9 Things to Do in Sechelt That Capture Its Coastal Charm
If you're craving a mix of coastal scenery, fresh-air exploration and small-town charm, Sechelt delivers all three. It's the kind of place where it's easy to slow down, stay a little longer and enjoy the journey.
A short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay brings you to Sechelt, a Sunshine Coast community where all the classic BC coastal ingredients come together, including ocean views, old-growth forest trails, outdoor adventure and plenty of Refreshingly Local™ food to enjoy. There's no shortage of things to do in Sechelt, and here's where to start.
What To Do When Visiting Sechelt
1. Go crabbing at Bay Pier
Head down to Davis Bay, where a long wooden pier stretches out from the pebbled beach. Most days, you’ll find a few locals crabbing off the side, and after watching for a minute, you may want to try your luck from the pier too. Stay a little longer and you'll be treated to stunning sunset views, even by Sunshine Coast standards. Best of all? When you stay at The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel, the bay is just across the street from your room.
2. Take a dip at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park checks two boxes in one stop. Cool off in the sandy beach's roped-off swimming area, a perfect spot for families, then follow the forested trail along Angus Creek to the estuary, where herons and kingfishers are a common sight.
3. Plan a paddle near Sechelt
Sechelt has plenty of ways to get on the water, from SUPs to canoes and kayaks. Keep it mellow on the sheltered waters of Sechelt Inlet, where forested shoreline and quieter conditions make for a scenic paddle. If you’re an experienced kayaker looking for more of a challenge, consider a trip to Skookumchuck Narrows, one of British Columbia's best-known destinations for tidal rapids.
4. Follow the forested Chapman Trail
Just a few blocks behind The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel, the Chapman Creek trail winds through the forest toward the Chapman Creek footbridge. Expect mossy trees, creek views, and that classic Sunshine Coast feeling of being fully in the woods even though you were on the beach only five minutes ago.
5. Discover Hidden Grove's ancient forest
Take a break from the coastline and wander through the towering old-growth trees of Hidden Grove. With more than 16 km of trails to explore, it's easy to spend an afternoon immersed in the sights and sounds of the forest while learning about local plants, wildlife and history along the way. Dogs are welcome too, with off-leash trails throughout the area.
6. Play a round of golf all year
If a day on the golf course is part of your ideal getaway, Sechelt has a couple of great options nearby. Throughout the year, you can play a round at Blue Ocean Golf Club, a championship par 72 course designed for a range of skill levels, or head to Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club for a round framed by towering trees and natural coastal scenery.
7. Ride Sechelt’s mountain biking trails
Mountain bikers are spoiled for choice around Sechelt, from novice-friendly trails near Halfmoon Bay to more technical riding in West Sechelt, Roberts Creek, and Wilson Creek. For a park-style ride, Coast Gravity Park has 160 acres of private trails and a shuttle system to give riders a break as they head back up the mountain for more runs.
8. Take a scenic walk to Smuggler Cove
Follow the 4 km round-trip trail to Smuggler Cove, where forest paths and wetland boardwalks lead to a sheltered cove with turquoise water, rocky shoreline and ocean views. Once a hideout for alcohol smugglers during American Prohibition in the 1920s, it's a scenic stop with a fascinating backstory.
9. Have a bite in Sechelt
Refuel between adventures with a stop at one of Sechelt's local favorites. At Basted Baker, the patio is dog-friendly, and the butter biscuits are housemade, so yes, bring the pup and order the biscuits. Then there’s Sechelt’s first craft brewery, Batch 44, offering on-site brewing and a taproom that hosts karaoke, trivia, and bingo nights. Finally, Joe’s On The Beach is located right outside The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner overlooking beautiful Davis Bay. Grab a seat by the window and take in views of the bay, beach and pier while you dine.
Put Sechelt on Your BC Coast Getaway List
By the time you’ve made your way through Sechelt’s beaches, trails, paddling spots, golf courses and food stops, you'll want a little more time to relax and enjoy the Sunshine Coast.
At The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel, settle in and enjoy ocean views from your Coast King room, or upgrade to the Coast Premium Two Bedroom Suite with Ocean View if you’re traveling with family, friends, or anyone who appreciates having their own door to close at the end of the day. With two private bedrooms, each with a king bed, plus a living room, kitchenette, and furnished balcony overlooking the water, there’s enough room for everyone. The pet-friendly accommodations mean your dog can come along too.
Planning your Sunshine Coast stay? Be sure to explore our current offers and sign up for Coast Rewards to unlock exclusive rates, earn free nights and enjoy extra benefits during your travels. Sechelt offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer, and The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel offers a relaxing place to settle in while experiencing the best of Sechelt.
FAQs about The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel in Sechelt, BC
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes. The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel offers pet-friendly accommodations in Sechelt, BC. Dogs of all sizes are welcome in select rooms for a small fee. Pet-friendly room availability is limited, so it is best to confirm that option when booking.
Is there a wellness center on site?
Yes. The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel partners with local therapists from SunCoast Wellness to offer in-room massage services, making it easy to relax and recharge during your stay on the Sunshine Coast.
How do I get to the hotel from the nearest ferry terminal?
The Oceanside, A Coast Hotel is about a 25-minute drive from Langdale Ferry Terminal in Gibsons, BC, the nearest ferry terminal to the hotel. A 40-minute BC Ferries journey from Horseshoe Bay takes you to Langdale, making the hotel a convenient option for Sunshine Coast getaways.
Recent guests shared this about their stay at our Sechelt hotel:
“Great stay at The Oceanside! The room was perfect, best shower I’ve ever been in (rain shower), the bed was comfy (I even took a picture of the tags on the duvet and mattress). Joe’s Restaurant was amazing. We were lucky that it was Wine Wednesday and Wing Wednesday. And to top it off, the view was outstanding!” - Doreen
“We can’t say enough about our recent experience at Oceanside, a Coast Hotel. A few friends and family members stayed here, and from start to finish, the team went above and beyond to make the stay truly special. They thoughtfully arranged a beautiful setting that created lasting memories, and their warm hospitality made everyone feel at home. The location is unbeatable—right in Sechelt, just steps from the ocean, with stunning views and easy access to everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Beyond the amazing service, what stands out most is the value. Oceanside is without a doubt the best value hotel in Sechelt, offering both comfort and quality at a price you can feel good about.” - Ashton