History
The Shishalh settled the Sechelt area many thousands of years ago, taking advantage of its ideal location between Sechelt Inlet (providing access to Jervis Inlet) to the north, and Georgia Strait to the south. Europeans moved into present-day Sechelt in the 1860s. By the 1880s, Sechelt was becoming an active centre for the logging and fishing industries, with the construction of sawmills and wharves. The natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast soon began to attract tourists, who arrived at the wharves at Trail Bay via steamship. The construction of Highway 101 in 1952, and the commencement of ferry service to Horseshoe Bay and Powell River accelerated tourism and residential growth, which continues today. The municipality was incorporated in 1986.
Location
Sechelt is located on Highway 101 on the Sunshine Coast, which is accessible from the rest of the Lower Mainland only by ferry or airplane. Travellers aboard BC Ferries leave Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver for the 15.5 kilometre (9.5 miles) ride to Langdale on the Sechelt Peninsula (45 minutes). Highway 101 links Langdale with Sechelt, 15 kilometres (9 miles) to the north.
Places to See
- House of Hewhiwus
Don't miss the impressive House of Hewhiwus (House of Chiefs), the Sechelt band government office and home to the Sechelt Nation's cultural centre, which houses a museum, an art centre, a gift shop, and the Raven's Cry theatre.
- Sunshine Coast Arts Centre
The Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, located within walking distance of downtown, offers continuous showings for local artists and continues to expand with exciting and innovative programs.
- Village of Sechelt (Downtown)
The Village neighbourhood was the original settlement until 1986, when incorporation expanded Sechelt's boundaries to include eight neighbourhoods. This community remains the central location for retail and government services for the surrounding communities that today comprise Sechelt.
- Davis Bay
Davis Bay is noted for its long stretch of accessible beach and a spectacular view of Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island. Tourist amenities include motels and restaurants, and popular activities such as swimming, beachcombing, and fishing from the wharf. Development occupies the slope above the beach, as people seek the spectacular view and close proximity to the ocean.
- Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park offers many opportunities for coastal fun and is a favourite family park. The park is separated from the Strait of Georgia by the isthmus at Sechelt. The park is characterized by second-growth forest, open grassy areas, and sandy beaches. This park also makes an excellent base camp for paddlers exploring the Sechelt Inlet.
Things to Do
- Kayaking
It takes the better part of a day to paddle the 22 miles (35 km) from the federal dock in Sechelt to Egmont at the north end of the inlet via Skookumchuk Narrows. You can reduce the paddle time by launching at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park or private Tillicum Bay Marina.
- Diving
The HMCS Chaudiere, a retired Canadian Forces destroyer escort, off Kunechin Point in Sechelt Inlet, now rests on its side in deep water (20 to 40 metres). Several descent lines lead divers to the 118 metre hull of the ship and assist as guides to the surface. Kunechin Point, in Sechelt Inlets Provincial Marine Recreation Area, is also the site of a marine park campground and can be reached by boat from either Sechelt or Egmont.
- Whitewater Rafting
Go on an exciting whitewater rafting trip through the magnificent Skookumchuck Rapids. On a 10 foot tide, over 2 billion gallons of water roar through the narrow channel forming the Sechelt Rapids - the largest and fastest salt water rapids in North America.
- Fishing
Ruby Lake and Sakinaw Lake, located between Madeira Park and Earls Cove, are noted for trout fishing in season.
- Hiking
The hiking trail between Ruby Lake and Klein Lake is also part of the Suncoaster Trail system. At 4 kilometres, the trail is not overly long but is quite steep as it climbs north between the two lakes.
Events
- Sechelt Arts Festival
Features free workshops in painting, dance, and theatre, plus live music, street dance, and art displays.
Contact Information
District of Sechelt
2nd Floor 5797 Cowrie St.
PO Box 129
Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0
Telephone: 604-885-1986
Fax: 604-885-7591
E-mail: info@district.sechelt.bc.ca
Website: www.district.sechelt.bc.ca
Sechelt Visitor Centre
Seaside Centre
5790 Teredo Street
Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0
Telephone: 604-885-1036
Toll-Free: 1-877-885-1036
Fax: 604-885-2656
E-mail: visitorinfo@dccnet.com
Website: www.secheltvisitorinfocentre.com
