A stone’s throw from Vancouver, BC’s Sunshine Coast is a 110-mile stretch of beach-dotted, mountain-backed, fjord-cut shoreline along British Columbia’s southwest coast. 

A decidedly laid-back locale – so named because it attracts more solar action than many other parts of the lower mainland – the Sunshine Coast is a haven for artists, and the festivals that celebrate them.

Keep an eye out for the flutter of purple banners, stretching from Langdale to Lund – a high flying invitation to visit an artist in their studio, workshop or gallery. Beyond the banners, this is a coastline big on festivities, with gatherings that run the gamut from thought-provoking to tasty. There’s even an opportunity to embrace textural arts and crafts, or take in the smooth sounds of international talents.

Check Out:

The country’s longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers, readers and literary stars, August 12 – 15

Powell River’s Blackberry Festival, August 14 – 20

Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival, August 19 – 21

The ever-popular Pender Harbour Jazz Festival, September 17 – 19

The Sunshine Coast’s 1st Annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, October 23 – 24.

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