With such diverse landscapes and thriving marine life, it's no wonder Canada's Sunshine Coast is famous for both hiking and sea kayaking. Walking trails are plentiful to suit all abilities; similarly, our sea kayaking tours are aimed towards beginners and can be adapted by your water guide.
Beginning in the vibrant city of Vancouver, enjoy a stroll through Stanley Park, book a whale watching tour, or visit North America's largest night market. Your first ferry takes you to Gibsons, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and a popular spot with artists and outdoor enthusiasts. Gibsons is home to excellent walking trails including Langdale Falls, a gorgeous 40 foot waterfall cascading into a mossy canyon, and Soames Hill, taking you to the best lookouts along the coast. From here, you can easily explore the seaside communities of Sechelt and Roberts Creek where you'll have your first taste of sea kayaking along the many protected coves of Sechelt Inlet.
Moving onto your next base in Madeira Park, you can stroll along the coast to Francis Point Lighthouse, through dense rainforest in Halfmoon Bay, learn about First Nations history in Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park, and watch in awe as expert kayakers take on the tidal rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows. As evening approaches, excitement builds for your bioluminescence kayaking tour where you can witness the glowing waters and incredible marine life; an unforgettable experience!
A scenic ferry ride brings you to your last base in Powell River. Here, you can walk part of Canada's longest hut-to-hut route - The Sunshine Coast Trail - reaching the iconic viewpoint of Tin Hat Mountain with 360-degree mountain views. Along the coast, you can enjoy the sandy beaches of Hurtado Bay before heading towards Lund where soft forest with rich flora awaits. From Desolation Sound (British Columbia's largest Marine Park and world class kayaking destination), you have a full day of guided sea kayaking on the serene Okeover Inlet back to Desolation Sound - a fantastic end to your trip!
When it comes to fauna and flora, you're spoilt for choice with the potential to see porpoises, seals, orcas, and humpback whales on the water, whilst the trails are home to many species of interesting plants, flowers, and berries. You'll become immersed in vibrant art communities, reconnect with nature, and enjoy spectacular scenery as you explore this inspiring coastline which remains under the radar - for now!
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 canoe/kayak rental should you wish to explore more of the nearby waters.
Day 1: Arrive in VancouverUpon 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).
Day 2: Around Gibsons, Sechelt & Roberts CreekDrive 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.
Day 3: Sea Kayaking in Halfmoon Bay or SecheltEmbark 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).
Day 4: Walk in Madeira Park & Halfmoon BayWave 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.
Day 5: Walk in Madeira Park & Egmont and Bioluminescence Sea KayakingThis 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.
Day 6: Walks Around Powell RiverTake 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).
Day 7: Walks Around Powell RiverChoice 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.
Day 8: Full Day Sea Kayaking Desolation SoundToday, you get to experience a full day of guided sea kayaking from the serene Okeover Inlet to Desolation Sound (British Columbia's largest Marine park and world-class kayaking destination). This is a 7hr tour including lunch, although, shorter options are available at 3hrs or 5hrs that don't include Desolation Sound should you wish to adjust it.
Day 9: Depart from Vancouver / Extend TripTake 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.
You stay at Rocky Mountaineer/Klahoose Wilderness Resort.
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