Canada Sunshine Coast Adventure

We arrive at Vancouver International Airport, collect our rental car and drive around 30 minutes to our hotel in Vancouver to rest before the journey begins.

We drive about 20 minutes to Horseshoe Bay for the 45 minute ferry to Gibsons. You have free time in Gibsons before checking in. You can choose from walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km) and Roberts Creek (10.3km), exploring lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons and alpine lakes. Another option is the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail (12.6km) – a forested ridge climb with glimpses of Langdale Creek and expansive views to Vancouver, Gibsons, Bowen Island and Howe Sound from the summit.

We set off on a half day guided sea kayaking tour around Halfmoon Bay or Sechelt Inlet – routes can be adapted to suit our ability. In the afternoon, you can wander the seaside towns of Sechelt and Gibsons for eclectic shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes, or pick from walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km) and Roberts Creek (10.3km).

We leave Gibsons and drive to our next stay in Madeira Park. You can choose 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 a forest lake or explore Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park with its protected archaeological site. If you wish to get on the water, you can rent stand up paddleboards from the accommodation and soak up the spectacular scenery.

This morning, you can take a scenic beach walk to a small lighthouse amid an arbutus grove or a forested path to a rocky outcrop overlooking the changing tidal waters. At Skookumchuk Narrows, unique rapids and remarkable whirlpools draw extreme kayakers and surfers – fascinating to watch. Choose from walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Egmont (7.5km). In the evening, we embark on a 3hr guided sea kayaking tour from Egmont to witness the waters and marine life of Sechelt Inlet awaken with a bioluminescent glow – an unforgettable experience. Please note: spotting bioluminescence is not guaranteed and depends on the moon phase (new moon is best) and other weather conditions.

We take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (1h), then drive around 30 minutes to Powell River. After arriving, you could follow a favourite local walk – a relatively easy section of the Sunshine Coast Trail that traces the riverbed and Appleton Creek to an iconic hut and lake, with waterfalls and charming bridges along the way (7km).

You can choose walks in Powell River (14.5km/18.3km) and Lund (4.5km/8.7km/10.4km). Enjoy a gentle forest trail with swimming spots or take on a longer ascent of Tin Hat Mountain to an iconic viewpoint and hut at the halfway point of the Sunshine Coast long distance trail. Tin Hat Hut delivers a stunning 360° mountain top lookout that defines the Powell River experience. In Lund, wind through vibrant forest with views of Okeover Inlet and the Salish Sea, explore the mossy rainforest of Malaspina Provincial Park and Wednesday Lake, or follow a picturesque path along the coastal bluffs of Hurtado Bay.

Today, we enjoy a full day guided sea kayaking experience from the serene Okeover Inlet to Desolation Sound – British Columbia’s largest marine park and a world class kayaking destination. This is a 7hr tour including lunch. If you prefer a shorter option, you can choose 3hr or 5hr tours that do not include Desolation Sound.

We take two ferries and drive back to Vancouver International Airport to return the rental car and fly home. Alternatively, you can add an optional extension – for example Rocky Mountaineer/Klahoose Wilderness Resort.