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The Sunshine Coast is a stretch of British Columbia's mainland shoreline north of Vancouver that, despite being part of the mainland, is reached only by ferry or air. It runs from Howe Sound to beyond Powell River, broken by inlets and harbours, and is home to the shíshálh, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Tla'amin nations. Small towns, forested hills and sheltered coves give the area an island-like feel.
The ferry from Horseshoe Bay arrives at Langdale, near Gibsons, a harbour town with a waterfront of cafes and galleries. Roberts Creek has an artsy, laid-back character, and Sechelt sits on an isthmus between the strait and an inlet. Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park offers a short trail to a sheltered anchorage, and at Skookumchuck Narrows the tide creates powerful rapids worth timing a visit around. Pender Harbour is a maze of coves popular with boaters, while Princess Louisa Inlet, reachable only by water or air, ends at a waterfall beneath granite walls. A second ferry continues to Powell River, beyond which Lund marks the end of the highway and the start of trips into Desolation Sound. The long Sunshine Coast Trail links huts through the backcountry.
The region suits road-trippers, paddlers and boaters who enjoy slow travel. Summer ferries fill quickly, so reservations are useful.
WiserMap travel guideSunshine Coast British Columbia Gibsons to LundPlan a Sunshine Coast trip with the best places to visit, from Gibsons and Sechelt to Skookumchuck Narrows, Powell River, Lund and the Sunshine Coast Trail.Read the guide
The historic harbour front of Gibsons, the first town off the ferry from Horseshoe Bay, with galleries, cafes, a public market and Molly's Reach, the cafe made famous by the TV series The Beachcombers. Walk the seawall and wharf, and try fish and chips by the marina.
A small, artsy community between Gibsons and Sechelt known for its laid back spirit, its painted community mandala at the foot of the pier, a small beach and a summer farmers market. It has a few cafes and a cosy general store. Visit at low tide to explore the beach and tide pools.
A maze of sheltered coves and islands with small communities such as Madeira Park and Garden Bay, marinas, a local pub and good boating, kayaking and fishing. It is a laid back base for exploring the upper Sunshine Coast. Rent a kayak or small boat to explore the many quiet bays.
A long sandy and pebbly beach along the highway just south of Sechelt, with a seawall walkway, a pier and views across the Strait of Georgia toward Vancouver Island. Swimming is pleasant in summer. Grab an ice cream across the road and stay for sunset on the logs along the shore.
A park on the calm waters of Sechelt Inlet just north of Sechelt village, with a sandy swimming beach, a grassy picnic area, forest trails and a popular campground. It is a good base for kayaking the inlets. Watch for salmon in Angus Creek in the fall, and book campsites early.
A sheltered cove near Halfmoon Bay with rocky islets, mossy bluffs and a well kept trail through the forest to the water. It was once used by rum runners and smugglers. The walk from the parking area takes about 20 minutes each way, and the shoreline makes a fine picnic spot.
One of BC's largest marine parks, with warm, sheltered waters, rugged mountain backdrops, islands and coves, reached by boat or kayak from Lund at the end of Highway 101. It is famous for multi day paddling trips. Go with a guide unless you are an experienced sea kayaker.
A provincial park where huge tidal currents rush through a narrow passage at the mouth of Sechelt Inlet, creating standing waves and whirlpools that draw expert kayakers. A 4 km forest trail leads to the viewing points. Check the tide tables and arrive near peak flow for the best show.
A narrow, fjord like inlet off Jervis Inlet framed by granite walls up to 2,000 metres high, ending at the thundering Chatterbox Falls. It can only be reached by boat or floatplane, and the tidal entrance at Malibu Rapids must be crossed at slack tide. Book a guided boat tour in summer.
A national historic district of early 20th century company houses, a theatre and public buildings built for workers of the Powell River pulp and paper mill, reached by a short ferry from Earls Cove. Guided walking tours explain the town's planning. Start at the townsite heritage centre.
A free hut to hut hiking trail of about 180 km running from Sarah Point near Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay, through old growth forest, lakes and viewpoints, with over a dozen shelters along the way. Hikers can do short day sections. Plan water and resupply, and pick up a trail map first.
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