Twenty-eight kilometers (17.3 miles) north of Powell River, Highway 101 dead-ends on the old wooden wharf of Lund, a tiny fishing village founded in 1889 and named after the Swedish hometown of the first settlers. Lund lies on a secluded harbor backed by the magnificent peaks of the Coast Mountains.

Although Lund is best known as the gateway to Desolation Sound, it’s worth the trip out just for the relaxed atmosphere and surrounding beauty. Wander around the bustling marina, cruise over to the white sand beaches of Savary Island (604/483-9749, $10 round-trip), and relax with a cold drink on the deck of the Historic Lund Hotel. At the back of the hotel, Rockfish Kayak (604/414-9355) rents kayaks for $35–65 per day and leads kayak tours to Okeover Arm (three hours for $65).

One accommodation right in town is the harbor-front Historic Lund Hotel (1436 Hwy. 101, 604/414-0474 or 877/569-3999, www.lundhotel.com, $130–225 s or d). Standard rooms have earthy tones and hardwood floors, with hand-painted murals adding to the charm. Oceanfront rooms are upscale all the way, with handcrafted beds, luxurious bathrooms, and elegant styling throughout.

If you’re looking for something a little different, choose to stay at The Dome (off Baggi Rd., 604/483-9160, www.magicaldome.com, $150 s or d), a five-minute drive from Lund. It’s one of the very few places in Canada where you can stay in a geodesic dome—a quirky architectural style that employs dozens of triangular panels to create a rigid spherical structure, creating the most space with the least amount of materials. Inside is a bedroom, loft with second bed, kitchen, lounge area, and wood-burning fireplace. Adjacent is a modern bathhouse, complete with sauna.

In addition to a fine choice of accommodations, Lund is home to a couple of the Sunshine Coast’s premier restaurants. The food at Historic Lund Hotel (604/414-0474, daily for lunch and dinner, $11–19) is overshadowed by the views, especially if you talk your way to an outside table. The seafood chowder and local oysters are both good starters, followed by halibut and chips as a main and a slab of mud cake for dessert.

The Laughing Oyster (Vandermaeden Rd., 604/483-9775, daily noon–9:30 p.m., $19–33) is a hidden gem. Overlooking the water from an elevated setting, diners are seated outside on a deck or inside on tiers that allow everyone to enjoy the view. Starters include oysters prepared in a variety of ways (you can see the restaurant’s oyster farm from the deck) and a healthy roasted pecan and blue cheese salad. Mains include a perfectly presented baked halibut dish. The Laughing Oyster is a well-signposted, five-minute drive from Lund.