We’re still on our summer boat trip, and this week brought us to some new-to-us spots along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

From lively Gibsons to the peaceful inlets of Secret Cove and Pender Harbour, each stop had its own charm, and I can’t wait to share a little peek into our adventures.

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Gibsons

Our first stop was Gibsons, a town that immediately felt welcoming.

Gibsons has such a laid-back coastal vibe, and it’s the kind of place where you want to linger just a little longer.

A Visit to the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives

One of my favorite stops this week was the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives in Gibsons. This charming little museum is full of character and history.

It’s a community-driven heritage destination that tells the story of the region through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. 

We wandered through two floors of exhibits: from early logging, fishing, and marine transportation to local photography by people like Helen McCall, capturing daily life on the Sunshine Coast in the 1920s–40s 

If you ever find yourself in Gibsons, it’s a worthwhile stop—a little place with a big heart and stories that make you feel connected to this beautiful coast.

A Stop at Whimsy

While exploring Gibsons, I stumbled upon a sweet shop called Whimsy. It’s filled with home décor treasures that lean into coastal charm and are light, breezy, and just a little playful.

Their selection of pillows especially caught my eye, and of course, a couple made their way back to the boat with me.

Whimsy is one of those shops that feels inspiring from the moment you walk in, and I’ll definitely be back on a future boat trip.

A Little Boutique Treat: iKhaya

I also stopped into iKhaya, a charming home‑and‑lifestyle boutique tucked along Marine Drive in Gibsons. This shop features everything from natural‑fiber rugs and elegant sideboards to cozy blankets and unique décor.

Lunitas Mexican Eatery: Snacks, Margaritas & Marina Views

One evening, we snuck in a stop at Lunitas Mexican Eatery—a vibrant spot perched right over Gibsons Harbour.

Their upstairs patio overlooks the marina, making it the perfect place to sip margaritas and take in the views.

The vibe is creative and casual, featuring craft cocktails, colourful décor, and traditional Mexican food.

Molly’s Reach – A Bit of Sunshine Coast History

I snapped a photo of Molly’s Reach during our stroll through Gibsons—it’s both iconic and full of stories. Originally built in the 1920s, this yellow café became world-famous as the fictional gathering spot in The Beachcombers, one of Canada’s longest-running television series.

The show aired from 1972 to 1990, and Molly’s Reach wasn’t just a set for The Beachcombers; it was the town’s heart and soul.

After the series wrapped, the building was transformed into a real restaurant, complete with photos and nostalgia throughout.

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” — Van Morrison

Secret Cove

Next, we made our way to Secret Cove, and the name says it all. It truly feels hidden and tranquil.

It’s one of those places where you can slow down, soak in the quiet, and watch the sun sink behind the trees at the end of the day.

One quiet evening, I decided to try my hand at fishing off the boat. No fish were biting, but I did manage to reel in quite the surprise—a Dungeness crab clinging stubbornly to my bait as I pulled the line in.

For a brief instant, I thought I’d scored an easy crab dinner. But just before reaching the boat, he figured out what I was up to and let go, splashing back into the water.

It was such a funny little moment—one of those reminders that even when you don’t come back with dinner, fishing always brings a good story.

Pender Harbour – Garden Bay

Our last stop this week was Garden Bay in Pender Harbour, where we anchored.

This spot really feels like the heart of boating life, with calm anchorages, tucked-away coves, and plenty of fellow cruisers enjoying the water.

Anchoring is one of my favorite parts of summer boating. The boat gently moves with the tides, and the views are always changing, like nature’s own slideshow. No two moments ever look the same.

It was a perfect place for kayaking.

We saw a few float planes landing and taking off.

Our visit to Madeira Park was a fun change of pace.

We tied up at the marina and took the dinghy to shore, where we did a little grocery shopping and sampled a couple of local restaurants.

The boys were thrilled to get off the boat for a long walk (and to sniff around someplace new).

We also brought out the e-bikes and spent a day exploring. Having them on board makes such a difference. They let us go farther from the marina and discover spots we never would have stumbled upon otherwise.

Back on the boat for a little rest and relazation after a busy day.

Revival Rugs: Shop More, Save More!

If you’ve been thinking about adding a new rug to your home, now’s the perfect time! Revival Rugs is having their Shop More, Save More Sale from August 23rd to September 7th.

Here’s how it works:

(Discounts apply automatically at checkout, so no code needed. Excludes custom rugs, gift cards, and swatches.)

Why Revival Rugs? Because every rug is either one-of-a-kind or thoughtfully designed with easy care in mind:

🌟 One-of-a-Kind Rugs – unique new and vintage pieces, revived by artisan partners and handpicked for their authenticity. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

🌟 Washable & Easy Care Rugs – perfect for kid- and pet-friendly households. Just spot clean or toss them in the wash. Plus, they’re made with eco-friendly materials like wool, recycled denim, and recycled polyester.

One of the things I really love about Revival Rugs is how easy they are to manage. The rug arrives folded neatly in a box, which makes it super simple to carry into the house and set up right away—no wrestling with a giant roll!

And when I’m not using a rug, it’s just as easy to fold it back up and tuck it away for storage until I’m ready to bring it out again.

I own two of Revival’s one-of-a-kind vintage rugs and a gorgeous wool rug that I pull out for fall and winter in my living room.

I’ve loved how these rugs have transformed our cottage. They’re not only beautiful and durable, but also add such comfort underfoot. Each rug has its own personality, and it really shapes how the whole room feels with the seasons.

This post contains affiliate links for Revival Rugs. That means if you decide to make a purchase through my link, I may earn a small commission—at absolutely no extra cost to you. Your support helps me cover the costs of running and maintaining my website (and keep the garden + cottage stories coming your way!). I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. 💛

A Look Back at Last Summer’s Garden

Since I’m away on our boat trip and don’t have any fresh garden photos this week, I thought it would be fun to share a few favorites from this time last year.

The cut flower garden was bursting with color, with zinnias in every shade, tall stems of milkweed, bright clusters of yarrow, and cheerful strawflowers.

It’s always amazing to look back and see just how full of life the garden feels in August, with every corner buzzing with bees and butterflies.

These photos are a sweet reminder of the rhythm of the seasons, and they make me extra excited to see what’s waiting for me back home once this trip wraps up.

Flower of the Week: Black-Eyed Susans

Also known as Rubbeckia, black-eyed Susans look amazing in our cottage-style garden and are also a great cut flower.

Here are a few reasons to consider growing black-eyed Susans in your garden.

Fall Into Fabulous Bundle – Available Now!

Fall planning just got a whole lot easier (and cozier). For a limited time, you can grab the Fall into Fabulous Digital Bundle for just $29—a collection valued at over $375!

Here’s a peek at what’s inside:
✨ A fall planner to keep you on track
✨ Easy weeknight recipes
✨ Printable art + cozy coloring pages
✨ Simmer pot recipes for that fall scent we all love
✨ Seasonal décor inspiration
✨ And so much more…

And yes—my very own 40-page Fall Garden Checklist is included to help you stay organized outside, too!

Everything is digital, so you’ll get instant access and can print or upload to your favorite app. 🍂 Think of it as your one-stop fall toolkit—ready when you are.

On the Blog

4 Easy Options for Overwintering Your Geraniums

What if I told you that your annual geraniums could live through the winter and be back in your garden in time for summer? It sounds a little too good to be true, doesn’t it? But trust me, I’ve been overwintering mine for years, and it’s easier than you’d think…CONTINUE READING.

Inviting Fall Front Porch Decorating Ideas for the Season

Are you looking for front porch decorating ideas for fall that will instantly welcome your visitors? I’ll share a variety of ways you can transform your porch into a festive and inviting space this autumn season…CONTINUE READING.

9 Tips For a Fabulous Flower Garden When Transitioning to Fall

If you want a fall flower garden that’s just as fabulous as your summer one, the key is knowing how to transition smoothly between seasons. With the right plants, a few design tweaks, and some ongoing care, your garden can keep blooming and thriving well past Labor Day… CONTINUE READING.

12 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Bedroom for the Fall Season

Goodbye, summer…hello, cozy fall vibes! When the seasons shift, I love giving my bedroom a little refresh to bring in warmth and comfort. It doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive). With just a few simple swaps, you can turn your bedroom into the cozy autumn retreat you’ll want to snuggle into all season long…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These brown sugar chocolate chip muffins look delicious.

You’ll love the “Dryden Road House” and all the inspiration it brings.

Here are 5 tricks that will keep your maximalist home clutter-free.

Don’t miss these 50 tips for becoming the ultimate hostess.

See what Jean Stoffer Design creates with a falling-down cabin in the Reed’s Lake neighborhood of East Grand Rapids.

Are you a rose lover? Here are several rose recommendations for you.

See how Joanna Gaines transformed her son’s nursery into a dreamy Butler’s Pantry.

How to host a casual outdoor potluck party.

How about this easy no-sew DIY tutorial?

How to make DIY lavender sugar.

Final Thoughts

Every stop on this boating trip adds a new layer of adventure and memory-making. From vibrant little towns to serene anchorages, this week reminded me why we love cruising so much.

Next week, I’ll be sharing more from our travels.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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