A Writer’s Festival on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts is one of the most popular summer writer’s festivals held on the West Coast.  The Festival takes place on the beautiful Sechelt Peninsula called “the Sunshine Coast“, in the town of Sechelt (map).  This year’s festival is August 12 – 15, a weekend of readings and dialogues with well known authors.

The festival was first launched by the SunCoast Writers’ Forge in 1983 and several years later it was incorporated into a new society as the Festival of the Written Arts expanding to a three-and-a-half day event with readings by poets, newspaper columnists, novelists, romance writers, biographers, historians, environmentalists and children’s writers.

The Festival is located just to the west of Sechelt village at Rockwood Center. this is the 28th year of this literary celebration.  The 2010 schedule  has a host of popular writers, broadcast personalities and covers all genres of writing.  Some of the more popular speakers, such as Lawrence Hill, are already sold out, so get your tickets as soon as possible.  This year’s Bruce Hutchinson Memorial Lecture, presented by Senator Larry Campbell, is also sold out. You can purchase then by telephone or in person.  Click here for event information which includes dates and prices.  Festival event passes are already sold out. Individual Events tickets are $15.00

How to get to Sechelt:

Passengers and vehicles sail on BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay (map), in West Vancouver, to Langdale (map).  Approximately 15 miles (24 km) from Sechelt.  Follow Highway 101 to Sechelt. Public transit and taxi available between Langdale and Sechelt. It’s a popular route for cyclists. For ferry information

Malaspina Coach Lines: There is daily motor coach service between Vancouver International airport, downtown Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. For schedules click here.

Visitor information: Sechelt Visitor Info and Volunteer Centre

Accommodation: For information about local B&Bs (click here)

There are several places to camp or RV:

• Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
• Roberts Creek Provincial Park
• Wilson Creek Campground

This is a family event and there are many activities in the region such as sightseeing, beaching, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, boating and many more.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on the festival site with the exception of guide dogs.

Photo Credits: W. Ruth Kozak