Welcome to Gibsons, BC

Gibsons Landing is home to an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and services offering a unique experience. The Landing offers locally-roasted coffee, locally-grown and made products, and merchandise chosen with an eye to the Coastal lifestyle: comfort with style.

Historical notes:

  • Gibson’s Landing became a village, officially, in 1929.
  • The main business hub grew around the wharf, originally built by founder George Gibson and his sons with a handmade pile-driver. The wharf was eventually rebuilt to accommodate larger ships (and rebuilt again in the 1950s, then expanded in the 1990s and still evolving).
  • The area ‘up the hill’ once known as ‘Gibson’s Heights’  is referred to as “Upper Gibsons” or simply “Upper.” It’s a steep 20-minute climb from “Lower Gibsons” (or “Lower”, or “The Landing”) up the 20% grade of School Road Hill. Regular bus service and taxis connect the two halves of the Town.
  • In the 1960s, with growth spurred by the booming forestry industries, the community became the Town of Gibsons. Stubbornly, the locals continued to refer to the waterfront commercial hub as “Gibson’s Landing” (although the apostrophe was eventually dropped.)
  • Gibson’s Landing and its forest-dependent economy served as backdrop for CBC’s long-running dramedy The Beachcombers. After the series ended in the 1990s, the building that served as the set for Molly’s Reach received a serious renovation and opened as an actual restaurant in 1997 (it is currently closed.) Ten years later, the former Smitty’s Marina chandlery got a similar bone-deep facelift to become the award-winning Smitty’s Oyster Bar.
  • The former Gibsons Yacht Club building (just across the parking lot from the Marina) is now home to Gibsons Public Market and the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre.
  • For more info on all things Beachcombers, and a trip through Gibsons history, visit the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives just a short walk from the Marina.

Shopping — Galleries

GALLERIES

Gibsons Landing Area

Daffydowndilly Gallery — Paintings, pottery, soaps and lotions, candles, by Coast artists and artisans.

Gibsons Public Art Gallery — Rotating shows of work by Coast artists. Lectures and live performances noted in Events Calendar. Gift Shop. Free admission but donations gratefully accepted.

One Flower One Leaf Gallery — Paintings, sculpture, pottery, woodcraft, jewellery, art cards, and beadwork by Coast artists and artisans. Will ship items for purchasers.

Sa Boothroyd Studio — Work by painter Sa Boothroyd, reproduced as prints, art cards, fridge magnets. Unusual and often humorous souvenirs.

Upper Gibsons Area

The Kube – eclectic artwork and home decor.

Shopping — Boutiques

BOUTIQUES

Gibson’s Landing Area

Ladies Wear and Accessories
Children’s Wear and Accessories
  • Peggy Sue’s – Children’s wear, shoes, dancewear for ages infant to 16.
Décor

Upper Gibsons Area

Ladies Wear and Accessories
Books, Records, Collectibles
Décor

Dining — Lower Gibsons

Bayview Szechwan Restaurant – Take-out, delivery, eat-in. Large indoor seating, outdoor patio overlooks Keats Island. Standard Chinese menu items; lunch specials. Licensed.

Bay Pizza – Take-out, dine-in.  Varied selection of pizzas, sides and salads. Located across the street from Gibsons Public Market.

Beachcomber Coffee – Locally roasted coffee and coffee drinks. Try coffee in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone for a new take on take-out! Locally baked treats, sandwiches and light lunch fare.

Black Bean Café – House-roasted coffee (available packaged for purchase), home-baked pastries, home-made soups, generously-sized sandwiches made to order. Take-out or eat-in; indoor seating or limited outdoor patio seating. Licensed.

Buono Osteria – Family-style Italian bistro dining with a breathtaking view of the harbour. Wood-fired oven for authentic pizza, delectable pasta, charcuterie and more. Excellent wine list and craft beers. Highly recommend their cocktails to start. Open for dinner; closed Tuesdays.

Drift Café and Bistro Open Friday – Tuesday for brunch, lunch and dinner. Eclectic bistro menu with GF, vegetarian and vegan options. Intimate indoor seating, outdoor deck with great view of the harbour. Licensed.

Gibsons Public Market – Fresh produce, meat and fish, bakery in the downstairs market; Emelle’s Market Bistro on the main floor offers brunch, lunch and snacks. Happy hour 4 – 6pm.

Gibsons Tapworks – Local craft brewery with limited food service. Enjoy the rooftop deck overlooking the harbour.

Gramma’s Pub – Adult-only dining in the pub; family-friendly service in the waterfront outdoor service area in summer. North American-style brunch, lunch and dinner menu. Indoor fireplace. Glassed-in seating area overlooks wharf, Keats Island. Cold Beer/Wine/Liquor Store adjacent.

Leos Taverna and Tapas – Mediterranean cuisine. Licensed. Family-friendly. Air-conditioned. Outdoor patio.

Lunitas Mexican Eatery – Open noon until 9pm daily except Wednesday (closed) and Thursday (open 5 – 9pm). Highly rated innovative Mexican cuisine. Probably the most beautiful cocktails on the Coast. Try their weekend brunch menu!

Mad Hen Diner – Open 9am-3pm for breakfast and lunch, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Dine in only.

Mike’s Place – Gelato made in-house; coffee, pre-made sandwiches, fresh-baked sourdough breads. Take-out or eat in. Limited indoor seating; outdoor patio. Also convenience store.

Molly’s Reach – Family-friendly dining serving North-American breakfast, lunch and dinner favourites. Licensed; good selection of craft beers on tap. Try one of their “adult” milkshakes!  If dining on the patio, expect to be part of the background as tourists photograph this iconic setting for CBC’s “Beachcombers” TV series (1972-1990, still airing in syndication). Check website for open hours.

Smittys Oyster Bar – Award-winning bistro serving fresh oysters and seafood flown in from local waters and Atlantic Canada. Indoor seating at tables or at oyster bar to watch those shuckers go. Outdoor picnic-style seating. Not recommended for children.

Smoke on the Water BBQ Shack – Take out with very limited outdoor seating located on Government Wharf (beside the Wharfinger Building). Barbecue brisket, pulled pork, ribs, candied bacon, poutine featured items. Check website; may be closed during off-season.

Sushi Bar Nagomi – Take-out or delivery; limited indoor seating. Standard Japanese menu featuring very fresh seafood and quality sushi.

Dining — Upper Gibsons

A&W – Family-friendly burger chain; indoor seating, outdoor patio, drive-through take-out.

A-One Pizza – Pizza and pasta. Pick up or delivery.

Baik Mi Korean Restaurant – Gibsons’ newest restaurant and the first Korean eatery on the Sunshine Coast is getting rave reviews on Yelp. Dine in, take out or delivery.

Blackfish Pub – Adult-only pub with extensive menu open for brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night dining. Good selection of bottled craft beer, local craft beer on tap. Indoor seating ranges from intimate to open, with rooms available for event bookings. Gas fireplaces. Outdoor patio and garden seating. Licensed; Cold Beer/Wine/Liquor Store at nearby Gibsons Plaza IGA mall.

Friendly Thai – Authentic Thai menu. Open for lunch and dinner, dine in or take out. Closed Sundays.

Loki’s Gourmet Pies – Selection of meat pies, dessert pies and other baked treats. Take out, or call for delivery.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 (Gibsons)Licensed private club admits non-members as guests; adults only. Beer, wine, liquor service.

More Café – Locally-roasted coffee, home-made baked goods, sandwiches made to order. Very limited indoor seating.

Panago Pizza – Take-out or delivery. Phone or order online.

Patras Pizza – Take-out, delivery, dine in (large indoor seating area). Pizza by the slice, pasta, and particularly savory Indian menu items.

Sheer Bliss Bakery Cafe – Bakery and café offers inside and patio seating or take-out. Desserts baked in-house, daily house-made soup and hot entree specials, sandwiches made to order.

Sima Sushi – Family-friendly dining. Standard Japanese menu items. Indoor seating. Take-out and delivery.

Starbuck’s – Family friendly coffee shop. Indoor seating, outdoor patio, drive-through take-out.

Subway – Family-friendly sandwich shop. Take-out only during COVID.

Wendy’s / Tim Horton’s – Family-friendly chain outlet duo. Indoor seating, outdoor patio, drive-through take-out.

Wheatberries – Family-friendly local coffee shop chain offers fair trade coffee, desserts and bread baked fresh daily in-house, substantial sandwiches, soup, flatbread pizza by the slice. Indoor seating, outdoor patio.

Won – Wide selection of Japanese menu items. Family-friendly dining. Indoor seating. Licensed.

Groceries & Provisions

Unless otherwise noted, all merchants accept Visa, MasterCard and Interac. Generally, AmEx not accepted (unless specifically noted below).

Gibsons Landing

Beachcomber Coffee – Locally roasted coffee beans, baked goods, sandwiches etc.

Fong’s Market – Wide selection of pantry staples, packaged dried ethnic food ingredients, fresh oriental veg and tofu, frozen entrees (including Chinese dim sum), cold soft drinks, dairy products, soaps, cleaning products, cookware, toys, ice cream, newspapers. If you need it, Fong’s has it.

Gibsons Public Market – Adjacent to Gibsons Marina. Like Granville Island Public Market, only smaller. Greengrocer; fish market; butcher/deli; cheesemonger; chocolatier (with frozen treats in summer); bakery; florist. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or happy hour at Emelle’s Cafe. Visit the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre and find out what lies beneath our portion of the Salish Sea. Closed Mondays.

Grammas Cold Beer / Wine / Liquor Store – Also sale of cold soft drinks, ice.

Mike’s Place – Convenience store offers fresh-baked sourdough bread, baked treats, sandwiches, limited selection of pantry staples, paper products as well as take-out foods, ready-frozen meals, cold soft drinks, and an amazing selection of gelato.

Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Co. – Top quality extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oils and balsamic vinegars sourced worldwide from organic, fair trade, certified producers. Knowledgeable staff. Ships worldwide.

Upper Gibsons Area

BC Government Liquor Store – located in Sunnycrest Mall

Blackfish Cold Beer / Wine / Liquor Store – located in Gibsons (IGA) Plaza

Gibsons Pet Supplies – Wide selection of dry and canned food, bedding and toys for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and caged small animals.

Howe Sound Pharmacy – Pharmacy also carries typical over-the-counter medications and remedies, plus homeopathic and naturopathic products, first aid supplies, personal care products. Very knowledgeable staff offer personal service.

I-G-A Marketplace – Grocery store with in-store bakery, in-store deli with soup/salad bar, in-store fresh fish counter, excellent selection of organic produce (locally sourced when available), large selection of ethnic and specialty food items including clearly-marked gluten-free options. Books, magazines, newspapers.

London Drugs – Canned foods, cereals, pasta and sauces, snacks, soft drinks, some dairy products. Cleaning supplies, paper and personal products. In-store pharmacy. Pharmacy section includes vitamins, supplements, first aid supplies, over-the-counter medications. Store also carries electronics, cameras, baby supplies, toys, books, magazines, newspapers.

Seaweeds Health Food Store – Organic produce, vitamins and supplements.

Super-Valu – Grocery store with in-store bakery, in-store deli, plus selection of organic, ethnic, and specialty food items, fresh and frozen vegetables, fresh meat, seafood, frozen entrees and juices, etc. Newspapers.

Red Apple – Small department store with section for canned and packaged pantry items, juice, cold soft drinks. Also carries men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, toys, kitchenware, linens, some hardware.

Wheatberries – Fresh-baked breads and desserts including gluten-free items.

Fishing Charters & Tours

BC Fishing Charters – Molly’s Lane, Gibsons TF: 855.566.9760 / 604.886.9760 (Transport Canada compliant)

John Bryhn Salmon Charters / Eco Tours / Fishing Guide Service / Instructor. T: 604.741.7336.

Paddling

Kayak / Paddleboard Rentals, Lessons, Tours

Alpha Adventures, Molly’s Lane. T: 604.741.5884.

Sunshine Coast Kayaking Ltd., Gibsons Marina   (Transport Canada Compliant)

Golf, tennis, hiking & biking

GOLF COURSES

Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club, Roberts Creek – 18-hole course features spectacular mountain and ocean views, surrounded by forest. Full-service pro shop, practice facilities. Restaurant/bar open for breakfast, lunch, and (in season) dinner. Seating in dining room or open-air patio. Available for private functions. 10 minutes from Gibsons Marina by car.

Pender Harbour Golf & Country Club, Madeira Park – 9-hole course open year round; all are welcome. Covered driving range, short-game practice area, power cart and pullcart rentals, Pro Shop, Back Nine Bistro open May – October. One hour from Gibsons Marina by car.

Blue Ocean Golf Club (formerly Sechelt Golf & Country Club) –18-hole course with pro shop, practice facilities. Restaurant/bar available for private events. 30 minutes from Gibsons Marina by car.

TENNIS COURTS

Dougall Park, Gower Point Road at South Fletcher Road (1/2 block from Gibsons Marina). Outdoor tennis courts.

Gibsons Area Community Centre, 700 Park Road, Gibsons (5 minute drive from Gibsons Marina) – Indoor racquetball / squash courts, fitness room

Parkland Tennis Court, Woodsworth Road, Gibsons (5 minute drive from Gibsons Marina). Outdoor tennis courts.

Hackett Park, 5755 Dolphin Rd., Sechelt – Outdoor tennis courts (25 minute drive from Gibsons Marina).

Sunshine Coast Raquet Club, 6000 Lighthouse Ave., Sechelt – private indoor tennis courts. (30 minute drive from Gibsons Marina)

CYCLING / HIKING / RUNNING

COAST GRAVITY PARK

“Best Bike Park in Canada” ~ Redbull 2015
Open year-round, the challenging trails and wild beauty of Coast Gravity Park draw elite riders from around the world. Trails winding through the forests of Sechelt are carefully managed and maintained to offer a premium experience for everyone from beginner to elite. Tickets are issued and access restricted to ensure all riders enjoy maximum access and minimum wait times on the trails. Guest relations: 778.846.7545

Events

BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run — Held since 1978 in early April, this half-marathon, relay, and kids run draws close to 700 athletes from all across Canada and beyond, to run or walk from Gibsons to Davis Bay. Part of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series.

Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

Bus: Sunshine Coast Transit stop on Gower Point (in front of Public Market building). Route 1 “Local” connects to Upper Gibsons and Sechelt.

Taxi:

Car Rental: Prime Rentals – Sechelt. TF: 800.663.5534

Car Share: Coast Car Co-op – Gibsons. T: 778.374.3092  Roaming agreements with Modo (Vancouver & Victoria); Nanaimo Carshare; Kootenay Carshare; OGO (Kelowna)