than its share of performing musicians and many venues bring in touring musicians as well. Check community pages and online for upcoming events.
The support of our local Legions is particularly important during the winter months. Warm and welcoming to all, the Legions in each community kick off their winter seasons with traditional, well-organized and well-attended Remembrance Day ceremonies. All our Legions offer live music regularly throughout the winter.
And don’t be fooled by size! The littlest Legion of them all is particularly committed to entertainment. John Davis of the Little Legion (#219, Roberts Creek), explains: “The Roberts Creek Legion has long been a staple of live music on the Coast, with entertainment Tuesday through Saturday, plus one of the best dance floors and sound systems on
the coast!”
There is a lot of conviviality in what, at first glance, appears to be just a little house in the woods. The Little Legion is just one example of a great place to get out of the cold and mingle with locals while enjoying top notch entertainment: “We bring in artists from off-Coast more often than any other venue on the Lower Coast, as well as offering a wide selection of the best local artists.” ·
