Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast

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 trip (approx. 30mins).

Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (approx. 20mins) for your ferry to Gibsons (45mins). Enjoy some free time in Gibsons before checking in to your accommodation. 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. Walk along Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail (12.6km), 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.

Embark on your first guided sea kayaking tour around Halfmoon Bay or Sechelt Inlet (half-day). Explore the many protected inlets and coves along this beautiful section of the Sunshine Coast; kayaking routes can be adapted to suit your ability. Spend the afternoon strolling the charming seaside towns of Sechelt and Gibsons, visiting the many eclectic shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, or choose from our selection of walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km), and Roberts Creek (10.3km).

Wave goodbye to Gibsons as you drive to your next idyllic accommodation in Madeira Park. Here you have a wide variety 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. Stand-up paddleboards are available to rent from your accommodation should you wish to spend some time on the water with spectacular scenery all around.

This morning, you can enjoy 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. Known as Skookumchuk Narrows, these unique rapids and spectacular whirlpools are popular with extreme kayakers and surfers; fascinating to watch! Choice of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Egmont (7.5km). In the evening, you will embark on a 3hr guided sea kayaking tour from Egmont. Witness the waters and incredible marine life of the Sechelt Inlet awaken with a bioluminescent glow; an unforgettable experience! Please note: Spotting bioluminescence is not guaranteed and will depend on the moon phase (new moon is best) and other weather conditions.

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).

Choice of walks in Powell River (14.5km/18.3km) & Lund (4.5km/8.7km/10.4km). 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. In Lund, 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.