Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast and Powell River
The Sunshine Coast is located in the southwest corner of mainland BC and stretches from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound.
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Vancouver
Vancouver is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Queen Elizabeth Park, English Bay and iconic Stanley Park are just some of the places to take in Vancouver’s breathtaking beauty. Explore Vancouver’s history by visiting Gastown—the city’s birthplace—and complete your trip with a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium or the Vancouver Lookout.
West Vancouver
Cypress Mountain viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Lower Mainland. It’s an ideal place to watch the sunrise or sunset or grab a snack at the Pop-Up Village before venturing onto the 200-metre long Illuminated Trestle Bridge. If you prefer something closer to the water enjoy the 2.8 mile (6,500 step) scenic stroll along the West Vancouver Seawall.
Horseshoe Bay
The gateway to Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and central Vancouver Island, Horseshoe Bay is a quaint and picturesque seaside village on the North Shore of Vancouver. Dig into crispy fish ‘n’ chips and watch the ferries sailing into port, or enjoy a great family rest stop while enjoying the waterfront playground.
Horseshoe Bay to Langdale Ferry
Take a scenic ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. On board, enjoy a west coast inspired shopping experience at Passages and a variety of delicious food and beverage options. Available on select sailings.
Langdale & Gibsons
On the north side of Howe Sound, the tiny village of Langdale is home to the BC Ferry terminal linking Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast. A few minutes south of the Langdale Ferry Terimnal, Gibsons is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. Surrounded by mountains and water and with a mild climate, you’ll experience the best of coastal living.
Keats Island
Keats Island is a small, scenic island in Howe Sound. Locals and visitors can access Keats Island with BC Ferries’ foot passenger service from Langdale, private water taxi from Gibsons, or private boat.
Gambier Island
Gambier Island is the largest island in Howe Sound and truly exudes relaxed island vibes. BC Ferries operates a foot passenger ferry from Langdale (Gibsons) to Gambier Island (New Brighton). Visitors to the island should be self-sufficient as there are no stores or restaurants.
Roberts Creek
Roberts Creek is an artist community with many cultural and natural attractions. Art lover’s can visit the Roberts Creek Mandala, a community art project at the base of Roberts Creek Pier, or tour local art studios. Nature lover’s will enjoy the waterfalls and trails at Cliff Gilker Park.
Sechelt
Enveloped in coastline and forests, Sechelt is a popular adventure hub. Stop at the Visitor Centre to get local insights, pick up a souvenir, or explore the surrounding gardens. Popular activities include the Sechelt Seawall, Sechelt Aquatic Centre, and downtown shopping.
Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove
Halfmoon Bay and Secret Cove, just north of Sechelt, are full of outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and biking to paddling and fishing. Whether you want to explore local art studios, enjoy a seaside picnic, or go for a dip in the water, you can do it all here.
Thormanby Island
Thormanby Island is located near Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove and is accessible by boat or water taxi. It’s known for its beaches, a large bay that provides safe anchorage for boats, and provincial parks that offer backcountry camping opportunities.
Pender Harbour
Located north of Sechelt along Highway 101, ḵalpilin (Pender Harbour) is the name of a harbour, which is surrounded by small communities. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in and around ḵalpilin, and like many parts of the Sunshine Coast, the area is also home to a substantial artist population which makes it a great place to find live music, galleries, and artist studios.
Egmont
Egmont (sk̲welawt) sits on the Sechelt Inlet, a quick 10 minutes from the Earls Cove ferry terminal. You’ll find a range of waterfront accommodations and restaurants, along with hiking opportunities and unforgettable kayaking and boat tours.
Nelson Island
Nelson Island sits just between the north and south portions of the Sunshine Coast. The island is accessible by private boat or floatplane, primarily from Egmont or Pender Harbour; it also sits along the BC Ferries route between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay, so you can take in views of the island during your ferry trip.
Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay Ferry
Take a scenic ferry ride from Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay. On board, enjoy a west coast inspired shopping experience at Passages and a variety of delicious food and beverage options. Available on select sailings.
Powell River
Powell River offers unspoiled wilderness beauty, endless ocean vistas and more than 36 lakes in temperate rainforest to explore. Here you will find friendly locals, unique neighbourhoods and a wide variety of events and art venues to keep you entertained.
Let Powell River tell its story while you visit.
Texada Island
At over 300 square kilometres, Texada Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands. Home to approximately 1,126 people, the island is part of the qathet Regional District and is located just a short ferry ride from Powell River’s Westview ferry terminal.
Lund
Lund is a small, picturesque community located at the north end of BC’s Sunshine Coast. It’s known as the “End of the Road” due to its location at Mile 0 of Highway 101, which is part of one of the longest highway networks in the world, running along the coast from Canada to Chile.
Savary Island
Savary Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Salish Sea, with gleaming white sand beaches, stunning ocean and mountain views, and some of the warmest waters north of Mexico. Services are limited on the island, so visitors must plan and prepare accordingly and act responsibly during their visit.
Copeland Islands
The Copeland Islands (also known locally as the Ragged Islands) are located just north of Lund. This group of islands and islets is sometimes overlooked by kayakers and boaters as they make their way toward Desolation Sound, but they offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.