1. Home
  2. North America
  3. Canada
  4. Sunshine Coast Walking Summer Adventure
Map of Sunshine Coast Walking Summer Adventure including Canada

Soak up the sun with a trip along Canada’s lesser-known west coast

Travel by road and by sea on the west coast of Canada with a 5-day summer adventure from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast. Less well-known than many of its other natural counterparts in BC and Alberta, the Sunshine Coast has much to offer a North American explorer – and on this tour, with some cushy inclusions as standard. Your knowledgeable leader will introduce you to this stretch of land hugging the Georgia Strait, where quaint seaside communities and lush wilderness await. Ferry across the Strait on several scenic rides, hike the Sunshine Coast and Willingdon Beach trails and discover the rush and roar of the Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids, all while enjoying Canada’s long summer days.

Start
Vancouver, Canada
Finish
Vancouver, Canada
Destination
Canada
Style
Comfort
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SFXC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Soak up the warm, summertime rays of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, named for the 2400 hours of sunshine it receives every year.

  • With fewer visitors than nearby Vancouver Island and other parts of BC, this ferry-access-only region will have you feeling like you’re escaping the normal summer crowds for something entirely new.

  • You’ll not only experience south-western Canada by land, but also by sea. Voyage on a number of short ferry journeys that will provide some pretty epic vistas.

  • Embark on several scenic leader-led hikes, including along the Sunshine Coast and Willingdon Beach trails, and to check out the mighty Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids.

  • With all the ferry bookings taken care of and private transport arranged, you won’t have to stress about a thing. Your mind will be focused on finding the next place to eat or whether to book an optional kayaking adventure.

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are several walks planned on this trip. A fair level of fitness and appropriate footwear and clothing will allow you to fully enjoy this adventure.

  • Keep in mind that this trip includes a number of ferry journeys and runs at a quick pace. There is a focus on walking and scenery, so be sure to pack accordingly.

Group walking through forest of redwood trees
SEKS - Vancouver - Saltery Bay - Woman Watching Sunset
Male traveller looking over Sunshine Coast on Soames Hill, Vancouver, BC
SEKS - Vancouver - Gibsons Aerial View From Drone
Forest of tall redwood trees
SEKS - Sunshine Coast - Boat cruising on Horseshoe Bay
SEKS - Skookumchuck - Tidal Rapids
Group enjoying beer at local brewery
Quaint waterfall surrounded by lush greenery

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Welcome to Vancouver! Today is an early start, meeting at Granville Square (located right by Waterfront Station) at 8:30 am for your welcome meeting. After your briefing, depart in a private vehicle towards Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal for a 1.5-hour transfer to Langdale. Back on land, grab some lunch and take a 30-minute drive to tonight’s stop in sleepy Sechelt. Once you are all checked in, head out on a leader-led walk around town, then perhaps catch the sunset by the sea. With a free evening tonight, you may wish to gather your group and head out for a meal. Be sure to ask your group leader for their favourite picks. With not a lot of time spent in Canada’s western hub, it’s highly recommended to spend an extra day or two here to see what Vancouver has to offer. The Gastown neighbourhood, Stanley Park and Granville Island are just some of the hotspots to check out if you have time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sechelt - Leader-led Walking Tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important you meet your group leader and fellow travellers this morning at the departure point – read the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ on your Essential Trip Information for further details. As it is an early start this morning, consider spending an extra night in Vancouver before your tour begins. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Grab breakfast from one of the many cafes around town before departing with your group mid-morning for Powell River. Hit the road along Canada’s Sunshine Coast for an hour-long scenic drive that hugs the coastline and offers up some lovely serene views. Stop for photos along the way, then board a ferry from Earl's Cove Terminal for a 1-hour cruise to Saltery Bay. After another 30-minute drive, arrive in the historic town of Powell River – your base for the next couple of nights. Grab yourself some lunch then join your leader on a stroll around town and along the picture-perfect Willingdon Beach Trail. Afterwards, freshen up at your hotel, then join a beer-tasting experience (with some light dinner) at a local brewery. Sit back, relax and let the conversation (and beers!) flow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Powell River - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Powell River - Leader-led Willingdon Beach Trail Walk
  • Powell River - Brewery Beer Tasting
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Rise and shine, and be sure to get some breakfast, before heading off at around 8 am for a 3-hour hike along the Sunshine Coast Trail. During the hike, you’ll walk through verdant rainforests and past some tall waterfalls. It’s one of Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trails, but you and your small group will just be taking on a small section. There will be plenty of stops to take some panoramic photos along the way. Keep in mind that you’ll arrive back in town around 1 pm, so it’s wise to bring some snacks with you this morning. The afternoon is at your leisure, so you’re free to keep exploring at your own pace. Perhaps browse some local shops or test out the many breweries and distilleries around town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Leader-led Sunshine Coastal Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy your own breakfast then hit the road by 9 am. Head south in your private vehicle and take the same ferry crossing back to Earls Cove. This time, however, you’ll make a slight detour to Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids for a 2-hour leader-led hike in a lush rainforest. You might even be lucky to catch the tides changing along the rapids, which is quite a sight twice daily. Afterwards, find a local eatery to refuel with your group then head towards the small town of Gibsons by 3 pm. This afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps visit a brewery or local museum or make the short walk up Soames Hill for wonderful harbour views. Tonight, your leader will offer an optional dinner with the group to celebrate your time along Canada’s Sunshine Coast. Gibsons has some fantastic seafood establishments if you’d like to try some freshly caught Pacific fish.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Leader-led Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids Hike
Optional Activities
  • Gibsons - Soames Hill (aka Knob Hill) Lookout Walk - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Debart Gibsons by 11 am, bound for Langdale to take the return leg of your 1.5-hour ferry ride across to Horseshoe Bay and onwards to Vancouver. You’ll arrive back at around 4 pm, where the tour will end at Granville Square. With no activities planned, you are free to leave the group, continuing your own adventure or beginning your homeward journey.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Sechelt - Leader-led Walking Tour
  • Powell River - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Powell River - Leader-led Willingdon Beach Trail Walk
  • Powell River - Brewery Beer Tasting
  • Leader-led Sunshine Coastal Hike
  • Leader-led Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids Hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Sunshine Coast Walking Summer Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8:30 am on Day 1 in Vancouver. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. There is no accommodation included in Vancouver on this trip. If you wish to spend more time in Vancouver, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.
3. On the final day, this trip finishes at approximately 4 pm on arrival in Vancouver. You will be dropped at the same location as the joining point. If departing this day, please do not book any flights before 7 pm.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates