Canada's Sunshine Coast Walk
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Kick off in Vancouver and wrap up back in Vancouver – a nine day self drive walking escape along British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Sail to Gibsons and pick from daily routes through ferny rainforest and waterfall filled canyons. Summit Mount Elphinstone for sweeping Howe Sound views, then base yourself around Madeira Park and Egmont for shoreline rambles, Smugglers Cove and the famous tidal rapids. Continue to Powell River for sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail – Appleton Creek and the ascent of Tin Hat Mountain – before exploring Lund’s coastal bluffs. Expect scenic ferry hops, relaxed pacing and cosy spa style stays.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
Accommodation as per the InclusionsStarts
VancouverEnds
VancouverMinimum Age
12 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Canada that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountry
CanadaMeals Included
Breakfast: 8Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided Tour
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Self-guided
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5 kilometres per day and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided TourRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5 kilometres per day and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Private ToursPassengers
$4,145.00
$1,768.50
Free eSIM included
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Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Vancouver
On arrival at Vancouver International Airport, collect your hire car and drive around 30 minutes to the hotel in Vancouver to rest before the walking trip begins. Overnight Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver.
Day 2 - Ferry to Gibsons & First Walk
Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (approx. 1 h) for the 45 minute sailing to Gibsons. After checking in, head out on your first Sunshine Coast walk.
Choose from routes in Gibsons (3 km/2.6 km), Sechelt (19.6 km/8 km/2.3 km), and Roberts Creek (10 km/6.5 miles), exploring lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons and alpine lakes across these varied trails. Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.
Day 3 - Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail
Walk the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail (12.5 km), climbing through forest along the ridge with glimpses of Langdale Creek below. From the summit you are rewarded with expansive views to Vancouver, Gibsons, Bowen Island and much of Howe Sound. Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.
Day 4 - Walking Gibsons
Select from walks in Gibsons (2.7 km/2 km), Sechelt (8 km/3 km) and Roberts Creek (10.3 km). You explore fern filled valleys, thundering waterfalls, mossy canyons and serene alpine lakes on these contrasting routes. Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.
Day 5 - Walking Madeira Park
Choose between trails in Madeira Park (1.8 km/2.5 km/4.4 km) and Halfmoon Bay (4.2 km/7.6 km). Visit the rocky outcrop of Smugglers Cove, loop around a forest lake, or wander in Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park, home to a protected archaeological site. Overnight Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park.
Day 6 - Walking Madeira Park
Continue with walks in Madeira Park (1.8 km/2.5 km/4.4 km) and Egmont (7.5 km). Take a scenic beach walk to a small lighthouse among arbutus trees, or follow a forested path to a rocky outcrop overlooking tidal waters that create striking rapids and whirlpools. Overnight Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park.
Day 7 - Journey to Powell River
You take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (1 h), then drive about 30 minutes to Powell River. On arrival, follow a favourite local route on the Sunshine Coast Trail, tracing the riverbed and Appleton Creek to an iconic hut and lake, with waterfalls and pretty bridges along the way (7 km). Overnight Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River.
Day 8 - Walking Powell River
Pick from walks in Powell River (14.5 km/18.3 km). Choose between a gentle forest trail with swim spots and the longer ascent of Tin Hat Mountain to its celebrated viewpoint and hut at the halfway point of the Sunshine Coast long distance trail. Tin Hat Hut offers a stunning 360° mountain top panorama that defines the Powell River experience. Overnight Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River.
Day 9 - Walking Lund & Return to Vancouver
Choose from walks in Lund (4.5 km/8.7 km/10.4 km), winding through vibrant forest with views of Okeover Inlet and the Salish Sea. Other options lead to the mossy rainforest of Malaspina Provincial Park and Wednesday Lake, or along the coastal bluffs of Hurtado Bay. You can then take two ferries and drive back to Vancouver International Airport to return the hire car and fly home.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
”Double/Twin" prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. "Single" prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. "Shared" prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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