Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast

Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: Canada
Programmes: Family
9 Days: Land Only
Ages: 12+
Trip Code: M08SC

Trip Overview

This self-drive walking and sea kayaking trip welcomes you into the intriguing world of Canada’s Sunshine Coast.

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.

Highlights

Walk along far-reaching coastline, through lush rainforest, and on the Sunshine Coast Trail
Explore protected inlets and coves by guided sea kayak, with an evening bioluminescence
Stay in tranquil waterfront retreats with paddleboards or canoes available to rent
Add on a 5 night rail journey through the Rockies on the unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer
Add on 3 or 4 nights at the incredibly unique, Indigenous Klahoose Wilderness Resort

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Vancouver
End City: Vancouver

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

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).

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

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).

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

You stay at Rocky Mountaineer/Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Bonniebrook Lodge 4*, Gibsons

The historic Bonniebrook Lodge is a 4-story, 7 suite lodge sitting on stunning ocean front property. Chasters Restaurant, contained within the Lodge, offers the ultimate dining experience to lodge guests and locals on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of B.C.

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.

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

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.

Vaccinations and Health

Canada

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Canada's time zone: America/Vancouver (UTC -07:00)

Electricity

Canada's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz

Money

Canada's currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

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 though 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.