Sechelt & Pender Harbour
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 8,454
- Distance from Vancouver... 69 km (41 mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 82 km (51 mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 148 km (90 mi)
Sechelt is located on the Sunshine Coast, a temperate stretch of mainland coastline accessible only by vehicle ferry. The town sits on a narrow strip of land separating the Sechelt Inlet from the Strait of Georgia.
Sechelt is restful and quiet with incredibly serene and beautiful surroundings. Among its attractions are a vibrant artistic community, salmon fishing and plentiful outdoor leisure opportunities.
The mild winters here mean visitors can enjoy a huge range of activities on Sechelt's tranquil waters all year round. The area is particularly famed for its kayaking with paddlers relishing the miles of placid inlets leading to waterfalls, cliffs and plentiful wildlife.
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2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
Sechelt lies on the Sunshine Coast, across Howe Sound from Vancouver and a short drive from Gibsons. Access to all the Host Venue Cities of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games requires a 30-minute drive to Langdale ferry terminal and a 40 minute ferry ride to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Both direct coach service and public transit is available between Sechelt and the Langdale ferry terminal.
To Richmond:
Traveling to Richmond by car takes approximately 2.5 hours, including the ferry ride. There is direct coach service from Sechelt to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and onward to Vancouver. From Vancouver, public transit buses or the Canada Line rapid transit system provide service to Richmond, including Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Travel time to Vancouver, including the ferry ride, is approximately two hours. Public transit buses provide service from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver. Direct coach travel is available between Sechelt and Vancouver.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
To West Vancouver:
It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive to West Vancouver, including the ferry ride. Public buses link the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal with the rest of West Vancouver.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
Driving from Sechelt to Whistler takes approximately 2.5 hours, including the ferry ride. Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network features departure points in Vancouver, North Vancouver and Burnaby.
It is possible to take public transit from Gibsons to Whistler though this would be a lengthy trip requiring multiple transfers. Passengers would travel to Vancouver then take direct coach service to Whistler.
Sechelt is the second-largest community on the Sunshine Coast and offers several budget-style hotel and motels, easily accessible from the main highway. Bed and breakfasts are plentiful throughout the area with most providing higher-end amenities such as ocean views or frontage, hot tubs, spa services or park-like private settings.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Spectacular provincial parks are easily accessible from Sechelt, providing ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy walking, hiking and mountain biking in peaceful, natural beauty. Sechelt has over a dozen marine provincial parks offering kayaking, diving, boating, sailing and fishing all year round.
Nearby Davis Bay is one of sandiest beaches on the Sunshine Coast. The pier is a particularly lovely vantage point to enjoy the rare, direct view across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.
Sechelt has many resident artisans and craftspeople whose paintings, sculptures, carvings, weaving, pottery and jewellery can be browsed in the town's shops. Art lovers should also check out what's showing at The Sunshine Coast Arts Centre and Gallery.
The culture of the Sechelt First Nations is on display at the impressive House of Hewhiwus (House of Chiefs). These are the Sechelt band government offices and home to a museum, art centre, gift shop and the Raven's Cry theatre.
Read more about what's happening in Sechelt.