Walking Canada’s Sunshine Coast

Activity Level

Multi-Level

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Walk the beautiful Sunshine Coast

Tucked into the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia, this 180km stretch of paradise is lovingly known as the Sunshine Coast. Only accessible by plane or boat, this extraordinary shoreline stretches from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. You’ll become immersed in vibrant communities, reconnect with nature, and enjoy spectacular scenery as you explore this inspiring coastline which remains under the radar – for now!

With rugged mountains bordering these beautiful inlets, on foot is truly the best way to uncover the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gems. Walking trails are plentiful and incredibly varied, from majestic forests and mountains to sweeping ocean vistas, you’re spoilt for choice. The area is rich with fauna and flora, home to black bears, cougars, and wolves, as well as many species of interesting plants, flowers, and berries.

Your accommodation is equally as unique and beautiful as the Sunshine Coast itself. Set in tranquil, waterfront locations, these remarkable resorts are fantastic hideaways, surrounded by nature and often with paddleboards or kayak rental should you wish to explore the nearby waters.

Add On – Rocky Mountaineer: Embark on an unforgettable rail journey through the spectacular Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. Begin or end in Vancouver or Banff and visit Kamloops on this legendary ‘First Passage to the West’ adventure. You can choose between Silver Leaf or Gold Leaf Service which will also determine which high-quality hotels you’ll stay in. Silver Leaf offers a single-level glass-dome coach, full glass-dome windows, outdoor viewing area, a delicious breakfast and lunch served in the comfort of your seat, and complimentary beverages and snacks. Gold Leaf offers a bi-level glass-dome coach, oversized glass-dome windows, a large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform, a gourmet breakfast and lunch served in a lower-level dining room, and complimentary beverages and snacks. A National Parks Pass is included with both Silver & Gold Leaf. Please see itinerary for more information.

Add On – Klahoose Wilderness Resort: This is a once in a lifetime experience like no other. Incredibly unique, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an immersive, Indigenous cultural experience which reflects the Klahoose people’s traditional values and explores the pristine region within the heart of Desolation Sound, British Columbia. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, this off-grid resort sits between the Coast Mountain Peaks of the Sunshine Coast and the Salish Sea, on the edge of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest. Rich in diverse wildlife, you’ll take part in immersive marine and terrestrial viewings to see Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Porpoises, Dolphins, Sealions, Seals, and Eagles. From late August to mid-October, you can also join Grizzly Bear viewing tours in Toba Inlet.

There are many other activities included in your stay: Guided Indigenous cultural activities and excursions, cedar weaving, sea kayaking, stand up-paddle boarding, ocean swimming, woodfire cedar sauna, rainforest nature walks, campfires and dark sky gazing, and ocean and forest foraging. You’ll stay in a stunning waterfront lodge for 3 or 4 nights. Everything is included, accommodation in a lodge room or cabin, all meals, transfers, and activities. With a typical stay of around 12 guests, your experience is small and personal. Your friendly lodge hosts are local guides from the Klahoose Nation who take pride in providing an extremely personalised service as they welcome you into their traditional Klahoose Nation territory. Please see itinerary for more information.

Combine all three: Take the trip of a lifetime beginning with our 8-night walking tour of Walking Canada’s Sunshine Coast’, followed by a truly unique 3 or 4-night stay at Klahoose Wilderness Resort! Return to Vancouver to end with an unforgettable 5-night Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Banff. We recommend returning home from Calgary airport (approx. 1.5hrs from Banff). Please enquire for prices.

Key Information

Trip Code: W08SC
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Canada

What's Included

8 nights in unique accommodation
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app
Rental car for 9 days
Ferries as per itinerary (x4 included)

9 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Reconnect with nature as you explore this captivating coastline at your own pace
Sweeping ocean vistas and woodland creeks with rare flora and fauna
Stay in remarkable waterfront retreats, surrounded by beauty and tranquillity
Add on a 5 night rail journey through the Rockies with the unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer
Add on 3 or 4 nights at the incredibly unique, Indigenous Klahoose Wilderness Resort

Itinerary

First Destination: Vancouver
Next Destination: Vancouver

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:None

First Destination: Vancouver
Next Destination: Vancouver

Upon your arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you’ll collect your rental car and drive to your first hotel in Vancouver to rest up before beginning your walking trip (approx. 30mins).

Overnight Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver.

Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (approx. 1h) for your ferry to Gibsons (45mins). Check in to your accommodation before heading out on your first Sunshine Coast walk. There are many walks to choose from throughout the week, these are some of our favourites.

Choice of walks in Gibsons (3km/2.6km), Sechelt (19.6km/8km/2.3km), and Roberts Creek (10km/6.5miles).

Explore lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons, and alpine lakes across these incredibly varied walks.

Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.

Meals included:Breakfast

Walk along Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail (12.5km), one of the highest peaks on the lower Sunshine Coast. Through forest, you’ll follow the coloured markers as you climb along the ridge with glimpses of Langdale creek down below. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views to Vancouver, Gibsons, Bowen Island, and much of Howe Sound.

Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.

Meals included:Breakfast

Choice of walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km), and Roberts Creek (10.3km). Explore lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons, and alpine lakes across these incredibly varied walks.

Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.

Meals included:Breakfast

Choice of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Halfmoon Bay (4.2km/7.6km).

Visit the rocky outcrop of Smugglers Cove, loop around a forest lake, or visit the Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park with a protected archaeological site.

Overnight Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park.

Meals included:Breakfast

Choice of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Egmont (7.5km).

Embark on a scenic beach walk to a small lighthouse with an arbutus tree grove or take a forested walk to a rocky outcrop with views of the changing tidal waters, creating unique rapids and whirlpools.

Overnight Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park.

Meals included:Breakfast

Take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (1h), then drive to Powell River (approx. 30mins).

After arriving on the ferry, we’d recommend a favourite walk amongst Powell River locals. As part of the renowned Sunshine Coast Trail, this relatively easy trail follows the riverbed and Appleton Creek to an iconic hut and lake with waterfalls and charming bridges along the way (7km).

Overnight Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River.

Meals included:Breakfast

Choice of walks in Powell River (14.5km/18.3km). Enjoy a gentle trail through the forest with spots to swim or embark on a longer trail up Tin Hat Mountain to an iconic viewpoint and hut that sits at the halfway point of the Sunshine Coast long-distance trail. Tin Hat Hut is a stunning 360° mountain-top lookout with views that define the Powell River experience.

Overnight Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River.

Meals included:Breakfast

Choice of walks in Lund (4.5km/8.7km/10.4km). Wind your way through vibrant forest with views of Okeover Inlet and the Salish Sea. Another walk takes you to the mossy rainforest of Malaspina Provincial Park and Wednesday Lake or follow a picturesque trail along the coastal bluffs of Hurtado Bay.

Take two ferries before driving back to Vancouver International Airport to return your rental car and fly home. Alternatively, you can add on one of our incredible optional extensions as below.

Meals included:Breakfast

Klahoose Wilderness Resort: Add on 3 or 4 nights at the incredibly unique, Klahoose Wilderness Resort. This is a once in a lifetime Indigenous cultural experience, reflecting the Klahoose people’s traditional values and exploring the diverse wildlife of Desolation Sound. Please enquire for prices.

This is the perfect add-on to our 8-night trip – ‘Walking Canada’s Sunshine Coast’. Ending in Desolation Sound Resort, it’s a short 10min drive to Lund port where you’re met by a Klahoose representative for your boat transfer to the resort (included – approx. 1hr); you can leave your hire car at Lund port (paid locally – approx. $10per day).

Rocky Mountaineer: Add on a 5 night rail journey through the Rockies with the unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer. Begin or end in Vancouver or Banff and visit Kamloops on this legendary ‘First Passage to the West’ adventure. Please enquire for prices.

Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver. Explore Stanley Park, take a small ferry to Granville Island or simply wander around this scenic, coastal city.

Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 – Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Vancouver has activities for all interests, including visiting historic Gastown or dining in lively Yaletown. No matter what you choose to do, the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean surround you.

Overnight Vancouver.

Day 3 – Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia. You’ll see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of BC interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate and the steep slopes of Thompson River.

Overnight Kamloops.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 – Continue east towards the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Cross rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Overnight Banff.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Enjoy a free day in Banff where you can take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, relax in the hot springs, or book an excursion into the great outdoors.

Overnight Banff.

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver

This historical hotel is fondly known as the ‘castle in the city’ and has been combining luxury and elegance since 1939. Benefitting from a prime downtown location, the hotel is close to many local attractions and excellent restaurants. With an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre, this hotel is a great place to rest before beginning your walking trip.

Shades of Jade Spa & Inn, Roberts Creek

This boutique luxury inn is surrounded by lush coastal rainforest in Roberts Creek, halfway between Gibsons and Sechelt. Just a 3-minute walk to Henderson Beach, this is a fantastic retreat with garden views and a covered outdoor hot tub. Their onsite Jade Spa offers signature massages and facials, in addition to yoga sessions.

Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park

Nestled in a tranquil waterfront setting surrounded by Douglas fir, red cedar, and Arbutus trees, these simple yet elegant villas each feature beautiful rooms, a large patio or balcony, BBQ, and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s a hot tub and infinity pool onsite, as well as a spa and serenity garden. The onsite Lagoon Restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, showcasing a casual coastal feel. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent from the hotel.

Desolation Sound, Powell River

Located in the beautiful Okeover Inlet, these unique, local-crafted wooden chalets sit beautifully on the waterfront. Each has a fully equipped kitchen, private deck, and steps down to the water, all with unparalleled scenery. Complimentary kayaks and canoes are available for all guests.

Essential Information

Canada

Travellers from the UK and EU countries can enter Canada under an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens do not normally need a visa. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/canada
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada/entry-requirements
United States: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html

To apply for your eTA, or for more information, visit www.canada.ca/eTA; you will need your passport, credit or debit card, and an email address. It costs 7 Canadian dollars and will be valid for five years or until your passport expires. We recommend you carry a print out of your eTA approval when you travel.

If you have not applied for and received authorisation for an eTA prior to travel you may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the Canadian point of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa free on the eTA guarantees admission to Canada. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the point of entry.

Travel via the USA

If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.

Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.

If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.

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We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.