This article was published on November 5th, 2020

Hugging the sculpted shoreline into the Strait of Georgia and stretching northwards beneath the Coast Mountains from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound is a little piece of heavenly bliss known as the Sunshine Coast. It’s located on the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia and has all the laid-back charm of island living.

Stretching more than 180km (110 miles), the Sunshine Coast region offers an unadulterated commune with nature, especially its mossy rainforest. You can enjoy year-round activities such as mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, scuba diving, fresh and saltwater fishing, sea kayaking, and many more.

Moreover, all Sunshine Coast communities provide excellent and upscale restaurants serving fantastic fare, each with their unique flair and local flavor. Here are the top five restaurants on the Sunshine Coast that you must try on your next visit to this stunning region of Canada’s west coast. 

Coastal Cookery

The Coastal Cookery is a unique restaurant made up of a dynamic team, always pushing the boundaries, especially introducing the community to globally inspired offerings.

Their excellence comes through in their signature dishes made with only the best local ingredients, plus their magnetic staff.

Enjoy a warm minimalist room at the Coastal Cookery, highlighting the local industry in Powell River, such as fir finishings and jaw-dropping views of the Strait of Malaspina.

Edie Rae’s Café at the Old Courthouse

Edie Rae’s Cafe is a green-driven, all-day breakfast restaurant open 7-days a week from 7 AM – 3 PM. They make everything fresh daily from locally available products, promoting the local economy while protecting the environment.

You can sample from the Cafe’s wide range of gluten-free meals, homemade jams and jellies, and the Canadian must-have – 100% real maple syrup.

The Cafe is big on green and sustainable living. They strive to be zero-waste by using ceramic creamers, glass-sugar dispensers, salter & pepper shakers, jams in ceramic holders with no excess packaging. Additionally, they have a one-of-its-kind composting freezer from LetsTalkTrash and recycle whenever possible.

If you’re looking for delicious, locally sourced food and care about protecting the environment, Edie Rae’s Café at the Old Courthouse is your spot.

Talking of the Old Courthouse Inn, the place is just divine offering magnificent guest rooms decorated with antiques and unique artwork. It was originally an actual courthouse serving Powell River, but its queer owners and operators have renovated the building into a beautiful boutique hotel.

El Segundo 

Established in 2020, El Segundo is bold in every way. From the bold splashes of color and big tropical prints and plants to their unique spaces, here you’ll find a fun, lively, and comfortable place to enjoy your drink or meal. Did we mention the outdoor seating areas for good weather and good vibe dining? Simply awesome!

El Segundo is located in Sechelt, BC, on the Sunshine Coast of Canada (southwest corner of Cowrie Street and Trail Avenue) and was the first restaurant developed and opened by A Tribe Called Zest Hospitality Group.

As you’d expect, the food is pretty striking. El Segundo’s menu boasts fresh tropical fusion fare with hints of the Pacific Rim, such as California, Hawaii, Mexico, and SouthEast Asia. Classics such as the taco and burrito appear alongside inspired soups, salads, starters, and mains with surprising twists from around the world.

Their cocktail menu revolves around fresh, tropical tipples and a selection of hand-picked classic cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and the best, specially curated collection of local beers from the Coast and Lower Mainland.

Seasider Bistro

The Seasider Bistro offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Malaspina Strait and Texada Island in all of Powell River, right from their patio and dining rooms.

But that’s not all. The restaurant’s menu features locally sourced ingredients such as steak cuts, fresh seafood, vegan and vegetarian fare, dry-aged burgers, and a wide variety of appetizers and share options. Where possible, the restaurant mainly sources produce from small, responsible farmers with whom they have forged personal relationships.

Drinks-wise, the Seasider Bistro curates an exclusively Canadian supply of the best wines and craft beer. They also offer the best from local breweries and wineries.

The Boardwalk Restaurant

The Boardwalk Restaurant is located on the northern tip of BCs Sunshine Coast. Here, you can enjoy your meals and spectacular sunsets from the restaurant’s 100 seats outdoor deck or sit in the cozy atmosphere of its 40-seat interior. Fun fact – the restaurant was originally a bunkhouse floated down from Toba Inlet in 1926.

The restaurant’s menu is almost entirely gluten-free and uses local and organic products whenever possible, including chicken, burgers, and produce.

Book Your Visit to the Sunshine Coast

Exquisite meals aside (or along), the Sunshine Coast offers a whole lot more to do and experience. From hiking tours, kayaking, boating, golfing, fishing, cycling to stunning trips to hidden gems such as Savary Island, Dakota Ridge, Skookumchuck Narrows, etc. – phenomenal adventures guaranteed. Plan your trip now: https://sunshinecoastcanada.com