The Sunshine Coast (click for map) is located north of Vancouver, BC, Canada, just 40 minutes by ferry or 20 minutes by airplane, and a world away. A high concentration of artists and musicians combined with the spectacular natural setting and recreation opportunities give the region its special character. Come and explore!
Getting Here: |
Staying Here: |
April Fool's Sunshine Coast Fitness Vacation for Runners!
Fitness expert and performance coach, Charlene SanJenko, invites you to join her at the amazing Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina, for a multi-day co-ed April Fool's fitness vacation March 30th – April 1st. Runners will enjoy just the right blend of action and relaxation, motivation and inspiration, lively connection and peaceful space. Everything you need to set you up for an ultimate experience on race day. Childcare available onsite. Details »
"I was amazed for such a small race how many people came out to cheer! And the volunteers at the water stations were terrific cheer leaders too! What a great race! Thanks to everyone who put this together — we will definitely be back!! It's well worth the trip from Calgary!!"
— Marlo Hertling, Calgary (2011)
Ride Sharing with PickupPal
People interested in ride sharing or carpooling to attend the Fools Run are invited to sign up for a PickupPal account and become members of a growing and dynamic community. It is free to join and to use. On the site members can post routes as passengers and/or drivers, they can complete a profile, upload a photo. Within their account, PickupPals can track the number of miles they have travelled via ride sharing and the Fools Run can keep track of the amount of emissions we have all reduced as a result. See it yourself: click here to go to the website.
The other way to get to the Sunshine Coast...
Fly with Harbour Air Seaplanes / Westcoast Air
Fly direct (only 20 minutes) to Sechelt with daily scheduled departures from downtown Vancouver, Richmond and Nanaimo with Harbour Air Seaplanes / Westcoast Air. Coming from Victoria? Find a connecting flight via Vancouver or Richmond! For more information, visit www.westcoastair.com. Book online and find a SuperSaver rate to save up to $50!
Public Transit and Car Rental from Sechelt
So now you've landed in Sechelt with no vehicle — how to get to Gibsons? Easy!
- Take public transit: Route 3 connecting bus goes right by and takes you to downtown Sechelt, where you can hop on the Sechelt-Gibsons route. Or walk along Wharf Ave to Hwy 101 to the Sechelt-Gibsons route — it's only about 800m.
- Rent a car from Prime Rentals 604-885-6422, right at the airline office
Ferry Travellers
For those coming from the Lower Mainland on race day, you will need to take the 7:20 am ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (schedules).* Do not miss this sailing as the next one is 2 hours later.
We highly recommend travelling before race day and staying overnight, as the ferries have been known 'on occasion' to run late, break down or cancel a sailing. Travelling early will eliminate the possibility of missing your race due to ferry anomalies. In case of late or missing sailings, we cannot delay the start by more than 30 minutes.
The ride is 40-45 minutes (including a weekly 'man overboard' drill on the Sunday 6:20am sailing) and the cost for the round trip is currently $13.45 per 'adult' (12+), $6.75 per child (5-11), $45.20 per underheight vehicle, $2.00 per bicycle. A 2.5% fuel surcharge will be added to the total. (You don't pay on the way back to Horseshoe Bay, and children under 5 are free.) TIP: Get a BC Ferries 'Experience Card' and pre-load it to get big savings on fares ($10.45 savings per vehicle, $3.00 per adult, bikes are free). You'll be coming back for another visit soon, after all!
*Schedule and fares subject to change. Check BC Ferries website for latest information before travelling. Note: credit cards and cash accepted at ferry terminal and on ferry, no Interac (but there are ATMs).
The Langdale terminal is less than 10 minutes by car from the start. See driving directions.
The ferry ride is very scenic with views of Bowen and Gambier Islands and the coastal mountains. The ship (click for profile) is a large "C class" vessel with full service cafeteria, gift shop, snack bar. Capacity 360 vehicles, 1494 passengers & crew.
From Powell River
For those coming from Powell River and area, you must travel the day before the race as there is no Sunday ferry early enough to get you to the start before 9:00am. Sailing time is 50 minutes, driving time from Earl's Cove to Gibsons approximately 1 hr 15 mins. Click here for schedule. The vessel is the Island Sky.
Foot Passengers, Cyclists & Buses
Save money and carbon emissions by leaving your car at home or in Horseshoe Bay (pay parking) and travelling as a foot passenger. To get to Horseshoe Bay from Vancouver, take the #250 or #257 bus from downtown, Park Royal, or another stop along the way. Use Translink's handy Trip Planner. Once in Langdale, you can take public transit from Langdale to Gibsons at a cost of $2.25 pp.
On race morning, private buses (school buses) will also be available to take passengers to the start @ $2.25 pp.
Board a bus immediately after getting off the boat—the bus stop is at the end of the passenger walkway. On race morning, race volunteers will be there to ensure everyone gets on a bus, and to collect fares for the private buses. The public bus leaves at 8:10am and will get you to the start area by 8:25am. Get off the bus at the closest stop to Park Road in Gibsons (400m past Sunnycrest Mall). The school buses will get there a few minutes earlier, so if you already have your race kit, please let those who still need to pickup or register have first shot at the private bus seating.
Cyclists: the cost to bring your bike on the ferry is only $2 (in addition to the foot passenger fare). On the Gibsons side you can put your bike on the rack in front of the public bus, or ride in (if you're training for a triathlon and like hill climbs!). See driving directions below. Tip: for a gentler climb, take the "Tourist Route".
Driving directions from Langdale ferry terminal
Map of start area and hotel
The direct route (about 7 minutes): Upon leaving the ferry terminal, go straight at the first set of lights and head up the big hill with the main traffic. Turn left at the top (the main route) and then right again after a short downhill (follow the traffic). Now you are on North Road.
Keep going until you reach the traffic lights at Gibsons Way / Sunshine Coast Highway, then turn right. After you pass Sunnycrest Mall, turn immediately right at the Chevron (traffic light). Go to the end of this short access road and turn left to enter the Gibsons Community Centre parking lot. You'll see the centre ahead to your left. Plenty of parking is available at the Centre.
If you miss the turn at the Chevron, take the next right which is Park Road. This takes you to the Community Centre from the other side.
Race package pickup etc. this year will be in Room 209 (enter from the lobby). See photo tour.
The tourist route (about 10 minutes, recommended if travelling before race day): From the ferry get into the left lane and turn left at the first lights, onto Marine Drive. Follow this into Gibsons Landing, just over 3 km. You will see the famous "Molly's Reach" from The Beachcombers straight ahead as you near the shops.
After passing Molly's Reach and going up the short hill, turn right at the intersection (you're the only one without a stop sign at this 3-way stop, but watch for pedestrians) onto Gibsons Way. Follow this up the hill and eventually it becomes the Sunshine Coast Highway.
In Upper Gibsons, turn right at the Chevron or Park Road as instructed above for 'the direct route'.
Other Modes of Travel
For more info on travelling to the Sunshine Coast, check out this page on Big Pacific: www.bigpacific.com/about/gethere.html, which includes info on bus coach line and private water taxi service.
Accommodation
We highly recommend travelling on Friday or Saturday and staying overnight. Your race morning will be much more relaxed (you can sleep longer!), and you will get a chance to explore the area.
Official Race Hotel
Our race hotel, The Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre is about 400m from the start area. Conveniently located on Gibsons Way opposite Sunnycrest Mall and next door to the cinema, the Cedars Inn has spacious rooms with wireless internet and many extras, on-site spa, heated outdoor pool (open seasonally), hot tub, sauna and fitness room. "The Home of Hospitality", this is the best place to stay in Gibsons for the Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run. See hotel website for more details. To book, call 1-888-774-7044, or email info@thecedarsinn.com, or use the online booking form at www.thecedarsinn.com. Book early, rooms fill up fast!
Room Rates 2012
April Fool's Run participants with accompanying friends and family get a discount from the already very reasonable room rates—just mention the April Fool's promotion when booking. Note most rooms are non-smoking, but specify to be sure. Free parking.
- Fool's Run Discounted Rate: Single $85 + tax / Double $89 + tax
Other recommended Accommodation: Sponsoring B&B's
Up the Creek Backpackers' B & B
In Roberts Creek (10 min drive from race start). Great house, owned by runner/cyclist, and there's a hot tub! Free transportation from UTC to race start and return after finish. Special rates for Fools Run participants. Visit www.upthecreek.ca or call 1-877-885-8100. Located at 1261 Roberts Creek Road, Roberts Creek.
Davis Bay Bed & Breakfast
The perfect getaway location — located 150m from the finish line! Situated across from beautiful Davis Bay Beach with stunning views of the Georgia Strait and convenient proximity to downtown Sechelt. This adult oriented B&B is tastefully decorated for your comfort and enjoyment. Each suite has spanning views of the ocean and access to outdoor seating on the deck. Beautifully landscaped, roses bloom throughout the gardens and a goldfish pond is tucked away in the backyard oasis. Visit www.davisbaybedandbreakfast.com or call 1-866-885-5404.
At The Shore B&B
'Luxury Waterfront Bed and Breakfast Sanctuary' — A peaceful and tranquil waterfront B&B in Sechelt waits for you on the western shore of Porpoise Bay at the south end of Sechelt Inlet. Drink in the view of treed hills across the Bay and distant snow-capped mountains up the Inlet. The air is so quiet you'll hear wind passing under the wings of eagles as they glide by. One of the owners is a runner! Visit www.attheshore.ca or call 1-877-740-9962. Located at 6394 Gale Avenue North, Sechelt.
Other Recommended Hotels in Gibsons
Sunshine Lodge
679 North Road, Gibsons (around the corner from Sunnycrest Mall). Recently renovated, spacious rooms with large bathrooms. Fireplaces, kitchenettes, late check-out (noon) upon request. Ample free parking and free wireless internet. Reserve online or call 1-604-886-3321. Mention the April Fool's Run to get a discounted rate.
The Ritz Inn
505 Gower Point Road in Gibsons Landing. Large, fully equipped studio suites with coffee-maker, plus complimentary continental breakfast available for every guest. Or bring your own food and make your breakfast, lunch or dinner, in the kitchenette. Visit www.ritzinn.com or call toll-free 1-800-649-1138. Be sure to mention "April Fool's Run" to get special discounted rates.
For additional accommodation and tourism listings, see the following links:
Sunshine Coast Tourism
Sunshine Coast Bed & Breakfast, Cottage Owners' Association
The Sunshine Coast / BigPacific.com
Suggested Activities
There's so much to see and do on the Sunshine Coast you'll want to arrive early and plan on staying for a while after the race, too. First, check out the slide show below for a tour of the Sunshine Coast, by Duane Robert Burnett.
Take a peaceful walk (or easy "day before" warm-up run) on Saturday through the well-marked rainforest paths of Cliff Gilker Park in Roberts Creek, where cascading waterfalls, old growth trees, interesting plants and birds abound. An escape from civilization, just minutes from Gibsons.
After working up an appetite in the trails, head down to the cozy Gumboot Garden Café or the Gumboot Restaurant, both in the heart of Roberts Creek (you'll be running by them near the half-way point of the race) for some made-from-scratch organic food—nothing microwaved! Gaze at the interesting people and local art on display in the café while you imagine yourself cruising along the road into Davis Bay…
In Gibsons Landing (see video below), take a stroll down the public dock to the impressive Wharfinger building, along the pier to the gazebo with views of harbour, mountains and seaside village. Check out Molly's Lane (behind Molly's Reach, of course) and the village shops along the main street for unique and interesting giftware and clothing. Don't miss the galleries with works by local artisans. Everything's within a short distance so your running legs won't get tired. See www.gibsonslandingbc.com for more information.
When you get hungry you can sit down for a quick bite at Truffles (superb soups), or treat yourself to some home-made gelato at Mike's Place. For a full meal head to the Waterfront Restaurant, with terrific ocean view and mouthwatering entrées & desserts, or Leo's Tapas & Grill for delicious Greek cuisine. If you are into Japanese food (don't try anything new before the race, though!), Opa is the place to go for fine dining overlooking the harbour. For more casual eats head to Bayview Szechuan Chinese Restaurant for tasty large portions served quickly (no MSG)—eat-in or take-out.
Gibsons Harbour Video provided by Sunshine Coast Realtor Mike Shannon.
Other Helpful Links
- Gibsons Landing: www.gibsonslandingbc.com
- Town of Gibsons website: www.gibsons.ca
- Sechelt Chamber of Commerce www.secheltchamber.bc.ca
- Vancouver Coast and Mountains tourism region: www.coastandmountains.com
Weather Conditions
Weather on the Sunshine Coast in early April is variable but moderate. In recent years, race morning has ranged from a crisp dry 5-7 degrees (Celsius) to a balmy 16° with sunshine, to a typical west coast 10 degrees and rain. The odds of sunshine seem high, as it rained on the race only three times in the past nine years. Your best bet is to come prepared for a range of conditions and check the local forecast (see below) as close to race morning as possible. And note, Sechelt is usually warmer than Gibsons by a few degrees — and drier.
If you can't view the above weather badges (Flash-based), use the following direct links from Environment Canada: 5-day forecast for Gibsons; 5-day forecast for Sechelt
Note! The above current conditions could be based on marine conditions. Land conditions are often warmer and drier!