Hikes in Sunshine Coast

The trail to Smuggler Cove is a 3.7 km lollipop hiking route that will take you through the forests of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park to arrive at a viewpoint overlooking the coast. Along the trail, you will experience a charming forest setting with a wooden boardwalk and breathtaking views across the Strait of Georgia. With relatively easy terrain and picturesque scenery, this scenic hike is sure to be a family favourite where you can create lasting memories on the Sunshine Coast.

The Skookumchuck Narrows trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back hiking route within Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park that will take you from the town of Egmont to a scenic viewpoint looking out over the Sechelt Islets and the rushing water of the narrows. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting and pass by the calm waters of Brown Lake before arriving at the viewpoints overlooking violent rapids and swirling whirlpools. Make sure to time your hike with the tide for the best viewing experience along this unique stretch of water.

The Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail is a 12.2 km out-and-back hiking route near Gibsons, BC, that will take you up to a viewpoint overlooking Bowen Island and Howe Sound. This challenging route is a bit of a leg-burner, as it climbs sharply uphill with an elevation gain of 1,065 m. Although steep, the trail is very well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for casual and experienced hikers that are looking for a tough hike.

The Mount Gardner Loop Trail is a 9.7 km lollipop hiking circuit on Bowen Island that will take you up to a wooden viewing platform at the summit. From there, you will have a sweeping view that stretches west to Vancouver Island and east across the North Shore Mountains and the city of Vancouver. This is a fairly easy trail; however, it is poorly marked in places, meaning that you will need to bring a GPS or a good trail map to stay on the correct route.

The Mount Steele trail is a 19.6 km out-and-back hiking route in Tetrahedron Provincial Park that will take you up to the summit for some breathtaking views that stretch northwest to the Tantalus Range. Although the route has a large elevation gain, this is spread throughout the hike, making for a lengthy but not overly difficult trek up the mountain. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing old-growth forest setting, as well as views of Edwards Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks.

The Mount Gardner Hikers Trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back hiking route on Bowen Island that offers an alternate route to reach the viewpoint at the summit. Although it is a bit more steep and challenging, once you reach the top, you will have the same amazing views looking out across the water to mainland British Columbia. Make sure to bring a trail map/GPS, as there are intersecting trails that can make navigation on the mountain a bit tricky at times.

The Cliff Gilker Park Loop is a 2.1 km lollipop hiking route near Sechelt, BC, that is part of a dense network of trails through the forest. Along the hike, you will experience an amazing West Coast temperate rainforest setting, make your way over scenic bridge crossings, and visit a charming waterfall. Due to the easy terrain and well-maintained park trails, this route is perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels; however, you should make sure to bring a trail map or GPS to avoid straying from the main path on one of the intersecting trails.

The Soames Hill Loop is a 2.6 km lollipop hiking route in Gibsons, BC, that climbs uphill to a lookout over Howe Sound. From the summit of the hill, you will have an amazing view across the water to Keats Island, Bowen Island, and mainland British Columbia in the distance. There are a number of stairs along the route, which may restrict usage of this trail for less-mobile hikers.

The Inland Lake Loop is a 12.9 km hiking circuit near Powell River, BC, that will take you around the shores of this beautiful woodland lake. Located in Inland Lake Provincial Park, the trail passes through a scenic stretch of forest and skirts along the edge of the lake to provide amazing views across the water. Made up of relatively easy-to-navigate terrain, this trail makes for a perfect day-hike with little need to physically exert yourself.

The Tin Hat Mountain Hike is an 18.3 km hiking circuit near Powell River, BC, that traverses a variety of terrain types on the way to the summit of Tin Hat Mountain. Along the trail, you will experience beautiful stretches of forest, open meadows, rocky terrain, and an amazing viewpoint from the summit that stretches across the Sunshine Coast. If you are looking to make this into a multi-day hike, you can deviate from the trail at the southern edge of Lewis Lake to reach the Lewis Lake Recreation Site.

The Francis Point Lighthouse Trail is a 2.6 km out-and-back hiking route in Francis Point Provincial Park that will take you through a beautiful grove of arbutus trees and along the coastline to arrive at a small lighthouse beacon. Along the trail, you will experience a tranquil forest setting and have amazing views stretching across the strait to Texada Island. Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear, as some parts of the trail are rocky and can become quite slippery when wet.

The Klein Lake Trail is an 8.7 km out-and-back hiking route that passes through a charming stretch of forest on the way to a scenic woodland lake. Along the trail, you will be able to relax in the serene forest atmosphere and visit a rocky viewpoint overlooking the lake before heading down to its shores for a fun day by the water. This is a fantastic half-day hike that the whole family will be able to enjoy.

The Triangle Lake Trail is an 8.6 km hiking circuit in Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, BC that will take you through a magnificent stretch of West Coast temperate rainforest to the edges of a small lake. With easy to navigate trails, small elevation gains, and interesting forest terrain; this route is perfect for hikers of most skill levels, including families. Make plenty of noise along the trail and remember to bring bear spray, as bears are often spotted in the vicinity around the trail.

The Dorman Point Trail is a 2.4 km out-and-back hiking route on Bowen Island that is located right near the ferry terminal and will provide you with amazing views across to the mainland. While the route is short, it is also a steep route up to the lookout, so be prepared to break a bit of a sweat. Bring some binoculars and keep an eye out for eagles that are sometimes spotted in the area.

The Mud Lake Hike is a 3.9 km loop trail near Powell River, BC, that meanders through a moss-covered forest that surrounds a small but scenic lake. The primary scenery along the trail is that of a picturesque forest setting, complete with old wooden bridges and moss-covered trees. The trail itself is made up of relatively flat pathways through the forest; however, there are some stairs along the route that could impede mobility for some hikers.

The Hidden Grove Loop is a 4.7 km hiking circuit north of Sechelt, BC, that will lead you through an amazing forest of old-growth cedar and hemlock trees. While the trail is made up of easy terrain and is fairly straightforward to follow, you might want to consider bringing a GPS or map, as there are some intersecting trails along the route. Make sure to read the interpretive signs to learn about the amazing plant and animal life that can be found in the area.

The trek to Burnett Falls follows a 0.5 km out-and-back hiking route that climbs uphill to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfall. Although it is very short, the route works up an elevation gain of 30 m through the forest, eventually providing views across the canyon and the cascading water of the falls. Make sure to time this hike for the winter or spring when the water levels are generally higher and the powerful falls will create more of a spectacle.

The Big Tree Loop is a 4.5 km lollipop hiking route near Sechelt, BC, that passes through the Big Tree Trail & Picnic Recreation Site along a shady rainforest pathway. Throughout the hike, you will be surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the forest, complete with moss-covered trees, mushrooms and ferns blanketing the forest floor. This is a fun, family-friendly route that is perfect for exploring the West Coast temperate rainforest landscape.

The Homesite Creek Falls Hike is made up of two scenic hiking routes that lead through the forest to several viewpoints overlooking three different waterfalls. The first route is known as the Falls Trail and is a short out-and-back route that follows the south bank of Homesite Creek for an amazing view of the third waterfall only. The second path, known as the Nature Trail, follows a lollipop route along the northern bank that visits all three waterfalls and a loop through the scenic forest.

The trail to Confederation Lake is a 16.3 km out-and-back hiking route near Powell River, BC, that will take you from the edge of Inland Lake on a steady climb through the forest until you arrive at Confederation Lake. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting, pass by the gorgeous Stealth Falls, and have some partial views overlooking the Inland and Powell lakes. This is a great trail for both casual and experienced hikers that are looking for a longer but not overly difficult route near Powell River.