New Ways for Business Travellers to Explore the Sunshine Coast

Nestled in the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia you will discover one of our province’s most beautiful destinations: the Sunshine Coast.

With its laid-back atmosphere, craggy bluffs, rocky shorelines, pristine lakes and dense rainforests, the Sunshine Coast has something to offer year-round, whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure or combining both into a company retreat.

Your chosen mode of transportation can make this trip more memorable. Because the mountains cut off this area from direct road access, there are only two modes of transportation here: air or water. Most travellers think BC Ferries is the only way to arrive. However, there are three alternative ways to explore the Sunshine Coast.

1) Float

Pacific Ferries offers the only ferry service between Gibsons Landing, Horseshoe Bay and Coal Harbour. Launched in 2015, Pacific Ferries offers commuters a fast, reliable way to get between the Sunshine Coast and the mainland while they take in the incredible scenery. Its fleet consists of two vessels: the 48-passenger Coastal Clipper and the Coastal Runner, which can accommodate 72 passengers. This ferry service is available Monday to Friday. Alternatively, try one of their day excursions from Coal Harbour that run 7 days a week during the summer.

You can pre-book your seat online at www.pacificferries.ca or call 604-409-8088. Pacific Ferries features complimentary shuttle services from Gibsons Landing to Langdale.

2) Fly

There is arguably nothing more exhilarating than soaring in a floatplane over the rugged, unspoiled beauty of the fjords and inlets that dot the Sunshine Coast. For many travellers, this is the quickest and most scenic way to travel. There are two floatplane companies that will get you to the Sunshine Coast: Sunshine Coast Air and Harbour Air.

Sunshine Coast Air will fly you from Nanaimo Harbour to the Sunshine Coast in 15 minutes and with flights scheduled four times a day. In addition to their regular daily service from Nanaimo they offer regular flights from Pat Bay in Victoria twice a week 

Harbour Air flies from Nanaimo’s Pioneer Waterfront Plaza across from the Lighthouse Bistro; from the YVR South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR); and from the Vancouver Harbour in downtown Vancouver—directly to Porpoise Bay/Sechelt.  All three locations offer several daily flights.

Need to get to Powell River? Pacific Coastal Airlines offers regular flights from YVR.

3) Cruise

For the ultimate getaway, book your passage with Pacific Coastal Cruises on one of its vessels, Pacific Bear, which is also affectionately known as the “Little Blue Boat.” Originally a fishing vessel, this former seiner was completely restored and refurbished.  Today, this passenger cruiser features a fully equipped galley, single-seat dining, hospitality bar and spacious open and enclosed-deck viewing.

The Little Bear will take you cruising by some of B.C.’s most spectacular scenery as you watch eagles soar high above, while an adventure guide regales guests with stories about the region, sea life and history. If you are lucky, you might spot seals sunning themselves, dolphins jumping majestically out of the water or a bear hunting for salmon. Nightly stopovers at some of the best lodges in the region and an onboard chef combine to create a top-notch cruising experience.

Whether you choose air or water, a trip to the Sunshine Coast offers plenty of opportunities for business and leisure travellers to add a little spice to their explorations any time of the year.

For more Sunshine Coast travel ideas, visit sunshinecoastcanada.com