Travel writers know the truth behind this maxim is truer than anywhere: on the Sunshine Coast. Here, an expanse of gorgeous waterfront real estate lies north of Vancouver that makes the journey memorable.

The Sunshine Coast can be reached via BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and by float plane with Harbour Air, Fly Coastal Air Taxi and Sunshine Coast Air.

1. Car ferry

Many visitors to the Sunshine Coast take a car ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. This trip is convenient and quick, though peak seasons may see increased crowding on board. BC Ferries provides helpful maps and resources to plan their voyage.

Once onboard a ferry, you can discover the Sunshine Coast which spans 180 km along its length from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Along this stretch are quiet beaches, cedar forests, hiking trails and artists’ colonies as well as fresh seafood restaurants, the BC Homesteaders Museum in Gibsons and Jervis Inlet for diving opportunities.

Travel by bus on the Sunshine Coast Connector between downtown Vancouver and Langdale ferry terminal, connecting directly with Powell River via select ferry sailings. In addition, there are local buses operating within Langdale, Sechelt and Earls Cove communities.

2. Floatplane

The Sunshine Coast offers many wonders: beautiful beaches; spectacular coastal vistas; parks offering hiking, biking and skiing trails; coastal towns that charm visitors; an active arts community; exquisite cuisine from regional producers; Coast Salish heritage stories that tell of early European settlement; as well as naturalist delights such as Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound which feature its signature fjordic proportions with myriad waterfalls that cascade down the mountains into its waters – these all add up to make up its wonders.

Sunshine Coast travel can be easily done both by road and air. Flights depart directly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Powell River with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Harbour Air and Fly Coastal; Sechelt is serviced by Harbour Air and Fly Coastal respectively. Indulge in one of their exciting floatplane tours – you may soar above cascading waterfalls, raging rapids, snowcapped mountains peaks or even snow-covered glaciers on an unforgettable journey! This trip you won’t forget!

3. Taxi

Coastal Rides is the Sunshine Coast’s inaugural ride-hailing + delivery service that provides safe and cost-effective transportation throughout the area. Available to and from Port Melon, Langdale, Gibsons on the South Coast as well as Powell River Halfmoon Bay Earl’s Cove as well as all BC Ferries terminals on both coasts.

Powell River, located within the Tla’amin Nation territory, is one of Sunshine Coast’s hidden treasures. Boasting stunning natural surroundings, engaging local culture, and endless outdoor activities – many visitors become permanent residents!

To reach Powell River from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, it’s an easy ferry ride across to Langdale on the South Coast and a 1.5 hour drive via Earl’s Cove or Saltery Bay. Public transit options in Powell River are also available including Zunga Bus’ pilot on-demand service.

4. Bus

If you don’t own a car or are trying to minimize ferry costs, the Sunshine Coast Transit service offers regular services between Langdale and Halfmoon Bay on the south coast, plus Gibsons Roberts Creek Sechelt as well as Powell River Lund. Check their schedules for more details.

To reach the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver, take the Skytrain into Downtown Vancouver (please see website for more info Link), take BC transit bus #257 to Horseshoe Bay and then the ferry to Langdale Ferry Terminal where there is a Sunshine Coast Connector bus waiting outside right beyond parking lot – Compass Card vending machines will also be available outside as soon as you exit train allowing seamless travel between bus and train services!

Be sure to book your float plane early, and review Harbour Air and Coastal Air Taxi schedules as you do so.