The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast on a Rainy Day
The Sunshine Coast is a paradise-like place in the summer, with abundant access to the water for beach days, boating (and more!) as well as access to a number of trails for hiking and biking and any other outdoor pursuit you can think of.
When the colder, wetter weather rolls around (and it does roll around!) It can be a little more challenging to fill your free time.
We’ve devised a list of The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast on a Rainy Day, hopefully you’ll find this list useful when you’re at a loose end for what to do when the weather is a little less desirable.
Ice Skating - We’re lucky to have an NHL-size rink on the coast! West Sechelt is home to the Sunshine Coast Arena, where we have access to public skating, the option to book out the rink for private events and functions, and kid-friendly clubs if you have little people in your life who are interested in giving hockey or figure skating a try.
Spend some time at Gibsons Public Market - Home to multiple merchants including a fish market, a bistro and a bakery and various other artisans, Gibsons Public Market is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon.
Have your tarot cards read at the Oracle - A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to try something a little different. The Oracle offers a number of psychic/tarot card readings which are always guaranteed to give you pause for thought, even if not something you’d usually do.
Sink a Cider at Brickers - One thing the coast does well is cideries, and Brickers is a great plan (even when raining) Fully kitted out with outdoor heaters and blankets, Brickers is the perfect place to spend a cold afternoon. If the outdoor heaters and blankets don’t quite warm you up enough, we recommend the Mulled Cider.
Sauna - Hey Wanna Sauna offers a mobile Sauna rental service, so if you get a few of your friends together you can all chip in for this across a weekend and get some time in a sauna. Alternatively the Sechelt Aquatic Centre is also kitted out with a sauna, steam room and a hot tub for a much more reasonable price.. At the other end of the scale you can head to The Spa at Painted Boat. Alternatively, if you’re looking to keep things a little closer to home and are wanting a home sauna. Check out this project we did recently: The Trail Sauna.
Grab a beer at Persephone - This is one of the best breweries for a rainy day. They have board games, a huge wood burning stove and the brewery is cozy and kid friendly. There is also a self-service bookstore upstairs, so you can find yourself a new read and get comfortable, and dive into it downstairs with a beer.
Catch a show at the Ravens Cry Theatre - Movie theatre, live concert space, creative performance space, this multipurpose community movie theatre can do it all . Whether you’re interested in joining the Sunshine Coast Film Club or are just looking to check out the latest new release. Raven’s Cry is probably unlike any movie theatre you’ve been to before.
Paint - If you’re the creative type (or not!), there’s so many beautiful spots you’ll find along the coast to paint, even when the weather is less than ideal. Rock up in your car, or pop the trunk and get your camping chairs out and sit under them and paint your heart out. Recommended spots: Bonniebrook Beach in Gibsons, Cliff Gilker, Roberts Creek and Iris Griffith Wetlands, Madeira Park
Climbing/Bouldering- We’re fortunate enough to have two amazing spots for indoor wall climbing on The Sunshine Coast. The Hangar Climbing Lounge and Strait Up. These are great options for getting your climbing fix in when the weather is less than ideal to be outside and offer a great opportunity to practice your skills ahead of the good weather.
Eat - Of course, there was always going to be food on this list. Cold, rainy days sometimes call for a slow day of good eating. We're blessed with many amazing restaurants to try out across all levels. We’ve got plenty of choice (particularly in Gibsons) and restaurants of note are Smitty’s Oyster House, Lunitas, The Pink House Bistro, Chasters Restaurant and of course El Segundo, Thai Sechelt and Shift.
Grab a coffee + treats - And what follows lunch? A coffee and a treat, naturally. Head to Beachcombers, The Bakery, Strait Coffee or the Basted Baker for delicious drinks, donuts, treats and much much more.
Explore Hidden Groves - Did you think there was really going to be a list of things to do without at least one outdoors suggestion? Going to one of these places to walk, you’ll be surprised at how the thick coverage from the ancient growth trees make it much less open and wooded for getting retained on.
Bend, Lift + Stretch - If you’re looking for something a little more active there’s plenty of opportunity to move your body. are Kalijo Pilates, Roberts Creek Yoga, and the new Coast Flow studio in the Trail Bay Centre in Sechelt. For something a little more cardio-oriented Shoreside Strength and training offers various high-energy classes through the week such as spin and circuits.
Reasons to Live Books - A fun place to spend some time digging through a treasure trove. Reasons to Live Books is a record store/book store that sells fun t-shirts and merch. Looking to lose some time in a brilliantly curated store? This one’s for you.
Thrifting - The Coast is also home to a number of thrift stores. You’re sure to find a gem in one of them, whether it’s a new- to-you sweater or some equipment to get you started on a new hobby, you’ll find something fun.
In conclusion, if you’re interested in making the Sunshine Coast your new home, don’t be put off by wondering what you might do in the winter months. There’s plenty of hidden gems to be found on The Coast and for the days you decide you’d like a slice of the action in the city - the ferry ride to the city is only 40 minutes. You’d be surprised at how little you’ll want to hop on that ferry, when you’ve experienced the peace of living on the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re new to the coast or considering a move and looking for custom home builders/general contractors for an upcoming project you’re dreaming of - Contact us.