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Popular entry point to the stunning Sunshine Coast, Gibsons is a big coastal town with bars, boat life, and beer.
Things to Do in Gibsons
The Beachcombers
Many tourists and Canadians alike flock to Gibsons because Gibsons is famous! The town was the film set for the internationally renowned 70s TV series, The Beachcombers.
The nineteen seasons strong comedy-drama followed the lives of two loggers, Nick and Jesse and their tugboat, Persephone, you’ll hear this word again soon…
The show was centred around the cafe, Molly’s Reach, which was run by the motherly figure, Molly.
Although the show ended in the nineties (with a failed attempt to bring it back), it is still very much celebrated in the town of Gibsons.
Marvellous Marina
Gibsons is more than just the set for a soap, it is also extremely scenic with its marina and mountainous backdrop.
Take a stroll, kayak or sip a hard lemonade while watching the boats bob about.
Soames Hill, Gibsons
Although Soames Hill is slightly awkward to get to without wheels (we cycled there), this hike is worth the trek.
After a short walk through shaded trees, you are met with a tough climb up, but these stairs really are the steps to heaven!
Watch Out! Beers Crossing at Persephone
You will have worked up a thirst after Soames Hill, which puts Persephone the Brewery in the perfect position.
Nestled behind the hops next to Soames Hill, you’ll find this rustic brewery come bar which sells a selection of home-brewed beers.
Persephone not only does the perfect pint but also provides parties! We were invited along to the brewery’s second anniversary party (disclosure – the $25 cover was waived. Thanks for the tickets, Giddy!)
By day, teams battled it out in a Tough Mudder-style event to win the prize of 100 litres of Persephone beer, then as dark drew in, we partied in the barn amongst the hay bales to a young jammin’ funk band.
If you make it along next year, tell us if the 204s manage to hold on to the winning title!
Website: Persephone Brewing Company
Contact: 778-462-3007
Address: 1053 Stewart Road, Gibsons
Cost: Sleeve of Golden Goddess $4 / £1.97
Gonna Have a Food Time
There is a great mix of culinary delights in Gibsons however, only one is a must for the novelty value in our eyes – Molly’s Reach.
This restaurant serves a variety of burgers, fish and chips, along with local beers and a long list of cocktails.
All amongst lots of Beachcombers’ paraphernalia.
You almost feel like you are on the set yourself, move over Nick and Jesse!
I went for the Beachcombers Breeze cocktail ($7), it would have been rude not to! With the ingredients of vodka, grapefruit and cranberry, it certainly cleaned the palate in time for my halibut and chips ($18).
Website: Molly’s Reach
Contact: 604-886-9710
Address: 647 School Road, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0
Cost: $41.50 / £20.39 + tax / tips
Vancouver to Gibsons and Local Routes
From Vancouver – a minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay $16.25 / £7.98 return (and then the above bus)
Bus 1 and 90 from Langdale Ferry or Sechelt (depending on starting point) will drop you off in Gibsons for $2.25 / £1.11
Fancy Kayaking in BC?
The Sunshine Coast, BC is awash with water sports in the summer, free hikes for all levels, heaps of food and don’t be fooled when October comes, as the scenery is just as darling!
Like the look of the Gibsons and want more like this? Check out our guide to the Sunshine Coast, BC.
We hope to join you there in the future on a more permanent basis!
Have you been to the Sunshine Coast?
Thank you to Molly’s Reach and Persephone for their hospitality. An honest review, as per usual.
I have never heard of this place before, and neither of the television series (I’m a 90’s baby haha) but it looks truly great there. Not too crowded, beautiful nature and good food, equals simply perfect.
I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t aware of Beachcombers either! I’m more Saved by the Bell and Dawson’s Creek!
Awww that beer looks so tasty! I’ll have to think about visiting!
If you are into craft beer, B.C is a really great spot! Vancouver is a city full of it and it’s a welcomed addition to Gibsons!
What fun!! I love the idea of seeing movie/tv locations in real life – it’s familiar yet new all at the same time.
I am with you, wouldn’t mind chasing some of the Game of Thrones set!
Um, that Beachcombers Breeze cocktail sounds delish! Looks like a cool place. The beach and the hiking nearby is what does it for me. Best of both worlds!
Same for my husband and I. He appreciates a good cocktail, but I don’t drink beer 🙁 I love my cocktails and like wine though 🙂
Ditto! But not the next day anymore!
We’ve been to BC but never heard of Gibsons. Looks like a great little place for a relaxing summer vacation. Love reading about the less known destinations!
How amazing is BC? Mountains and beaches – such a winning combo. Well, I hope to be back on the Coast on a more permanent basis in the next 5 years so if you do make it, give me a holler!
This place looks awesome! Great post!
Thank you Stacey! It was a magical summer!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Would love to do this too and relive your experience myself..
I would love to relive it again 🙂
I like the look of Soames Hill, and yeah I’m a sucker for craft ales, so I think I’d be quite happy here 🙂
We had Soames Hill to ourselves too – had to do a bit of camera trickier, balancing on the bag!
This looks like a such a fun trip to do! I’m gonna keep this one in mind, just in case I get to travel around the area.
We’re actually planning on heading back for a day trip next week, take Craig’s brother on the gorgeous ferry ride over!
Holy cow! That beer farm and barn party sounds exactly like my ideal kinda experience. I’m definitely going to this place some day soon. And the harbor looks pretty spectacular too man.
I was just talking about Gibsons today, special place. A bit of naughty and a bit of nice.
Looks like a good place to live long-term!
You’re right, it’s big enough to have restaurant choices on your doorstep and a supermarket but still very scenic.
Now, I’m hungry! Haha. It seems nice to have a feast overlooking that serene marina! 🙂
Food posts are the worst for that!
I have to admit I’ve never heard of Beachcombers (I might be too young lol) but this looks like a fantastic visit…and those sweet potato fries…yum!!!
I hadn’t either but it was popular in the UK as well as Canada according to sources!
I’ll have to put this on my list for my next trip to Canada, since I’m so close. All you had to say was “extremely scenic” and “fish and chips” to pique my interest! 🙂
Fish and chips would go down a treat just now.
Those are some serious dance moves you’ve got there guys. Impressed ;). Not too sure id be cut out for the tough mudder daytime activity, but ALL OVER the beer party. Sounds like you had a great time… haha you know you’ve had a good trip when you go home with a souvenir growler. 😉 great post!
Gabby
Hopefully a clean growler at that 😉
ahaha Looks super nice…. have you noticed that we Canadians are really into flocking anywhere thats nice and beachy and warm… even if its cold, its beachy and were faking it . ahaha love from, stranded in the snow. 😛
Fake it ’til you make it Kimberly!
Can’t say I have ever heard of the Beachcombers but Gibson’s looks like a good day out. The harbor looks great and so does the beer.
The brewery was top notch!
You had me at beer!
I must confess, I’ve never heard of ‘The Beachcombers’ however!!
Every day is a school day 😉
Nice dance moves!! Gibsons really does look like a picture perfect town, I’m going to have to look up The Beachcombers now. Big fan of the burger and the beer sampler – that is good living!
The Dream! Craig’s moves are not a patch on mine…
That burger and fries looks to DIE FOR. Can you tell I’m hungry because that’s the only thing I can think about even though your post was fantastic!
You’ll need to get down to Molly’s Reach to satisfy you needs! I am starving too.
Sounds like you had such an amazing time in Gibson’s! And how lucky you were to hit a beer festival! So much fun. I’d love to go …
I know, perfect timing. We managed to do quite a few ‘local’ special things over the summer. Roberts Creek is up next! That was our home town.