Travel and Lodging
Getting Here
Gibsons is situated in the southwest portion of Howe Sound approximately 27km (17 miles) west of Vancouver, on the Sunshine Coast (see area map). The Town, situated by the water, has a lower Gibsons core with its small quaint shops and restaurants, while upper Gibsons has its malls, restaurants and fast food. The town is bounded by the Strait of Georgia on the south and lies at the foot of Mount Elphinstone, part of the Coast Mountain Range and our incredibly great trail. Check out a Sunshine Coast Music Video Collage on YouTube by Duane Robert Burnett.
Gibsons can be reached by taking the Trans-Canada Highway to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, then boarding BC Ferries to Langdale for a 40 minute ride. (Please note: ferry fare is only paid one way!)
Once on the Sunshine Coast you go towards Sechelt. Follow Hwy. 101 for 6 km (3 miles) into Gibsons. From the Wendy's/Tim Hortons you will go 8.3km along Hwy. 101 until you see the Equestrian Club sign, at the bottom of a large dip in the highway. Turn right and head up the road to the power line (paved at the highway, then gravel).
If you miss the turn and come to the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club you have gone about 1 km too far.
The power line is 0.8 km up the logging road where you will find Registration at the Equestrian Club. There will be signs along the way.
Accommodations
Official Race Hotel: Gibsons
Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
Only 10 minutes from the race site. When you phone the hotel say you are with the Rat Race and a discount will be applied to the room. Tel: 604-886-3008 or 1-888-774-7044.
Sponsor Bed & Breakfasts: Roberts Creek
Country Cottage Bed and Breakfast
Only 5 minutes from the race site. Ideal for groups or couples. Tel: 604-885-7448.
Up the Creek Backpacker's B&B
Only 5 minutes from the race site. Ideal for groups or individuals. Tel: 1-877-885-8100.
Cedarside Coach House Cottage
Only 5 minutes from race site. Ideal for couples or group of four. Tel: 1-800-272-8206.
Sponsor Bed & Breakfasts: Sechelt
Four Winds Beach House & Spa
Only 15 minutes from race site. Tel: 604-885-3144.
Links to more accommodations
For more information on various accommodation available on the Sunshine Coast, see the following sites:
Camping
Roberts Creek Provincial Park campsite opens May 15th. There are 21 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. $15 per party/per night. To get there, follow Highway 101 past Roberts Creek. The campground is 2km past Flume road off of Highway 101. For more info, visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/roberts.html.
You can also camp free at the Equestrian Club (race site) although there is no running water and just outhouses. Camping is available Friday and Saturday nights only.
Camping is also available at the Bayside Campground & RV Park in Sechelt (15 min to race site). Phone 604-885-7444 (toll free at 1-877-885-7444) and quote the Rat Race to receive a discounted price.