The Sunshine Coast encompasses an area of gorgeous mountains, valleys, rivers and coastal waters from Howe Sound in the south to Desolation Sound in the north stretching over 177 kilometers. There are no roads that lead here, only ferries and flights, which makes this destination feel even more remote even though it is an easy trip from Vancouver.
Hike the famous Sunshine Coast Trail
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Skookumchuck Narrows
If you are an experienced kayaker you may want to experience this on the water, but for those who just want the view, this is an amazing display of nature at its best. With the change of tides twice daily, you can watch as the water rushes through at about 30 kilometers an hour, creating whirlpools and huge waves. The hike to get there is 4 kilometers each way, through some lovely old growth forest, but it is well worth it. Plan well and check the tidal times to make sure you arrive at the proper time.
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Powell Forest Canoe Route
An incredible 80-kilometer canoe journey that travels through ten lakes, with seven portages and takes approximately five days to complete. There are also three day and two-day routes that you can enjoy if you don’t want something as long or strenuous. Both the portages and the canoe time vary in length, but there are plenty of canoe rest areas and more than twenty campsites located around the lakes so you can stop when you want. If you are travelling with your own equipment, just keep in mind that this is not a circular route, you need to have two vehicles in order to have one waiting for you at the end. Otherwise there are several operators in the area who can arrange transport and equipment rental. This route is appropriate for families as well.
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Mermaid Cove/Saltery Bay
About 60 feet under the water in Mermaid Cove, divers will find the statue of the Emerald Princess. This is a 9-foot bronze statute placed there in 1989. Sea life attached to the statue makes it a fantastic addition to this already popular diving area and divers frequently clean the statue to keep it photo worthy. There are other diving areas around the Sunshine Coast, but this unique view will enhance your dive day. Use one of the operators in the area or bring your own gear.
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Dive the HMCS Chaudiere – Sechelt Inlet
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Soames Hill
A good short hike in the Gibsons area, from the top of the hill you can see all the way to Vancouver Island and, of course, all the amazing scenery surrounding the hill. With several access points, there are over five kilometers of trails here, from moderate to difficult, but it is well worth the more difficult hike to the top for the views. Round trip it is only about two kilometers but allow for at least an hour to get up and come down.
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Watersports on Sechelt Inlet
Canoe, paddleboard or kayak, no matter your choice of watersport you will be in heaven on earth as you explore the waters and scenery of Sechelt Inlet. Ocean kayaking here is ideal as it is more sheltered than other areas, and there are many places to pull up your kayak and explore the old growth forest, including trees that are up to 1,700 years old. Use your own kayak or canoe, or participate in a guided tour, or contact one of the local operators about renting. No matter your choice, you will enjoy every second in this paradise.
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Valentine Mountain
You can’t beat the view from the top of this mountain by Powell River, and it is a nice, short walk that, for the more adventurous, can be used as a warmup to a longer hike. The short trail is less than one kilometer, but part of it is wood and rock steps, about 100 of them. It is well worth the climb though as you can see the Townsite, the Mill, the Hulks, several lakes, the ocean, and surrounding mountains from here. There are other trails around the top that you can enjoy or take a picnic and sit at one of the benches to spend some time soaking up the view.
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Kayaking to Keats Island
If you would like to experience some great sea kayaking with a gorgeous view, this route out to Keats Island is a great one that is not too long. Allow for four hours round trip, or more if you want to explore the island. You can launch right from the Harbour in Gibsons, which is one of the easiest launch sites in the area. There are a couple of different self-guided itineraries that you can follow but check weather conditions before departing. Guided tours are also available right in Gibsons from various operators.
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Fishing in Pender Harbour
Fishing here is more than an activity or sport, for most in the area it is a passion, and something not to be missed if you are interested in catching a variety. From Chinook Salmon to cod, snapper and clams, there is such a mixture of fish here that you will never tire of throwing your line in the water. Migratory Chinook are best fished from late spring until the fall months and fishermen in the area use a unique way to catch them, called “mooching”. If you like, in this area you can also try your hand at spot prawning. Don’t forget your fishing license!
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Knuckleheads Recreation Area
A great place for both winter and summer activities in the Powell River area, this is a slightly different terrain that what you might have seen in other places along the Sunshine Coast. This small area has had clear-cutting and roads for logging purposes, and this has created excellent paths for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking and biking. At a 5300-5500-foot elevation, the ridge area extends westward, with the gently sloped recreation area being only about three miles by two miles.
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Langdale Falls
Sprockids Mountain Bike Park
While you are at the falls, and if you have some mountain biking skills, spend the rest of the day exploring Sprockids Mountain Bike Park, the first officially recognized mountain bike skills park in North America. There are over 14 kilometers of trails that includes jumps, downhill trails, teeter-bars, and ramps. Most of the biking routes loop back to the park centre so you can just keep going and going as you experience the different trails.
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Kayaking or Canoeing to Gambier Island
There are several routes to explore the waters around Gambier Island. You can choose to go for the day, launching from Gibsons Harbour, or perhaps spend the night at one of the many camping spots along the shores of the island. There are plenty of hiking trails on the island to keep you busy, along with some great swim spots and, of course, the gorgeous views.
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Mountain Biking Sidewinder
Technically this is part of Sprockids Park, but this is a single way trail that takes you through old growth forest and is not as technical or advanced as some of the trails in the Park itself, which means that riders of all abilities should be able to enjoy this trail. You can go either up or down, but of course, going down is more fun!
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Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Popular with families, this provincial park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and activity levels. Canoeing and kayaking are best here in the early morning or late afternoon when the waters are calm. There are trails which will take you through beautiful forest and give you the opportunity to view eagles and seals, as well as to the mudflats of the estuary where a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds can be seen. There are campsites available if you would like to spend the night.
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Hike the Trinket Trail to Bunster Bluffs
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Hiking to Chapman Creek Falls
The multi-tiered waterfall is the ultimate destination on this hike by Sechelt. The walk is a round trip total of about 8-kilometers, so allow for about three hours. There are multiple splits in the trails here, and beyond the waterfall the trail is pretty much for mountain bikers only, so make sure you take the walking directions, a map, or a GPS with you to ensure that you are on the right route. The rocks surrounding the falls are very slippery, hikers are warned to not get too close.
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Pender Harbour Golf Club
A list of outdoor activities wouldn’t be complete without at least one golf course. This 9-hole course is set amongst some beautiful scenery, as the whole course was carved from the Caren range. There are substantial elevation changes as well as flat valley holes and narrow fairways. You can also have the chance to see salmon spawning in the streams at certain times of the season.
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Hiking or Biking in Kinnikinnick Park
An easy access park located right in Sechelt, this family friendly destination has hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Trails vary in length and are well marked so you can’t get lost. There are also sports fields here to enjoy and a playground for the kids. In the late summer and fall you can find many ripe blackberries to munch on as you walk but be aware that the bears in the area also love them!
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Snickett Park
Another trail located right in Sechelt, this one takes you along the waterfront and is easily accessible for walkers of all ages and abilities. The views to the water are spectacular, but there are also things to see along the paved trail, such as poppies in the spring, amazing rock outcropping, and the Salish totem poles.
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Hiking the Hidden Grove Trail
Even if you are not an avid hiker, the Douglas Firs in this area by Sechelt are well worth the walk. The tall trees towering over you gives you the impression of just how small we are in the natural world. This is actually a Heritage Forest area and you can definitely see why it has been designated as such. There is a huge network of trails here that you could spend all day wandering, just soaking up the forest life. Don’t worry, there are trail maps at all the junctions, so you don’t get lost. You will come across wetlands and rocky outpoints with fantastic views of the ocean from here as well.
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Cliff Gilker Park (Roberts Creek)
There is a whole network of trails here, so you can choose your distances and walk times. Waterfalls and other rainforest scenery make every step enjoyable, and because of the easy trails this is a good family destination, or one for those who don’t have much experience hiking. Just the magnificent Douglas Firs and Red Cedars make the walk worthwhile. Nearby you will also find the world class biking trails of Roberts Creek.
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Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park
Of course, this park is a big draw for boaters, swimmers, and kayakers, but there is also a hike here that is very enjoyable, especially for birders. The boardwalk will take you through a marsh area (be careful in winter or spring because this can be covered in water) and down to a viewpoint of the Georgia Strait. If you would like a longer walk, continue on the loop trail to find a secluded small beach with slightly different views.
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Sargeant Bay Provincial Park
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Homesite Creek
A recreation area that is home to several gorgeous waterfalls, and there are several paths that will lead you there, so you can choose to return on the same one or explore another as you find your way back to your vehicle. A short hike will take you to one waterfall, other walks will take you onto the second and third falls. Do as little or as much hiking as you would like, just don’t forget to take your camera with you, as you will definitely want to capture the amazing scenery.
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Triangle Lake
You will need at least three hours to take this eight-kilometer trail. With not much elevation gain, it is rated as an easy hike and can be enjoyed by most walkers. This is mainly a forested trail with several viewpoints of the lake, but no access to the lake itself. This incredibly scenic loop trail will take you through peaceful rain forest areas that will make you never want to leave.
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Appleton Canyon
Waterfall lovers will want to make sure they do a hike here. This is also a small portion of the Sunshine Coast Trail, but easily accessible as a day hike. If you want to see the waterfalls in all their glory, it is best to hike in spring or early summer before the waters get to a trickle. There is a small elevation gain along the trail and you can choose to hike about two kilometers to the Appleton Recreation Site or continue on to the Rieveley’s Pond Hut. Considered an easy to moderate hike, this is good for most skill levels.
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Copeland Islands
In the Powell River area, you won’t find much better kayaking than around the Copeland Islands. Located just north of Lund, this is a less visited spot than Desolation Sound, but just as beautiful. Of course, if you want to, you can turn this into a multi-day kayaking trip and head to Desolation Sound on the water. If you want to experience this area but are not a confident kayaker, you can book a day tour with a company in the area.
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Powell River Seawalk
A short one kilometer walk that is accessible for all ages and abilities, this paved walkway is enjoyable for its views of the Strait of Georgia. You can also see three of Powell River’s closest islands: Texada, Harwood, and Savary from here. You don’t have to stop at the end of the paved section if you don’t want to, continue on the dirt path to the beach to get a longer walk.
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Blackwater Creek Trail
This is also part of the Duck Lake Trail system and is a relatively short trek that can be combined with others in the area for a longer walk. It’s about four kilometers in length but you should estimate a trip length of about three to four hours to really enjoy everything. Various waterfalls can be found here, along with the beauty of the coastal rainforest. Mountain bikers are welcome along this path, so if you are hiking watch for other trail users.
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Willingdon Beach Trail
A good trail for hiking, biking, and running, this path takes you through beautiful forests and beside the seaside, along an easy trail with very little elevation gain. It is only about a 20-minute walk each way, but the views are excellent and there are historical items to be found along the walk.
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Inland Lake Provincial Park
The park itself has a lot of opportunities to swim, fish, boat, canoe, hike and cycle. There are both drive in and walk in campsites available. The easy, 13-kilometer trail here takes you on boardwalks and well-maintained bridges and gravel paths. There is also a long hike that can be done to Inland Lake from Mowat Bay, but the trail is rated as difficult, so it is not for everyone.
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Savary Island
Located in the Georgia Strait, by Powell River, Savary Island is only 7.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide! There are gorgeous white sand beaches here, along with warm waters for swimming, which makes it a perfect place to spend some time relaxing. You can camp or spend the night in one of the available cabins. There are short hikes and biking routes on the island, with bike rentals available. Make sure you read all of the recommendations about enjoying this island, as there is no power, garbage facilities or public toilets. Keep in mind that you also have to get there, so make sure you book your water taxi ahead of time.
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Dakota Ridge
With 20-kilometers of groomed ski areas available, along with 7-kilometers of snowshoe trails, if you are looking for a winter activity to keep you outdoors and busy then this is it. Please note that this is a pay use area and can be accessed only by four-wheel drive vehicles with chains, or by shuttle. There is a warming hut available along with an outhouse.
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Tetrahedron Provincial Park
Located northeast of Sechelt, this provincial park is popular not just in the summer with hikers, but also in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Ideal for multi day journeys, this park contains ten lakes, beautiful ocean and mountain views, and huts for overnight stays. There are several shorter loop trails that you can enjoy if you are not wanting to spend any nights in the parks. If you do plan on staying in the huts, please make sure to pay your hut fees before departing. As well, for winter activities you will want to check weather and trail conditions as there can be avalanches.
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Desolation Sound
This Marine Park is a must do destination for boaters, kayakers, fishermen, swimmers and divers. With three major areas to spend time in, it is easy to get lost in the beauty and tranquility of the area while experiencing as much of the shoreline as you can. The warm waters here make it the perfect place for diving or swimming. There are some backcountry camping areas and hikes in the park as well. Plenty of adventure activities to keep you busy for the whole summer!
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Princess Louisa Inlet
The Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park is a paradise for those who love the water, sea life and gorgeous views. You can experience the area in several different ways, including guided boat tours that will show you the amazing waterfalls, petroglyphs and other highlights of the park. Walk on the beautiful boardwalks, camp, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
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Stillwater Bluffs
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Eldred Valley
Near Powell River, this is the place to go if you want to do some climbing. There are nine climbs here with ratings from III/5.9 to VI/5.11/A4+. The incredible granite climbs will get your heart pumping and give you the most magnificent views. There is something for every skill level, so don’t worry if you are a novice, you can still enjoy this area. This is still a hidden gem in the area, with a fantastic camping area available so you can spend multiple days here.
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Mowat Bay
The trail here is a popular route for tourists and locals alike. You can access the trail right from the town of Powell River, which makes it convenient and easy. The sandy beach on the bay is a nice place to relax for bit, or you can use it as a jumping off point for watersports.
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Lang Creek Trail
With an easy grade, this three-kilometer trail wanders through a diverse landscape that includes some beautiful waterfalls. It should take an hour to two hours to complete and is suitable for most walkers. This is part of the Duck Lake Trail network, so if you want to make your hike longer, then you certainly can. Don’t forget to take a bathing suit, towel or swim friendly clothes, there are two excellent swimming holes to enjoy!
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Dinner Rock
Located by Lund, with an excellent mixture of forest and ocean views, this hike will take you to the swimming and beach area at Hurtado Bay, as well as the lookout point from where you can see the southern tip of Savary Island and the northern tip of Harwood Island. This is also known as the Browne Creek Trail and is less than two kilometers long. It is a loop trail and also used by mountain bikers, so be aware of others using the path.
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Mud Lake Trail
There are a lot of intersecting trails in this area, so if you want to turn this one into a longer hike you can, otherwise just follow the appropriate markers to your destination. The unique thing along this path is that it has some cool wooden walkways along the way. This could be a four-kilometer trek, or much longer depending on the route you decide to take. Allow for at least three hours so that you can really enjoy the area. Bikes are permitted here but because of the foot traffic it is not the most ideal place to enjoy a ride. Leashed dogs are also allowed.
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Suicide Creek Trail
A loop trail near Powell River that doesn’t live up to its name, this hike is actually good for all skill levels. As most of the trails do, it takes you through old growth forest and along pretty river settings with two small waterfalls. It’s about 8-kilometers in length, so estimate that it will take you anywhere from two to three hours to complete, depending on your walking ability.
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Wednesday Lake
Just north of Powell River you will find the trailhead to take you to Wednesday Lake. This is a trail that all skill levels can do, as much of it is along an old road. It is also part of the Sunshine Coast Trail system and located in Malaspina Provincial Park. Expect to spend an hour and a half to two hours hiking each way and allot time to have a picnic lunch at the lake.
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Tin Hat Mountain
Along the Sunshine Coast official trail, the hut here is the halfway point but you can also do this as a day hike if you like. The climb is worth it as the views from the summit are unbeatable. Expect a steep climb along the five-kilometer route and plan to spend anywhere from three to six hours to go up and come back down, allowing for time to enjoy the 360 degree view from the top.
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Atrevida Loop
Located just south of Lund, this is a short, easily accessible trail that takes walkers through old growth forest, with trees that are up to 1000 years old! Avid hikers may not find this difficult, but you can’t beat the beauty of the forest here as you wander through the tall cedars and firs. You will also find some historic items along the route. If you like, you can access Appleton Canyon or the Sunshine Coast Trail from here.
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Getting up to Mount Troubridge
As with a lot of the day hikes in the Sunshine Coast area, this is part of the famous Trail, but can be done in a long day if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to take you to the start point. Otherwise, it is advisable to do a multiday trek that starts at Rainy Day Lake. This is a very challenging hike and has a high gradient level. Not advisable for beginner hikers.
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Hike the Hammil Lake Short Route – Powell River
This loop trail is only eight kilometers long, so if you are looking for a short route to hike, bike or run, then this is it. Located right by Powell River, it is easily accessible and good for all skill levels. The route takes you through the cool forest and along the lake, where you can take a dip if you want.
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