A 40-minute ferry ride between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale separates Gibsons from West Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland. And, though the distance is short, it’s easy to experience a far greater shift in the pace of life.
The islands of Howe Sound are visible from Gibsons, with Keats Island in full view, but the traffic is lighter. Proximity to the mainland doesn’t come at a price. However, Gibsons’ average home prices tend to be more expensive than in the larger administrative centre of Sechelt, but the range of prices is smaller.
Gibsons average home prices are $455,000, but a half-acre waterfront lot recently sold for $995,000, and a developed property with a detached home sold for $1.9 million – about half the price of the region’s most expensive sale in Sechelt.
Given the proximity to Vancouver, a little more than an hour away including the ferry ride, it’s as close as the Fraser Valley. And with rustic charm, neighbourhood restaurants to rival Kitsilano and lifestyle to match, many are finding the area a worthwhile investment for their families and the future. Between 2001 and 2006, the population rose 7.1 per cent.
Gibsons Amenities
Gibsons Shopping
Gibsons is home to a number of well-known chain retailers, including London Drugs and IGA, but there are also several local shops and artisans lending a local flavour to what’s on offer. A farmers’ market takes place on Saturdays from June through October, but local fare is also available at other venues in and around Gibsons.
Schools and Education in Gibsons
Primary schools
Secondary Schools
Gibsons Cafés and Restaurants
Thanks to the Beachcombers television series, Molly’s Reach may be the best-known eatery in town. But there’s also the popular (and wonderfully named) Sita’s Spag Shack and Gramma’s Marine Pub with its views towards Keats Island.
Gibsons Sports and Recreation
Gibsons is filled with green space, but if the great outdoors isn’t enough, there’s the Gibsons and Area Community Centre with its squash and racquetball courts as well as ice arena, curling rink, and swimming pool and community programs to meet every wish.
Gibsons Transportation
The Sunshine Coast Highway connects Gibsons with the BC Ferries terminal a short distance away in Langdale. Regular ferries depart to and from Horseshoe Bay. Sunshine Coast Transit provides local Bus service.
Gibsons Property Statistics
| Home prices* | |
| Detached | $455,128 |
| Semi-detached | $272,397 |
| Apartments | $218,712 |
* Average price for the past 12 months (March 2011) from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
Gibsons Demographics
Population* – 4,416 (as of 2010)
*Source: BC Stats
| Age* | |
| 60+ | 33.6% |
| 40 to 59 | 30.6% |
| 20 to 39 | 16.9% |
| 5 to 19 | 15.2% |
| 0 to 4 | 3.7% |
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
| Occupancy* | |
| Fully owned | 72.7% (“Owners”) |
| Rented | 27.3% |
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
| Dwellings* | |
| Detached | 55.5% (“Houses”) |
| Semi-detached | 21.4% |
| Apartments | 22.7% |
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Suburbs surrounding Gibsons
- Sechelt
- Langdale
- Horseshoe Bay
- Bowen Island
