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History
Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Chekwelps of the Squamish First Nations people occupied a summer village just east of the Gibsons harbour, near present-day Armours Beach. The location they chose offered fresh water, a sheltered shoreline, and easy access to the sea, as well as clear views through "The Gap" between Keats Island and The Bluff, a precaution against the unexpected arrival of unknown people.
The Chekwelps probably lived here for several thousand years until a smallpox outbreak in the 1890s resulted in relocation of the remaining Chekwelps to Squamish, ending the occupation of the aboriginal settlers. Evidence of early settlement in the form of middens has been found throughout the area.
In 1886 George Gibson and his two sons, seeking shelter from a storm, sailed into the protection of this natural harbour in his hand-built sloop Swamp Angel. A true pioneer, George, 58, immediately claimed 160 acres and became the first resident of what was to be known as Gibson's Landing. His two sons claimed another 160 acres close by. A retired lieutenant of the British Royal Navy, George had developed a reputation as a market gardener in Ontario. George's wife, Charlotte, and six daughters arrived from Ontario on the first train to travel west on the new CPR track.
George and his wife Charlotte were hard-working, intelligent, and community-minded. They encouraged others to settle here and took pains to see that a community developed to serve their needs. Charlotte died in 1910, George in 1913. They are buried in what is now known as Pioneer Park (originally the Gibson family cemetery) located at the head of the wharf where it all started.
An influx of Finnish immigrants arrived in the Gibsons area around 1905. Most moved from a communal settlement in Sointula on Malcolm Island and were later joined by family from Finland. These hard-working farmers developing the natural blackberries, loganberries and strawberries and planted plums, and other lucrative crops.
The early Finnish settlers made an impact on their Gibsons community in areas other than agriculture. Their presence on the Gibsons Heights plateau above the Landing encouraged the development of a store and post office there. The many new families purchased land, developed farms, and built the first community hall in the district. Constructed in 1910, the Workmen's or Labour Hall near Chaster Creek offered weekly musical gatherings and Finnish dances that attracted English-speaking settlers as well. Another hall was built a year later, known as the Socialist Hall, in which were held plays, dances and an annual May Day picnic. The Finns also introduced their neighbours to the luxury of the sauna.
There existed some tension in the community between the more staid, old-guard pioneers and these Finnish "foreigners" with their socialist views. The local Methodist minister, James Shaver Woodsworth, found himself swayed by the Finns' socialist, pacifist philosophy. Woodsworth attempted to reconcile the two factions by promoting a slightly restructured version of their beliefs. His views became the basis for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) which later evolved into the New Democratic Party. The home where early meetings of the CCF were held still stands, opposite Molly's Reach in Gibsons.
Location
Gibsons is located on the north shore of Howe Sound, on the southeast coast of the Sechelt Peninsula, 4 kilometres south of the ferry terminal at Langdale. The ferry trip from Horseshoe Bay on the mainland to Langdale takes approximately 40 minutes.
Places to See
- The Landing
The Landing is the historic seaside part of Gibsons where the town began. Today it is a charming, vibrant village with lots to see and do.
- Molly's Ranch
Molly's Reach, for two decades (1971-1990) the setting for the CBC TV series The Beachcombers, is the most famous spot in Gibsons. Fans will want to stop in for a bite and take a peek at all the show memorabilia.
- Gibsons Pier
Stroll along the pier to the beautiful log wharfinger building and the gazebo from where you get great views of the busy harbour, Keats Island, and the coastal mountains. In summer, watch for the dazzling floral display on one of the resident floathomes.
- Seawalk
Just a few steps away from the pier, the seawalk skirts the harbour and winds around to the Gibsons marina. On these waters you see a wide variety of craft, from fishboats to luxury yachts.
- Winegarden Waterfront Park
Rest for a spell on a log bench in Winegarden Waterfront Park, overlooking the harbour. From May to September, take in one of the many free outdoor concerts and the Weekend Market - take home a locally made treasure!
- Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives
The museum explores the history of the Sunshine Coast and Coast Salish life. It also has the Bedford Shell Collection, one of the largest in Canada.
- Soames Hill Trail
The Soames Hill Trail between Gibsons and Langdale is a 40-minute stair-climb that seems to last forever, at the top of which you're rewarded with a view of Howe Sound, Keats Island, Gibsons, and the Strait of Georgia. To reach the trailhead, take North or Reed Road to Chamberlain Road, then east on Bridgeman Road to its end.
Things to Do
- Diving
The most popular spot to dive on the Sunshine Coast is Skookumchuck Rapids - experienced divers only! Only 90 minutes from Gibsons near Egmont, marine life here includes anemones, rose stars, rockfish, kelp greenlings and, sometimes, Puget Sound king crabs. The best way to dive the rapids is on a charter; most local operators have hundreds of hours of experience diving the Skook.
The 366-foot wreck of the HMCS Chaudiere (in Sechelt Inlet at the mouth of Salmon Inlet) was scuttled on December 5, 1992 by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia to make a habitat for marine life and a place for divers to play on an otherwise featureless bottom. Commissioned as a destroyer escort and submarine hunter in 1959, the Chaudiere now lays on her port side with the top of the wreck 60-90 feet deep.
- Fishing
The Sunshine Coast offers many wonderful opportunities for sport fishing, whether on your own or on a guided excursion. Recreational fishing licences are mandatory in BC and are available at local marinas. Fishing includes five species of salmon, as well as rainbow, steelhead, kokanee, and cutthroat trout. Cod and flatfish are popular bottom-fishing species. Shellfish include prawns, crab, oysters and clams.
- Skateboarding
Both Gibsons and Sechelt have community-built free skateboard parks. Gibsons' is in Brothers Park on Park Road in the Centre part of town. From the Landing, head up the hill via Gibsons Way until you come to Park Road, a right turn just past Sunnycrest Mall. Brothers Park also has a basketball court and baseball diamond.
- Snow Sports
Dakota Ridge (accessed via Field Road in Wilson Creek) is popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and family activities such as tobogganing. Dakota Bowl (accessed via Port Mellon Hwy. near Howe Sound Pulp & Paper) is popular with more advanced skiers and has telemark routes on the north side of the bowl and spectacular views of Vancouver Island, North Shore mountains and Mt. Baker in Washington State. These are not well-developed areas so do not expect to find services such as equipment rentals, chairlifts, or cafes.
Events
- Howe Sound Outrigger Canoe Races
Howe Sound Outrigger Canoe Races is the largest paddling event of its kind in Canada, with 18 nautical miles around Howe Sound.
- Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival
An annual 3-day festival of outdoor performances by top jazz musicians and vocalists.
- Gibsons Sea Cavalcade
Fun for the whole family, with logger sports, a parade, free outdoor performances, kids' day fun, a salmon BBQ, street dances, and fireworks.
- Music in the Landing
Free outdoor concerts every weekend, from June to September.
Contact Information
Gibsons & District Chamber of Commerce
Unit #21 Sunnycrest Mall
900 Gibsons Way
Gibsons, BC
Telephone: 604-886-2325
Email: gibsonsbcchamber@telus.net
Website: www.gibsonsbc.ca
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