Sechelt, with about 10,000 residents, is situated on the eastern shore of the Sechelt Peninsula, which is part of the larger Sunshine Coast. It is approximately 50 miles northwest of Vancouver and is accessible by ferry from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver, or by driving along the Sunshine Coast Highway.
Parks and recreational areas close-by include Hidden Grove, Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.
Sechelt History
The Shishalh Nation has lived in the Sechelt area for thousands of years.
European explorers, including Spanish and British sailors, came to the waters of the Sunshine Coast in the late 1700s, and began the process of mapping and exploring the region.
In the late 1800s, European settlers arrived in the area, to exploit the abundant timber resources, and logging quickly became a significant industry. The town of Sechelt itself began to take shape in the early 1900s, with the establishment of businesses and services to support the local population, including those involved in the logging industry.
The Shishalh Nation experienced challenges during the colonial and early Canadian periods, including the imposition of the reserve system. The Shishalh Nation continues to play a vital role in the region. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of Indigenous history and heritage in the Sechelt area.
The town acknowledges its history, including both the challenges and contributions of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
