The Sunshine Coast

Review By Nick Stanger

March 19, 2025

The Sunshine Coast is an engaging and visually rich exploration of the coastline stretching from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, blending personal reflections with geographic and economic insights. The book opens with White’s personal reflections on some of the quirkier places and figures of the coast, drawing readers in by connecting its landscapes to its celebrated/infamous personalities (14). From there, the treatment expands spatially, moving through distinct towns, regions and industries, offering a mix of personal connection and broader economic and geographic analysis. While the book’s celebratory tone highlights this area’s achievements and diversity, it presents a curated history—one that, unfortunately, lacks meaningful Indigenous representation.

One of the book’s strongest features is its breathtaking photography. Taken mostly by a single photographer, Dean van’t Schip, the images create a cohesive visual identity, making the book not only informative but also a pleasure to explore. Whether capturing the rugged coastline of the Salish Sea, the jagged peaks of the Coast Mountains, or the historic moss-laden buildings, the photographs bring each to life. These images, paired with the White’s descriptions, make the book a compelling journey through the coast’s diverse landscapes and economies.

Certain sections stand out for their depth of detail. The section on White’s home community, the Pender Harbour area, delves into the lesser-known but equally important corners of British Columbia, embracing the “nooks and crannies” that often go unnoticed in broader histories, examples being the notorious inhabitants of Quarry Bay on Nelson Island (110) and the small village of Egmont (113). The chapter on the Sechelt Area provides an account of the role of colonization in the oppression of the shíshálh Nation (71-76).  The book effectively balances well-known places with more hidden gems, making it appealing to both residents and newcomers looking to deepen their understanding of the province.

Socio-economically, the book sheds light on the Sunshine Coast’s major industries, from forestry and fishing to tourism and trade. In doing so, it provides a useful overview of how different regions have evolved, adapted, and contributed to the province’s broader development. Readers interested in this area’s economic landscape will appreciate the discussion on how industries such as logging have shaped small towns, or how the area has produced world-renowned artists, film sets, and other creative endeavors. These insights make the book not just a historical or geographic exploration, but also a reflection on the forces influencing BC’s present and future.

However, despite its strengths, The Sunshine Coast is notably lacking in deeper Indigenous narratives. As pointed out above, it briefly touches on the shíshálh Nation and their current revitalization processes.  However, many other Nations who have called this part of the Salish Sea home are sparsely described (Tla’amin) or not at all (Skwxwú7mesh). The Sunshine Coast is home to diverse Indigenous nations with deep historical ties to the land, and their stories are integral to understanding the province’s past and present.  This book can act as a sufficient introduction to the area, but without deeper exploration of the history, and current deliberations of First Nations, it holds a space as a good coffee table book, with a need for further revisions.