CURRENT REVIEWS

The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest - A Romantic Travel Guide

Tranquility Bay, Sechelt

"Tranquility Bay - what a wonderful name for a romantic getaway destination!

Actually, it is a bay east of Sechelt where the water is as smooth and still as glass. As the name implies, the bay is protected from the wind by the surrounding islands, making it a serene spot to kayak, hike, bike, or just relax on the beach. For those with subaquatic skills, the bay is considered one of the best diving spots on the Sunshine Coast.

Tranquility Bay is also the name of a newly opened bed and breakfast consisting of a main lodge and three cottages situated along this peaceful body of water. While the location is picture-perfect, these accommodations are geared more for outdoor enthusiasts than for amorous-minded couples. There's no shortage of amenities here (TVs, stereos, and hot tubs grace most of the units). but limited romantic touches give it a casual atmosphere. That's not to say you can't find romance at this beautiful spot; seclusion is possible if you choose the accommodation that best suits your needs and wants.

Another small cottage next to the main house features a queen-size bed, private bath and cozy sitting room equipped with a woodstove. The furnishings are casual but the cabin is exceedingly private, and right outside the front door you'll find a path that leads to the beach for late-night walks together.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Sunset Suite, located in the main lodge. A large living room with a woodstove, pool table, bar, exercise equipment, and beautiful views of the bay is yours and yours alone. An antique cherry-wood bed awaits in the bedroom, which has been done up in rich shades of burgundy and green. Even the hot tub, situated just outside the sliding glass doors, is wonderfully private; if you prefer staying indoors, the bathroom has a large soaker tub.

Guests in the suite and the cottage next to the main house may partake in a full gourmet breakfast served in the main lodge each morning.Tranquility Bay is a wonderful place for an extended stay, especially if you plan to take advantage of all the amenities. Packages are available, and may include your ferry ticket, lodging, and dinner at the Blue Heron Inn."

Blue Heron Inn, Sechelt

"Pull into the driveway and head down to the water's edge, where the Blue Heron fills the lower level of a family house, This contemporary dining room is adorned with bright floral tablecloths, fresh flower arrangements, and heron-inspired artwork. Luminous little lamps at every table and a fire burning in the large stone fireplace impart a soft golden glow throughout. A wall of windows faces the glassy waters of Porpoise Bay, and almost every table shares the magnificent vista.

The house specially is seafood, and unless you catch it yourself, seafood doesn't get much fresher that this.Start with one of the wonderfully creative appetizers, such as artichoke hearts filled and baked with shrimp, crab, and Parmesan cheese, or Samba prawns sautéed in a garlic cream-Samba sauce. As a main course, we recommend the broiled halibut fillet topped with red onion and strawberry salsa, or the bouillabaisse with fresh fish, scallops, crab, and prawns, served in a lobster bisque."

Canada's Leading Publication for Today's Fifty-Plus Lifestyle

Adventures on the Sunshine Coast
by Steve Tuck
Forever Young - March 2000
Where to Stay

"As usual we stayed at Tranquility Bay Bed & Breakfast on Sechelt Inlet where Chris and Krista Cutlan provide the most marvellous setting or a stay hwere you can do everything from recreational diving, sea kayaking, walking, hiking, cycling, sightseeing, or just shop and dine at great local spots. The Cutlans are not only terrific hosts but they know the area and are very helpful in arranging whatever it is you'd like to do."

Watching the sun set on the Sunshine Coast by Steve Tuck
Forever Young - November 1998
Where to Stay

"We stayed at Sechelt Inlet at Tranquility Bay Bed & Breakfast Cottages just outside Sechelt.

Our hosts, Krista and Chris Cutlan, aren't just the greatest source of information on the area, they're terrific people to boot. They have both bed & breakfast and cottages with full facilities or you can even opt for a combination of both.

We had a two-bedroom cottage, fully-equipped and really enjoyed getting away from everything while enjoying a fireside evening with good books. Furthermore, they can arrange for almost anything you'd like to do while you're staying with them.

(The true 'test' of anywhere for us is whether we'd go back - we've already got reservations for next year. Sorry, we don't have any other suggested places to stay, this will be our choice and we don't have to look any further.)"

Where to Dine

"The Blue Heron is one of the finest dining spots we found. West Coast cuisine is their specialty.

Our mixed grill consisted of enough food for more than one, beautifully served and with a fantastic view of Sechelt Inlet. We were advised that they will split portions upon request. If you like, in between courses you can go for a walk on the 600-foot long pier out into the waterfront.

The Old Boot Eatery & Catering Company in Sechelt is a great place for Italian food. We stopped for lunch and had a terrific pizza and salad at a very reasonable price.

Molly's Reach in Gibsons may be a prop for 'The Beachcombers' but the food's good and the view of the harbour is terrific. Their halibut and chips is tops for a not-so-light lunch.

There are so many more places to visit and things to do that we made reservations to return next summer. Among the other things we want to travel up the Princess Louisa Inlet to Chatterbox Falls. This is reputed to be Canada's most spectacular fjord."

That's what the professionals have to say about Tranquility Bay.
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