The Town of Gibsons is a thriving community known as the 'Gateway to the Sunshine Coast'. Part of the mainland, the Town is accessed by a scenic 40 minute ferry trip from Horseshoe Bay through beautiful Howe Sound.Gibsons is a coastal community of 4,000 located in southwestern British Columbia, Canada on the Strait of Georgia. It is the main marine gateway to the Sunshine Coast. Approximately a forty minute ferry ride from Vancouver and accessible by water or air, Gibsons played host to the long-running CBC television series, The Beachcombers, and was also the filming location for Needful Things starring Max von Sydow and Ed Harris.
The town and region are experiencing rapid growth and development. The pulp-and-paper industry, forestry and fishing are primary sources of revenue.
The town was established in 1886 by George Gibson and his sons. It was incorporated in 1929 as "Gibson's Landing," and in 1947 the name was changed to "Gibsons" at the request of the residents. The town is now split between the seaside area known as "Lower Gibsons" which is mostly residential but which includes Molly's Reach, of the Beachcomber's fame, and a few shops catering mostly to vacationers, and "Upper Gibsons" which is clustered along Highway 101, and which contains the commercial areas of town including Sunnycrest Mall, the town's two major supermarkets, and a variety of fast food restaurants.