Tuwanek & The Sechelt Inlet
Congratulations – you have found one of the last true hidden gems on West Coast Canada that is just a short drive from civilisation. Situated on the sea, but protected by the Skookumchuck Narrows, the sea is more like a lake and hence a paddlers delight. Excellent diving opportunities can be found, wild and wonderful hikes with sweeping vistas, and bordering on a national park there is a plethora of wild animals – its not unknown for orcas to even to come up the inlet. Oh, and the Mountain Biking? World. Class. There are microbreweries, sea side spas and fantastic pubs. Fishing charters too. The list just goes on and on. You can read below for some more details.
Paddling & Camping
In addition to the facilities available at the cabin, rentals are available from Pedals and Paddles located a couple of minutes drive away (or a 15 minute walk). The waters are typically calm and the wildlife is fantastic with resident seals and eagles, with the odd visit from something bigger. For the more adventurous there are a number of “paddle in only” campsites within the inlet and one could happily spend a few days going to each of these. Just don’t forget that tent!
Spa & Relaxation
If relaxing is more your cup of tea, there are a variety of options – a short walk away is the Waters Edge Spa where you can be pampered in a waterside cabin – you can combine this with nature spotting at the same time! Maybe it makes more sense to have the spa come to you – well that can certainly be done with Time to Glow Mobile Spa.
Food and drink
There are some great restaurants/café in Sechelt. We really enjoy lunch at Daphne’s Greek – excellent calamari. The Daily Roast does a great cup of coffee as does the Bakery (which is right near the little playground on the beach in Sechelt), also a tasty banana bread. The Old Boot is a popular Italian restaurant and Pebbles does a good brunch menu right over looking the ocean. The Lighthouse Pub serves standard pub fare with a lovely view. Basted baker is very popular as well.
Hiking
From gentle walks along the beach to steep ascents, the Tuwanek Retreat is perfectly positioned right next to Mt Richardson Provincial Park and near the water to be able to enjoy some fantastic hiking. Mt Richardson Provincial Park has many trails to explore and offers deeply rewarding views of the inlet. You can also find more information on local trails here.
Mountain Biking
The Mountain Biking is world class on the Sunshine Coast; halfway between Tuwanek and Sechelt is the Coast Gravity Park – its by riders, for riders. It’s an awesome park with a great atmosphere – and if this isn’t your scene there are many more trails around the Sunshine Coast too. Be warned, if this has caught your interest, then you certainly don’t want to watch this, as you’ll find yourself putting your bike on the back of car within the next ten minutes.
Nature watching
Not only can you take a tour at any one of the links we have provided. But you can also just venture out on your own. We have seen seals, been snorted at by sea lions, and seen eagles, herons, and wood peckers; stellar blue jay and humming birds are also frequent visitors in our yard.
Indoor activities
Although the Sunshine Coast is most well known for outdoor pursuits there are things to keep a family occupied on a rainy day, besides what we have to offer in our games room. Aquatic Centre, Library, Artist Studios (purple flags) open to the public and Sunshine Coast Museum. Of course, you can always head back in to Gibsons and recreate Beachcombers at Mollys Reach.
Diving
The calm waters of the Sechelt Inlet offer fantastic shore diving opportunities – the water is calm and clear and there is an abundancy of life as can be seen here. Tunicates, greenlings, lings, crab and maybe even octopi – there is always something new to see here.