A Growing Tapestry at Gibsons

Harbour Authority Docks and breakwater at Gibsons

Visiting the town of Gibsons is like experiencing a colorful tapestry of boats, people, and cafes.  Lunitas Mexican, Molly’s Reach, Smitty’s Oyster House, and Smoke on the Water BBQ Shack are among some of the favorite eateries in the waterfront district. 

Harbour Authority Office and docks, town restaurants in the background

And of course, Mike’s Place Gelato shouldn’t be overlooked; the choice of flavors is among the best and the quality is excellent.  More food products, baked goods, and handcrafted products can be found at the Sunday Market, held at the public library and Town Hall parking lot from 10 am to 3 pm from May through September. 

Gibsons Public Market, convenient location for boaters

If you need groceries for the boat’s galley, Gibsons Public Market on Grower Point Road (upland from Gibsons Marina) has fresh fruit, produce, and quality meats; a touch-tank aquarium is located upstairs.  The Public Market is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday. The variety of boats that come and go at Gibsons is also vibrant, with sport and commercial fish boats, sailboats, yachts and service boats that find their way in and out of the busy harbour entrance. 

The Pier at Gibsons provides great views of the town and harbour

Guest moorage at the Harbour Authority docks on the west side of the pier is first-come, first-serve, but you can call 30 minutes ahead to inquire about available space. 

Concrete float for larger vessels with reservations

Reservations are accepted for boats over 45 feet, which are assigned to the concrete float located outside the harbour breakwater on the northeast side of the pier.  Power on the concrete float but no water at this time; plans are in the works to add an additional concrete float for large vessel moorage and provide water to the floats.  Boaters can also call for reservations at Gibsons Marina, located on the south side of the Harbour Authority docks.  Guest moorage is in unoccupied slips with a maximum boat length of 40 feet; larger vessels can be accommodated at a side-tie dock when space becomes available.  No longer a sleepy little town, big changes are coming to Gibsons.  A hotel, condo complex, with associated docks, is slated to be constructed just south of Winegarden Waterfront Park.  Demolition and clearing of the property has already begun.  At this time, it is not known if the condo docks at the new “Gorge Complex” will include space for transient moorage. 

The town of Gibsons is charming with additional growth on the way

Growth is coming to town, and locals have mixed reactions; some welcome the change, while others want things to remain the same.  Like other towns near Vancouver B.C., Gibsons is seeing new money and new growth in the form of chic condos and a growing population.  Like it or not, change is a fact of life and the tapestry continues to grow.