The native cultural center and regional service center of Sechelt (population 8,400) perches on the isthmus of the Sechelt Peninsula between the head of Sechelt Inlet and the Strait of Georgia. Logging, fishing, and summer tourism support the town.

One of the area’s nicest spots is Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, four kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Sechelt via East Porpoise Bay Road. The park offers open grassy areas among forests of fir and cedar, and a broad sheltered sandy beach along the eastern shore of Sechelt Inlet. Hiking trails connect the beach with a day-use area and campground, and a woodland trail meanders along the bank of Angus Creek, where chum and coho salmon spawn in fall.

The park is a handy base for kayakers and canoeists exploring Sechelt Inlets Marine Provincial Park. Porpoise Bay and the nearby rivers are also noted for good sportfishing, and oysters and clams are found along the inlet northwest of the park. The 84-site campground ($19) has hot showers.

Out of town to the west, Rockwater Secret Cove Resort (5356 Ole’s Cove Rd., 604/885-7038 or 877/296-4593, www.rockwatersecretcoveresort.com, $169–279 s or d) is an upscale, absolute waterfront complex overlooking Halfmoon Bay. It has a wonderful restaurant (for the food and view), as well as luxurious accommodations and a variety of water-based activities.

Sechelt Visitor Centre (5790 Teredo St., 604/885-1036, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in summer, shorter hours the rest of the year) is along Highway 101 through town.