The Sunshine Coast offers tranquil beaches, ancient cedar forests, and charming little towns for an escape. Enjoy paddling or hiking, gallery hopping or farmers markets to escape it all!

This remote corner of mainland Canada feels like an island retreat, yet is accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Spend some time exploring Gibsons (made famous on classic TV show The Beachcombers), Sechelt or Earl’s Cove/Lund to get a true island experience.

How to get to the Sunshine Coast

Travel writers adage “getting there is half the fun”, and this maxim rings especially true for Vancouver’s Sunshine Coast, located north of Vancouver on mainland Strait of Georgia coast. Without access via roads, this idyllic coastal hamlet can only be reached via ferry or seaplane; should you make this journey, the journey itself will likely become just as memorable as your final destination!

BC Ferries operates several sailings each day between West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and Sunshine Coast Langdale Ferry Terminal, or you could fly into Powell River or Sechelt with Harbour Air, Fly Coastal Air Taxi, and Sunshine Coast Air. No matter which mode you select – Rome2rio’s door-to-door travel planner ensures smooth passage: just enter your location and destination details, compare costs, and calculate estimated journey times before selecting your transport option(s).

Getting there

Without your own boat, the Sunshine Coast can only be reached via ferry or seaplane. BC Ferries operates several sailings per day between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale; book online ahead of time to ensure you travel on the date and time that best fits you.

Once in Langdale, take a scenic drive through Gibsons and Sechelt before continuing north towards Halfmoon Bay, Davis Bay and Skookumchuck Narrows for more stunning rapids at high tide.

Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines both provide aerial views of Vancouver (downtown and YVR), Nanaimo, Victoria and Powell River daily via float plane, while also operating seasonal routes from Washington State.

Things to do

The Sunshine Coast may be best known for its sandy shores, but its interior offers much more. Forests and waterfalls offer tranquil respites perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Abseiling on the Sunshine Coast offers adventurers of all skill levels the opportunity to experience thrilling cliff-top trails while taking in breathtaking landscapes at sunset. A guided tour is recommended for beginners or those without fear of heights who want to discover abseiling safely while discovering this fantastic activity.

Roberts Creek is an eccentric seaside village known for its community mandala art project and stunning pier reminiscent of those found in Hawaii. Sechelt is the largest city on the Sunshine Coast, yet remains charming thanks to larger stores, an additional fantastic pier, and EBs Ice Creamery – two incredible gems worth visiting!

Accommodations

The Sunshine Coast is an idyllic beach-centric destination, boasting many communities with magnificent oceanview accommodations ranging from off-grid eco cabanas to luxurious wilderness lodges. Many resorts feature restaurants, pools, hot tubs and spa services; other features may include workspace for remote work as well as in-house fitness facilities and guided activities.

Coastline towns are an absolute delight to discover. Art enthusiasts will delight in discovering an active arts community while foodies delight in sampling fresh seafood and local produce. Additionally, history enthusiasts will delight in uncovering an intricate tapestry of Indigenous traditions and European settlement.

The iconic Glass House Mountains stand majestically over Beerwah and provide hiking, biking and kayak trails in numerous parks in the region as well as bird sanctuaries and old growth forests. Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound offer spectacular fjord-like waters while Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound boast magnificent fjord-like waters perfect for kayaking and biking adventures along their coastlines. Additionally, Sunshine Coast provides plenty of rafting trips, snorkeling adventures, challenging hikes as well as kayaking along its many inlets and beaches!