The Sunshine Coast of BC is named for its 2,400 hours of annual sunshine and lies north-west of Vancouver. It is a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Major population centres include Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Powell River and Pender Harbour. A popular destination in the area is Desolation Sound which lies just beyond the end of Highway 101. The Sunshine Coast is made up of a 180 km (110mi) stretch of rainforest, seashore and mountains. This is the secret destination of many individuals, where the island life is found on the mainland. Here is a slower pace of life, where those who appreciate the beauty of outstanding marine parks and marshland bird sanctuaries, old growth forest and alpine peaks will find this the perfect destination.