Ann Nelson on Powell River
“Powell River has all the mountains, trees and salt water found in so many other coastal communities, but also has the added distinction of being home to a National Historic District, having been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada with more artists, musicians, writers, and other practitioners of the arts per capita than anyplace else on the coast, and all in a piece of BC that offers more hours of sunshine, more fresh water, better air quality and more genuine, authentic outdoor and cultural experiences than anyplace else. We’re a community that values sustainability, food security, good environmental stewardship, as well as a dynamic and vibrant cultural community. Celebrating the strengthening relationship between the urban and suburban settlements that sprang up along our marine highway in the early twentieth century, and the Tla’amin Nation Coast Salish peoples is something unique to Powell River, as well.
– Ann Nelson is the Owner/Operator/Steward of the Historic Patricia Theatre (entertaining Powell River since 1913) and also Vice-President, Townsite Heritage Society
Diana Robertson on Sechelt
A weekend at Painted Boat Resort (Pender Harbour) and Spa combined with a Talasay Tours kayaking tour up through Sechelt Inlet via Porpoise Bay or Jervis Inlet. Talasay also offers unique forest trail tours led by a shíshálh Elder who explains and identifies natural plants that have unique medicinal properties. Combine this with the Sechelt Arts Festival weekend (Oct. 13-24) or the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl (21-23) and you have wonderful way to experience the pristine natural environment and the arts and culture of the region in a one weekend stay.
And, don’t forget that a visit here is not complete without a coffee and desert from Strait Coffee in Wilson Creek, or the Gumboot Restaurant in Roberts Creek!
– Diana Robertson, Creative Project Consultant, Associate Producer Sechelt Arts Festival and Past President of the Sunshine Coast Dance Society.
Susan Simosko on Sidney
“Our community is located in a magical setting. The environment is both beautiful and safe-ideal for walking and taking in all the town has to offer. It is clean and accessible. It has a vibrant marine and café culture and offers exciting boutique shopping. Most shops are owned and operated by locals. At different times of the year, Sidney and the surrounding area offer great bird watching. It’s also has some of the friendlies people in Canada! And yes, it is dog-friendly too!”
“Sidney has way too many fine artists to select only one. Visitors and residents enjoy all the various art-focused events Sidney has to offer including the well-respected adjudicated Sidney Fine Arts Show, the ArtSea Fest, and the preponderance of art found in the local galleries and coffee shops.”
“Being an outdoor type who loves music and art, I would begin my perfect staycation by reserving a room at one of Sidney outstanding hotels or B&B’s. I would take early morning walks along the water front and chat with the locals who fish and crab from the Sidney Pier. I might also catch a yoga class or exercise class. I’d then head to a café or restaurant to enjoy local fare and delicious baked goods, stopping to pick up some locally-made chocolate to take back to my room. No doubt I’d window shop-at least–and perhaps go out whale watching, but leave enough time at the end of the day for a massage or other spa treatment. If I’d timed my visit right, I’d have an early dinner so I could enjoy a live performance at the MWC or see the latest movie at Star Cinema. I’d close out the day with a favourite libation at one of Sidney’s lively pubs.”
– Susan Simosko, President, Sidney Business Improvement Area Society.
