• Ferries: Both ferries we’re taking on this trip are run by BC Ferries. If you’re new to the system, here’s how they work: you drive up to the terminal, pay (or show your reservation), then line up in your assigned lane (it will be on the ticket they give you and they usually point you in the right direction). Staff will direct you when it’s time to board, and once on the ship you can leave your car and head upstairs for food, coffee, and views.
• Ferry Reservations aren’t required but can save you a lot of stress on busy sailings, especially Fridays, Sundays, and holidays. With a reservation you still need to show up 30 to 60 minutes early, but it guarantees you a spot. Without one, it’s first-come-first-serve. So you’ll want to get to the terminal well ahead of time or risk waiting for the next boat.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June through August) for warm beaches and long days; spring/fall for quieter trails and mild weather. You can go in winter and have a cozy time but it's pretty much off season everywhere from November to May.
• Transport: This itinerary assumes you will bring your own car or camper. You can take transit from Langdale to Lund but it's not easy and it won't take you to every in-between place. It is also an amazing bike-packing route but it's long and has some challenging sections so maybe it shouldn’t be your very first trip.
• Camping: There are both free park ups and paid campsites everywhere. There are options for everything from upscale 'glamping' to proper rough backcountry camping. Always book ahead or go to first-come first-serve spots early in July/August. September gets less busy but we still rocked up to a few completely full rec sites as early as 6PM.
• Respect Locals and First Nations: This is small-town BC and unceded land. Drive slowly, pack out garbage, and leave no trace. There are sections of highway controlled by the first nations where the highway speeds go down to school zone speeds. It might feel odd at first, but once you spot the young kids playing you will understand why it's important to respect the limits they set.

One of the funnest parts of this road trip is that it can be as epic or as non-committal as you want. People do day trips from the city to Gibsons everyday. But Gibsons is just the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and you can continue on all the way to the end of the 101 and there is so much to see along the way. So how long you spend here really depends on how much time you can give to it.

Short answer: 6 days for the southern coast and 4 days for the northern coast. Add 2 or 3 days if you are planning to check out Savary and Thormanby islands. So your trip could be a quick 1 week trip, or if you go everywhere and see everything it could take you closer to 2 weeks. 

This itinerary will break down how to make the most of a trip with a time constraint and suggest what you should prioritize, but we will also go into more details on how you can expand this into a bigger trip if you have the time.

This is the entry point to the Sunshine Coast. Technically the ferry stops in the town of Langdale, but Gibsons is the first point of interest (no offence Langdale). 

Gibsons is an iconic Sunshine Coast small town and sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the trip. The cute seaside part of the town is relatively small and is a popular day trip. But there is lots more to do in the surrounding area. We have a more detailed guide you can check out, or here is a quicker breakdown of what to prioritize:

1. Wander Gibsons Landing: The waterfront hub with shops, galleries, and cafés. Grab a coffee, walk the pier, and watch the boats cruise by.
2. Shop At The Public Market: Small but packed with local vibes. Stop for pastries, crafts, and maybe some live music on weekends.
3. Rent a Kayak or SUP: Paddle around the harbour for a new perspective. Adventurous paddlers can even cross to Keats Island (if conditions are calm).
4. Eat and Drink At Tapworks Brewing: Rooftop patio with harbour views, great pizza, and local beer. The go-to-pub on a cloudy day, but on a clear summer's day I would opt for Persephone.
5. Hike Soames Hill: Short but steep climb to sweeping Howe Sound views. Best bang-for-your-buck hike in Gibsons.
6. Visit Persephone Brewing: Farm-based brewery with yard games, live music, and stellar beer. Come in summer for the energy, fall for cozy vibes.
7. Watch Sunset at Bonniebrook Beach: Long rocky stretch perfect for sunset walks with big views across to Vancouver Island.

1. Walk to Armours Beach: A seaside stroll lined with blackberry bushes that ends in a local swimming hole. Perfect for a quick dip. Not the most impressive beach we will see on this trip.
2. Wander the Farmers Market: Weekend pop-up full of local food and crafts. Small, friendly, and worth a browse if you’re in town.
3. Peruse Some Art Galleries: A cluster of small galleries and studios showing off Gibsons’ strong creative scene.
4. Visit The Museum & Archives: Local history told with character. Small, fun, and a great rainy-day backup.
5. Hike To Langdale Falls: Easy forest walk ending at a rope scramble down to a waterfall. Cool and shady, especially on a rainy day. Nice hike but we will have better later on the trip.
6. Gospel Rock: Quick roadside stop with sweeping ocean views. Pair with a swim at nearby Secret or Franklin Beach.
7. Sea Monkey Café @ Sunday Cider: Food truck café with picnic tables, yard games, and live music nights. Best coffee on the coast.
8. Roberts Creek: A charming stop between towns with a wide beach, natural pier, and the iconic Gumboot Café.

Our go-to is The Tin Can Ranch, a retro airstream that’s been converted into a cozy little escape. It’s set up with a deck, outdoor kitchen, sauna, plunge tub, and even an outdoor shower. The vibe is quirky but thoughtful, and it feels like a mix between glamping and a boutique stay. The location is quiet but still less than a 10-minute drive from the Langdale ferry, so it’s super convenient.

The owner is friendly and goes out of their way to make the space feel special, which is why we keep recommending it. The outdoor sauna and plunge tub combo is especially good after a day of hiking or exploring town. If you’re after something unique and memorable instead of a chain hotel, this is the spot.

If the airstream’s not available, Gibsons also has a good mix of B&Bs, small cabins, and guesthouses that give you the same local, laid-back feel. Book early in summer; weekends fill up fast.

Another unique stay option is the Creekside Bunkies, a cozy three-cabin retreat near Gibsons with outdoor shower, loft, fire pit, and trails. It's pet friendly too!

For a more traditional stay check out:

• Bonniebrook Lodge: Beachfront lodge in Gibsons with sea views, French dining, and a private garden. Perfect for a romantic coastal escape.
• Gibsons Landing Inn: Central Gibsons location with modern suites, kitchens, and garden terraces. Just steps from beaches, shops, and cafés.

You can also browse all other top hotels in the area here:

Sechelt is a bit bigger than Gibsons and (in my opinion) not quite as cute. It's a nice enough town but coming from Gibsons it feels like you stepped out of a post card and back into reality. The main draw to Sechelt is the surrounding nature. Primarily, the Sechelt inlet. We have an in-depth Sechelt Guide to help you make the most of your trip, or here is a brief breakdown of what there is to do.

To get there just head 30 minutes up the Highway 101 from Gibsons. Stop off at Roberts Creek on your way for lunch at the Gumboot Café.

1. Paddle the Sechelt Inlet: Calm waters, mountain views, and wildlife everywhere. Rent a kayak or SUP from Pedals and Paddles and explore. Low tides are best for spotting marine life.
2. Hike to Smuggler Cove: Easy forest and boardwalk hike ending with sweeping ocean views. Great swim spots at high tide.
3. Picnic at Porpoise Bay Beach: A family-friendly park with warm, shallow water and big sunset views. Lots of washrooms, garbage collection, and picnic tables.
4. Halfmoon Bay: A quirky stop anchored by the all-purpose General Store. Grab a snack and enjoy the waterfront patio.

1. Take A Water Taxi To Thornmanby Island: A boat-access sandbar paradise with some of BC’s best beaches. Pack supplies and plan around the tides. Day trip or overnight camping option.
2. Lounge at Davis Bay Beach: Long, sandy at low tide and rocky with swim spots at high tide. Hot dogs, ice cream, and classic summer vibes.
3. Pop By Sechelt Farmers Market: Big market for such a small town. Local produce, crafts, and food from around the world. Saturdays only.
4. Take A Hike In Hidden Grove: Quiet forest trails under towering cedars. Accessible, peaceful, and perfect for a light walk.

If you want a unique stay we suggest Stay Wilder: a cluster of six geodesic domes tucked into the forest above Sechelt Inlet. Each dome has a comfortable bed, wood stove, and cozy setup; lux glamping at its finest. Shared spaces include a cooking area with gas burners, a propane fireplace, and lounge spots to hang out with other travellers.

There’s limited water and power (you’ll use a composting toilet and a camping-style shower), but that’s part of the experience. The domes are spaced out enough for privacy but close enough that you’ll end up chatting with fellow campers. Getting there requires a bumpy forest road, but any regular car should be able to handle it. Your car will for sure get dusty and you risk some scrapes and marks from flying rocks (so don't bring a collectable).

If you’re after something unique, this is the stay that makes the trip feel special. Or you can browse more traditional hotel stays here:

Thormanby Island is an optional stop but could easily be the highlight of your trip.The water taxi from either Secret Cove or Buccaneer Marina lands you on one of the most impressive sandy beaches in the province. Even better, the main beach is a massive sandbar that is all that connects the north and south islands. Once you’ve arrived you can pick between views of the Sunshine Coast stretching off into the horizon from the eastern side of the sandbar, or sprawling views of Texada island and distant peaks of Vancouver Island silhouetted against the horizon on the west. 

There are full time residents on both islands but the sandbar that connects them is a provincial park. It’s a perfect day trip with the option to camp overnight. Strong cellphone reception everywhere on the beach. Plan around the tides and bring all the supplies you need; there are no shops or water sources on the island.

We have a full guide for Thormanby to help you make the most of your visit, or you can read this summary of what there is to do:

1. Beach-Hop the Coastline: Vaucroft for low-tide walks, Buccaneer Bay east for camping or swimming, and the west side for golden sunsets over Texada.
2. Hike the Trails: Easy walks on the north island roads or explore forested paths in Simpson Provincial Park. At low tide, you can even stroll the sandy perimeter of the whole island.
3. Camp at Buccaneer Bay: Five rustic sites with pit toilets and bear caches. Free, first-come-first-serve, and perfect for a night under the stars.
4. Wander the Sandbar: Driftwood forts and sandy trails stretch between the islands. Just watch for protected zones and private land.
5. Swim or Paddle: Calm bays make for great SUP, kayak, or a (brisk) ocean swim when the sun’s out.

Egmont is a tiny (like it didn't have internet up to a few years ago tiny) town at the end of the first segment of the Sunshine Coast just past Sechelt. The largest building(s) in town is the West Coast Wilderness Lodge which has been there since before it was really a town. 

There is a pub on the water and a cafe in the woods; pretty much everything else there is to do here is exploring the surrounding wilderness. Boat tours can take you to less visited inlets, hikes will take you down to record setting rapids, and if you know what you’re doing it's one of the best diving destinations in the world.

We’ve published a full Egmont guide you can read for more details, but here is a quick overview.

1. Take A Tour To Princess Louisa Inlet: A jaw-dropping fjord only accessible by boat. Go by private boat or join a zodiac tour to see waterfalls, pictographs, and Chatterbox Falls.
2. Witness The Skookumchuck Rapids: One of the fastest tidal rapids in the world. Flat 1-hour hike each way through the forest to two viewpoints. Check tide charts for peak flows.
3. Wander Egmont Harbour: Stroll the docks, spot seals, or swing by the local pub for burgers and a pint with waterfront views.

1. Paddle the Inlets: Calm, island-dotted waters are perfect for kayaking or SUP. Rentals available in town.
2. Swim or Canoe on Waugh lake: Big classic Canadian lake. Few rougher floating docks to chill on. Old logs that have been bobbing in the water for decades. And 2 canoes owned by the nearby campsite.
3. Visit The Egmont General Store: A cozy stop for coffee, snacks, and picnic supplies before heading out on an adventure.

• The West Coast Wilderness Lodge: This is the accommodation connected to the Egmont Adventure Centre. It has an iconic waterfront lodge and has also recently finished construction of a collection of self contained suites that look out to the inlet. Great pick if you will be here for a few nights and would rather be able to cook for yourself.
• Camping: Most convenient place for viewing the rapids is Strong Waters Campground. Cheaper option would be the Klein Lake Rec Site but those spots fill up early in the day.
• Sechelt or Halfmoon Bay: If you want more options or amenities, these towns are a short drive away. You can browse all of the main hotels here:

Powell River is a small city with a big outdoor reputation. From here you can head to Vancouver Island, start the Sunshine Coast Trail, or just chill at the historic townsite and sample the brewery’s selection. The town has a surprisingly rich arts and food scene, thanks to its mix of old mill-town roots and new creative energy. Add in a rugged coastline dotted with islands, lakes tucked into the hills, and some of BC’s most famous hiking routes, and you’ve got plenty to keep you busy.

1. Spend the Night At Tin Hat Hut: Tin Hat Hut is the most iconic hike you can do near Powell River. We have a full guide for what to expect and how to get there.
2. Explore the Historic Townsite: A National Historic District with over 400 heritage buildings. Stop into the Patricia Theatre (Canada’s oldest continuously operating cinema), or grab a pint at Townsite Brewing.
3. Hike a Section of the Sunshine Coast Trail: At 180 km, it’s Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trail, but you can sample shorter sections near town for alpine views and lakeside huts.
4. Take a Day Trip To Lund: A 25-minute drive north takes you to the “end of Highway 101.” From Lund you can hop boats to Savary Island or Desolation Sound, or just grab cinnamon buns at Nancy’s Bakery.
5. Lounge at Willingdon Beach: A family-friendly beach park right in town with a long shoreline, swimming area, and camping nearby.

1. Lois Lake: A big local lake great for swimming, paddling, or camping and is less touristy than Desolation Sound.
2. Hike Valentine Mountain: Short, steep hike right in town with one of the best panoramic views of Powell River, Texada, and Vancouver Island.

This is a cute cabin option just outside of town. Or Waterways is a solid boutique hotel option right by the ferry. You can browse other options in the area here:

Lund is literally the end of the road. Highway 101 terminates here and so do a lot of people’s Sunshine Coast trips. If you haven’t gotten enough yet, there is still always the water taxi to Savary island to keep the trip going.

Lund is amazing but it doesn’t have a lot going on. It's an easy day trip to do from Powell River, or you can spend a night if you’re also going to Savary.

1. Take a Tour or Paddle Out on Desolation Sound: World-famous kayaking in calm, warm waters surrounded by mountain backdrops. Tours and rentals available from Lund.
2. Visit Nancy’s Bakery: Get a coffee and a baked good and sit out on their patio by the boardwalk.
3. Have a meal or a pint at The Boardwalk Restaurant: Classic coastal seafood and pub-style fare right on the water.
4. Visit Savary Island: This is the main attraction and the reason most people stop in Lund.

Savary Island is a tiny stretch of sand, cliffs, and forest just off the northern tip of BC’s sunshine coast. It’s small, it’s quiet, and it doesn’t try to impress. There are locals that live here year round but in peak season they can be outnumbered by the day trippers. 

Beaches stretch for kilometers, the roads are dusty and uneven, and the charm is in the simplicity: one cafe, one general store, and ‘the pub’. Most visitors come for the beaches, the sunsets, and the laid back pace. A bike is well worth it as the island is a bit bigger than it appears and it's impractical to bring your car. The island transforms multiple times a day with the tides so plan your day around the moon and the general stores limited hours.

We’ve got you covered with a detailed guide. Or if you’re just curious what the island is all about here is a synopsis:

1. Rent Bikes and Beach Hop: Explore the island’s dirt roads and steep hills by bike. Regular rentals work well for campers, while e-bikes and scooters are great for day trips (but must be returned by 5 PM).
2. Catch Sunset at Indian Point: Massive sandy beach at the northwest tip with epic views of Vancouver Island. No facilities, so bring supplies and pack out garbage.
3. Have A Beach Day at South Beach: The best all-day beach with 8 km of white sand, calm shallow water, and plenty of driftwood shelters. Loses sun behind cliffs later in the day.
4. Get Coffee at Mermaid Café: Quirky, driftwood-decorated café serving coffee, meals, and woodfired pizza (summer only). Perfect stop en route to the north side.
5. Visit the General Store: Open year-round (rare for Savary). Stock up on groceries, local beer, and snacks. Limited hours: 12 to 5 PM daily.

1. Visit The Hacienda Farmers Market: Small summer market (Tuesdays and Saturdays, July to Aug). Casual vibe, worth checking if you’re around.
2. Boogie Board at Sutherland Beach: Shifting sandbars create shallow lagoons perfect for boogie boarding and younger kids. No facilities, bring what you need.
3. Take a Walk: Short, mellow trails like Mermaid Beach Trail and Sunset Trail show off the island’s forested interior and coastline. This is not a hiking destination, but good for an easy wander.

From Vancouver head to Horseshoe Bay and take the ferry over to Langdale. Highway 101 takes you across the entire coast up to Earls Cove. From there you can take another ferry to Saltery Bay and continue on to Lund, where the road actually ends.

Flying is an option too. Small planes and floatplanes connect to Sechelt, Powell River, and other spots, but making this a roadtrip is worth the longer commute.

If you don't have your own car, your best bet is picking one up in the city and then taking it across on the ferry. You can browse all the major Vancouver rental companies and compare there prices here:

The Sunshine Coast is like nowhere else in BC. It combines the mountainous scale of the mainland with the coastal charm of the islands. It's easy to get to but feels remote from the moment you get off the ferry. With a long history of artists, conscientious objectors, and free spirits washing up on the shores it has a distinct bohemian culture that you can’t find elsewhere.