Driving the Sunshine Coast in BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

The Sunshine Coast of British Columbia is one of Canada’s great road trips. This drive up the rugged and remote stretch of the BC coast is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, and it won’t be long until road trippers are flocking to this destination.

Things to do in the Sunshine Coast BC

Located on the mainland of BC, the Sunshine Coast is accessible via a ferry, helicopter, or plane. Its remote yet accessible nature makes it one of our favorite places to visit in BC.

While we were traveling the Sunshine Coast, we witnessed a wealthy land on a helipad in Lund, the gateway to Desolation Sound; however, we took the more affordable and scenic trip north by hopping aboard the Sunshine Coast Ferry from Horseshoe Bay. This ferry hub, located just north of Vancouver, offers a scenic 50-minute ride through the Georgian Strait.

Where is the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast is situated north of Vancouver along the Strait of Georgia. After taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to the Langdale Ferry Terminal, travelers can drive along Sunshine Coast Highway 101 all the way to Lund.

Day 1 – Vancouver

Before exploring the Sunshine Coast, consider spending at least one night in Vancouver. This beautiful West Coast city is a gateway to Alaska with cruise ships leaving the port all summer long and serves as a starting point for those driving the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. With numerous attractions, it’s advisable to visit Stanley Park, False Creek, Granville Island, and Gastown.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Opus Vancouver is an excellent boutique hotel located in Yaletown, walking distance to many attractions. It has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top hotels and offers a stylish experience with dining and nightlife options nearby.

Day 2 – Ferry to Gibsons, BC

It’s time to board the ferry to the Sunshine Coast! After our stay in Vancouver, we made our way to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal to catch the ferry to Langdale Ferry Terminal. This scenic trip takes approximately 50 minutes, so make sure to enjoy the beautiful views from the deck.

Gibsons, BC

Once we arrived, we headed to Gibsons Landing, a bustling town set against the stunning backdrop of Howe Sound. We were thrilled to discover that this location was the setting for the beloved Canadian television show, The Beachcombers.

Beachcombers – Canadian History in Gibsons

Gibsons Landing boasts a proud Canadian heritage, and right in the center of town, there’s a corner dedicated to the long-running series, with their iconic boat, The Persephone, located just up the street from Molly’s Reach restaurant.

With plenty of artists’ shops and waterfront restaurants, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two exploring Gibsons Landing. Be sure to stroll along the boardwalk for marvelous views of the marina, where one might even catch sight of sea lions playing in the bay. Don’t forget to stop by Gibson’s Public Market, just 5 km from Langdale Ferry Terminal, to pick up some local delicacies like artisan chocolate, fresh fruit, and baked goods.

Day 3 – Roberts Creek and Sechelt, BC

Day three of our Sunshine Coast road trip takes us through Roberts Creek to Sechelt. Though it’s only a 30-minute drive from Gibsons, there’s so much to do here that you’ll want to take your time to enjoy hiking, paddling, and the breathtaking views.

Robert’s Creek

We stopped at Roberts Creek for breakfast, a local favorite spot that offers organic coffee perfect for a stroll along the pier. Art lovers will appreciate the vibrant art scene in this area.

Roberts Creek is ideal for paddle boarding or kayaking, and its long beach is perfect for a relaxing walk. Just ensure you have beach or water shoes, as some beaches in BC can be rocky. This treasure of the Sunshine Coast is fantastic for hiking as well.

As you head to the waterfront, look for the Native Art Mural at Roberts Creek Mandala. The Sunshine Coast is home to the Squamish, Sechelt, Tla’amin, and Klahoose First Nations Peoples, so experiencing their culture and heritage is significant during your visit.

• Fun Fact: Did you know that the Sunshine Coast has more than 700 km of mountain biking trails? If you bring your mountain bike, you can enjoy trails at nearly every stop!

Sechelt, BC

Sechelt is one of the largest communities on the Sunshine Coast, and a walk along the sea wall at sunset is a must-do. Like the rest of the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt is brimming with artists’ workshops. It’s the central hub, offering an ideal base for booking boat tours and day trips.

With numerous boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, Sechelt is also a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.

If you’re staying overnight, dining options abound. The Lighthouse Pub is a favorite among locals and tourists, located on Porpoise Bay with spectacular sunset and marina views. If you prefer a downtown experience, consider dining at Shift Kitchen and Tapas Bar or Ty’s Fine Foods and Bistro.

The Lighthouse Pub has been a popular gathering spot since 1988, boasting outstanding views of the area’s natural beauty.

Where to Stay in Sechelt

Sechelt is just 24 minutes from Bonniebrook Lodge, so you can easily continue your stay or explore new hotels in Sechelt. Alternatively, consider the Driftwood Inn located on the waterfront steps away from the beach.

• Pedals and Paddles is a great place to rent kayaks, take guided kayaking tours, or hop on a zodiac for a boat tour of the coast.

Day 4 – Smugglers Cove to Rockwater Resort

Prepare for a beautiful day on the Sunshine Coast, filled with hiking and outdoor activities. Before setting off, we stopped at the picturesque Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay

This small community may be lesser-known, but its breathtaking scenery captivated us. A haven for kayakers and paddlers, Half Moon Bay features beach access and an artistic community showcasing local talent along the trails.

Smugglers Cove

Next, we ventured to the star attraction of the day, Smuggler Cove. From the parking lot, a thrilling 4km hike leads to the Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park. This hidden cove once served as a refuge for illegal mariners and rum runners during prohibition. The hike presents beautiful views as you traverse boardwalks over bogs.

During prohibition, it served as a safe haven for rum runners transporting whiskey across the border. Additionally, it was a route for smuggling Chinese railway workers out of Canada. This area offers both stunning beauty and rich history to explore.

Where to Stay in Smugglers Cove

Rockwater Resort is a luxurious tented camp that promises an unforgettable experience. If your budget allows, spend two nights in this idyllic setting featuring glamping at its finest. The luxury tents come equipped with stunning ocean views, stone showers, hot tubs, gas fireplaces, and king-size beds.

The resort offers connection through a 500-meter boardwalk leading to treehouses tucked in the forest. With swimming pools, restaurants, and water sports available, this is the ideal romantic getaway. Spending two nights here also gives you the chance to explore Pender Harbour along the Sunshine Coast Highway.

Day 5 – Saltery Bay Ferry to Powell River

One of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast drive is hopping on ferries as you travel between communities. Continuing north, we boarded the Saltery Bay ferry to access the northern section of our journey. The views continued to amaze, so we opted to bask in the scenery rather than spend time inside. Quick snack bars on board offer coffee and light lunches if needed.

Sunshine Coast Trail

Saltery Bay marks the starting point of the Sunshine Coast Trail, a 71-kilometer hike stretching to Sarah Point in Desolation Sound, recognized as Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hike. For those seeking adventure, this iconic multiday backcountry hike should definitely be on your bucket list.

Powell River

Upon disembarking from the ferry, we headed to Powell River, once home to the world’s largest paper mill. Don’t miss the chance to explore the National Historic Site “The Old Town of Powell,” built around the mill, where several historic buildings dating back to 1910 have been preserved. The Patricia Theatre, the oldest active cinema in BC, is also located here and offers a walking tour through historic sites.

With so many activities available, a single day in Powell River is simply not enough. Options include mountain biking, paddling, rock climbing, or just relaxing. The scenic waterfront is lined with restaurants and shops, perfect for a tranquil escape.

Where to Stay in Powell River

The Beach Gardens Resort and Marina on Malaspina Strait is a top choice for its stunning views into Desolation Sound.

Day 6 – Lund

Our final destination on the Sunshine Coast is Lund, which warrants several days for exploration if possible. Many visitors opt for helicopter trips from Vancouver to maximize their time here (Lund Resort features a helipad).

Desolation Sound

While in Lund, be sure to book a tour to Desolation Sound, recognized for its rugged coastline, and a prime location for wildlife and seabird observations, including bald eagles. Lund serves as the stepping-off point for these excursions, with options available through the Lund Resort at Klah a Men or Terracentric Coastal Adventures. Herdando and Savory Island boast beautiful beaches, while Major Rock is home to a colony of sea lions and seabirds. Water taxis to the islands are easy to arrange, with prices starting at $12 one way. Check rates and times here.

For the adventurous type, consider hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail all the way to Desolation Sound.

Hiking in the Sunshine Coast

We booked a hiking tour with Terracentric Coastal Adventures that led us to the easy Hertato Trail, offering stunning views of the Salish Sea. Consequently, spending time in Lund should not be rushed. The Lund Water Taxi operates year-round services to Savary Island and surrounding areas.

Instead of tackling the entire Sunshine Coast Trail, you can join guided day hikes to better experience the area’s rugged beauty.

Where to Stay in Lund

The Lund Resort at Klah ah Men should be on your list when visiting BC’s Sunshine Coast. Operated by the Tla’amin Nation, it features a marina, helipad, and easy access to walking trails. Experience local culture and activity-packed stays with boat tours available. Check rates and availability on TripAdvisor

Excursion options abound, and Terracentric Adventures on site offers whale watching, dolphin tours, and seasonal bear watching trips in Desolation Sound. Exploring the coast by zodiac also provides thrilling experiences.

Day 7 – Continue on to Vancouver Island

If you have more time to spare, consider catching a ferry to Vancouver Island, continuing the Sunshine Coast Circle Tour. Travel back to Powell River, then take a ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Comox, BC. The journey continues through Nanaimo and onto Victoria before heading back to Vancouver. Unfortunately, time constraints prevented us from completing the entire loop.

Day 7 – Head Back To Vancouver

We opted not to continue the tour and instead returned to Vancouver from Lund. The roads backtracked through familiar areas of the Sunshine Coast, allowing for a later departure to catch the last ferry from Gibson’s Landing. The journey from Gibsons to Lund is just 162 km, making for a brief travel duration.

Embarking on a Sunshine Coast road trip transports you to a rugged, untamed landscape while providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city of Vancouver. For those seeking a thrilling British Columbia road trip, driving through the Sunshine Coast will undoubtedly satisfy your wanderlust.

Start planning your adventure to the Sunshine Coast BC today!