Sunshine Coast

Tourism Information

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Welcome to the Sunshine Coast, BC!

Discover Paradise on Canada’s West Coast!

Nestled on Canada’s stunning West Coast, the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored! This area is the traditional lands of the shíshálh Nation and offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and outdoor adventure. It’s a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and relaxation seekers. Discover the best of Sunshine Coast!

Getting to Sunshine Coast

Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast

BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay: Begin your journey with a scenic BC Ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver. As you cruise through Howe Sound to the ferry terminal at Langdale in Gibsons, be prepared for breathtaking views of coastal mountains and fjords.
Harbour Air Floatplane from Vancouver: For a quick and picturesque commute, take a floatplane from downtown Vancouver to Sechelt, or Powell River!

Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast

BC Ferries from Comox: Visitors from Vancouver Island can easily access the Sunshine Coast by taking a BC Ferries voyage from Comox to Powell River.

Discover the Areas of the Sunshine Coast 

Gibsons

Gibsons, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast, is a picturesque coastal town that offers a charming seaside community and vibrant atmosphere. With stunning waterfront views, a quaint marina, and colourful buildings adorning the streets, it’s a postcard-worthy destination! Just a short ferry ride from Gibsons lies Keats Island, a serene escape known for its tranquil beaches and lush hiking trails.

Roberts Creek

Located between Gibsons and Sechelt, Roberts Creek is a small, charming coastal community known for its serene ambiance and natural beauty. With its lush forests, tranquil beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life! 

Sechelt 

This popular coastal gem offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and community charm. With its scenic shoreline, quaint downtown area, and welcoming atmosphere, Sechelt is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. At nearby Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kilometres of forested hiking trails and a tranquil bay, perfect for enjoying the fresh ocean air and unparalleled views of the Salish Sea (formerly the Strait of Georgia) and the beautiful fjords! Just a short drive north, visit Davis Bay where you can stroll along the shores and take in more breathtaking coastal views. Sechelt is the perfect starting point to explore the wonders of the Sunshine Coast, providing a serene backdrop for your coastal adventures.

Halfmoon Bay

Nestled in a little cove on the shores of the Salish Sea, Halfmoon Bay is renowned for its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking scenery. With its crescent-shaped bay, lush forests, and serenity, Halfmoon Bay is an ideal escape for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation. The town is complemented by nearby attractions like Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, an ecological gem featuring forested trails, rugged coastlines, and hidden coves. Whether you’re exploring the park’s wilderness, taking in stunning coastal vistas, or simply unwinding by the bay, Halfmoon Bay offers a serene coastal retreat, perfect for reconnecting with nature and oneself.

Madeira Park 

Madeira Park is a coastal gem offering a tranquil escape amidst the natural beauty of British Columbia. With its stunning waterfront and charming communities of Pender Harbour and Garden Bay, Madeira Park is a laid-back destination on the west coast. Here, you can visit the marina, embark on coastal adventures and explore the lush surrounding forests. 

Egmont

Where the Jervis Inlet and Sechelt Inlet meet, you’ll find Egmont – a hidden coastal gem that beckons visitors with its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. It’s here that you’ll find the incredible Skookumchuck Narrows where the unique tidal rapids occur twice daily as the tides between the Jervis Inlet and Sechelt Inlet change directions. With its picturesque waterfront, lush landscapes, and a laid-back ambiance, Egmont is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a tranquil escape. Nearby Earls Cove also serves as the BC Ferries terminal to the northern towns of the Sunshine Coast like Powell River and Lund and offers visitors awe inspiring passage through the fjords. 

Powell River

Powell River offers visitors a distinct rugged beauty and vibrant community spirit, with stunning waterfront views, a thriving arts scene, and a friendly atmosphere. This coastal town is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, and is the starting point for the remarkable Sunshine Coast Trail, a 180-kilometer hiking route through old-growth forests and alpine meadows. To get to Powell River, visitors will take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay, which offers breathtaking views of the fjords. Powell River combines natural wonders and community charm, inviting you to explore the culture and natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.

Lund

This coastal haven offers visitors serene beauty and small-town, west coast charm. With its idyllic waterfront, welcoming community, and unhurried ambiance, Lund offers a peaceful retreat for relaxation and exploration. This picturesque village serves as a gateway to nearby wonders, including the pristine Savary Island. With its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Savary Island is a paradise for beachcombers and nature enthusiasts. Lund provides an ideal starting point to explore the Sunshine Coast, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for tranquility and adventure.

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast  

Restaurants & More 

The Sunshine Coast offers visitors incredible culinary options that celebrate the region’s local flavours. Farm-to-table dining thrives, with local produce, artisanal cheeses, organic fruits, vegetables and fresh seafood on many menus. Don’t miss out on the vibrant Sunshine Coast farmers’ markets, where you can enjoy mouth watering street food, handmade goods and fresh local harvest. Enjoy craft beer at local breweries like Persephone Brewery and incredible coffee at charming coffee shops. No matter where you are on the Sunshine Coast, the culinary scene is a delightful fusion of coastal flavors and farm-fresh goodness, promising a taste of paradise with every bite!

Outdoor Recreation 

The Sunshine Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities amidst breathtaking natural landscapes. With diverse terrains and pristine natural beauty, this region offers unparalleled outdoor recreation no matter what you’re looking for!

For those drawn to the depths of the ocean, scuba diving here is a unique and incredible experience. Explore the vibrant underwater ecosystems of the Canadian fjords, with colorful marine life and submerged treasures waiting to be discovered beneath the waves.

Cyclists will revel in the scenic routes that wind through coastal villages and dense forests and mountain biking trails for all levels offer thrilling rides along rugged trails, offering an adrenaline rush amidst stunning landscapes.

Fishing enthusiasts will find prize winning catches in the abundant waters surrounding the Sunshine Coast, where avid anglers can find opportunities to reel in beautiful salmon, trout, cod and halibut! Rock climbers can ascend the challenging cliffs that grace the coastline, offering both a physical and mental challenge with rewarding coastal views.

Golfers can tee off on world-class courses with breathtaking ocean views, making each round a memorable experience. In the winter months, the region transforms into a snowshoer’s paradise, with serene trails through snow-covered forests.

Hikers can conquer the rugged trails of Soames Hill or tackle the Sunshine Coast Trail, a sprawling 180-kilometer network, from Sarah Point in Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay. This challenging trail offers hikers and backpackers some of the most incredible scenery from dense, old growth forest trails to pristine beaches and cascading waterfalls. 

For those looking for a real adventure, the Powell Forest Canoe Route is a 57 kilometre, five portage journey that allows you to explore this incredible area in a unique and truly, west coast way. 

With its plethora of outdoor activities, the Sunshine Coast offers unparalleled adventures in one of British Columbia’s most enchanting regions. Whether you’re an underwater explorer, a cycling enthusiast, a fishing aficionado, or a snowshoeing adventurer, this coastal paradise has something to offer every outdoor lover.

Tours on the Sunshine Coast

Tours are a great way to explore the Sunshine Coast’s natural wonders! Whether you want to explore by land or sea, this coastal paradise offers a diverse array of experiences!

Rent an e-bike or scooter, book a tour and enjoy this fun and eco-friendly way to discover the region! Glide effortlessly along scenic routes, taking in the breathtaking coastal vistas and charming villages.

Looking to explore the ocean? On the Sunshine Coast, visitors can embark on kayaking and paddleboarding adventures, navigate pristine waters, uncover hidden coves, and witness the vibrant marine life that calls this area home. This region is also a renowned destination for whale watching, and eco tours where you can spot humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales in their natural habitat. Eco tours also provide an educational journey into the region’s biodiversity, indigenous heritage, and conservation efforts, deepening your connection to this coastal paradise. 

For a unique perspective, take to the skies with floatplane tours that offer stunning aerial views of the Sunshine Coast’s fjords, mountains, and inlets!

Whether by land, sea, or air, the Sunshine Coast’s tours promise unforgettable adventures in a spectacular setting!

Indigenous Experiences 

The Sunshine Coast offers many opportunities to explore and engage with the rich indigenous culture of the region. Visitors can embark on guided tours led by knowledgeable First Nations guides and art galleries and cultural centers showcase indigenous artworks, from intricate carvings to stunning paintings, allowing visitors to appreciate the depth of indigenous creativity. Additionally, special events and festivals celebrate the indigenous heritage, offering a chance to partake in traditional dances, feasts, and ceremonies. These experiences offer a profound connection to the Sunshine Coast’s indigenous roots, fostering respect and appreciation for its diverse cultures.

How to Book a Vacation Rental on the Sunshine Coast 

There are lots of accommodation options out there, but when it comes to immersing yourself in the lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast there is no better option than booking an EMR vacation rental with! EMR Vacation Rentals offer some of the most exclusive vacation rentals in stunning locations across British Columbia! Whether you’re looking for a tranquil getaway or a home-base for exploration and outdoor recreation, with EMR, you’ll find your perfect vacation rental. Book today and start planning your Sunshine Coast adventure tomorrow!