15 Minutes past Sechelt on Route 101 lies Halfmoon Bay. From Smuggler Cove in the south to Secret Cove at the northern end, a history of hidden ships and secret wares has long inspired tales of mystery and intrigue. Throughout Halfmoon Bay, inlets sneak away from the Georgia Strait down long crooked fingers into hidden coves and protected landings, where stories tell of many a seafarer finding respite from the whirling waves and watchful coast guard. Today, this magnificent stretch of coastline is a treasure trove for the intrepid kayaker, scuba diver, snorkeller and pleasure boater.

The Halfmoon Bay Pier provides one of the more stunning views, in addition to being a favorite “jump off” for locals seeking a rejuvenating splash in the Pacific. For calmer waters, kids and adults treat themselves to warm waters and log rolling fun in Trout Lake, where the turtles stand by and watch, seemingly happy to enjoy the show.

Summer fairs, barbeques and bocce balls roll across Coopers Green, and hikers delight in many old growth trails and hidden waterfalls throughout the area. Smuggler Cove Marine Park houses the hardest working Beaver Bog on the coast, where the gnarly toothed rascals labour incessantly, creating a fresh deposit of sawdust and pencil-sharpened stumps on a daily basis. A boardwalk extends around the entire bog, and opens into a protected cove for swimming, sunning or picnicking.

A regular water taxi service to the white sandy beaches of Thormanby Island - “the Reach”, as it is locally known - provides visitors to Halfmoon Bay with an ideal balance of history, mystery, adventure and discovery.