Hikes in Sunshine Coast
Located along the southern portion of mainland British Columbia’s coastline, the Sunshine Coast is a sparsely populated region that is geographically isolated by the Strait of Georgia to the west and the Coast Mountains of the interior to the east. Because of this, the communities along the Sunshine Coast are really only accessible by boat or air. Stretching 180km from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, the dense rainforests and rugged coastline make for a remote and picturesque destination that is seen by many adventurers to be the perfect playground for a variety of outdoor activities.
While easy access to a good number of waterways might make water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding popular options for exploring the beautiful terrain along the coast, the region’s many hiking and biking trails provide a means to traverse the rugged mountains and dense forests that characterize the land here. With a number of pristine provincial parks like Tetrahedron, Mt. Richardson, Spipiyus, Francis Point, and Smuggler Cove all preserving the wild British Columbia landscape, there is certainly no shortage of breathtaking scenery to be experienced along the Sunshine Coast.
10 Great Hiking Routes on the Sunshine Coast
Although the rocky and rugged terrain along the Sunshine Coast might seem as though it fully exemplifies the terrain in the region, travelling just a bit further inland will reveal a wealth of wonderfully atmospheric temperate rainforests and rugged mountains featuring countless hiking routes that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. With a number of provincial parks that range from small coastal nature reserves where you can take in a beautiful sunset and watch the diverse wildlife to vast inland forests that are dotted with challenging peaks, there is no shortage of suitable terrain to be explored. Whether you are looking for a fun family-friendly walk along the beach or long distance route through the interior mountains of Tetrahedron Provincial Park, there is sure to be a hiking trail along the Sunshine Coast that is tailor-made to be your next adventure. Check out this list of our favourite hiking routes along the Sunshine Coast:
- Smuggler Cove: This 3.7 km hike is a fantastic adventure through Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park that provides some amazing views of the coast. With charming forest trails that are easy to navigate, this family-friendly hike is sure to be a favourite.
- Skookumchuck Narrows: A moderate length hike through the forest, this trail will take you to a scenic lookout with views of the churning waters of the Skookumchuck Narrows. Be sure to plan ahead and time your adventure with the tide to have the best viewing experience of this unique spot.
- Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail: This trail is an intermediate length adventure that will take you uphill for some stunning views of Howe Sound and Bowen Island. Although the trail has a fairly steep grade, it is more than manageable for casual hikers that want a bit of a challenge.
- Mount Steele: A bit of a longer hike, this 19.6 km journey through Tetrahedron Provincial Park will provide some amazing views of the nearby Tantalus Range. Elevation gain on this trail is largely spread throughout the route, making for a pleasant uphill climb through the forest and mountains.
- Francis Point Lighthouse Trail: A charming 2.6 km hike along the coast, this short trail will take you through Francis Point Provincial Park and its beautiful groves of arbutus trees. Parts of this trail are a bit rocky; however, stunning coastal views that stretch out to Texada Island await.
- Mount Gardner Loop Trail: A popular hiking route on Bowen Island, the Mount Gardner Loop will lead you uphill to a viewpoint with amazing views that sweep across the water from Vancouver Island to the mainland. Parts of the trail are poorly marked, so be sure to bring a map and keep an eye on the trail.
- Klein Lake: Another forested hike, this trail will lead you through a beautifully scenic woodland setting to arrive at the shores of Klein Lake. A good variety of terrain, scenic views, and the chance to hang out by the lake will make this hike a family favourite.
- Cliff Gilker Park Loop: A quick adventure near Sechelt, this trail will lead you through the rainforest to visit a lovely waterfall. The strong network of intersecting trails in the area can be a bit tricky to navigate, so be sure to bring a GPS for this one.
- Soames Hill Loop: Another short hike on the Sunshine Coast, the Soames Hill Loop will take you uphill to a viewpoint overlooking Howe Sound. Here, you will also enjoy views of the rugged mainland, as well as the Keats and Bowen islands.
- Inland Lake Loop: This fantastic day hike can be found within Inland Lake Provincial Park and takes you through the forest to walk the shores of a charming lake. Although the route is an intermediate length, the relatively easy to navigate terrain makes it perfectly suitable for casual and experienced hikers alike.
When is the Best Time to Hike the Sunshine Coast?
With mild average temperatures, weather along the Sunshine Coast remains favourable year-round, making it possible to plan a hiking trip here at any point depending on your tolerance for rain. An ideal window for hiking in the region ranges from May-October, although trails will likely be at their driest from June-August. While this time will likely see the largest number of tourists to the region, you should still be able to find some peace and quiet on several of the amazing hiking trails that can be found along the Sunshine Coast.
Other Outdoor Activities on the Sunshine Coast
Thanks to its beautiful forests and idyllic location along the Strait of Georgia, the Sunshine Coast offers access to countless outdoor activities to enjoy both on land and out on the water. Boating, fishing, and water sports like kayaking/canoeing/paddle boarding are all popular pastimes here, while hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling are great ways to explore the various landscapes along the coast. Although most of the communities along the coast will see a plentiful amount of rain during the winter, travelling a bit further inland towards the rugged, mountainous interior will provide opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling for those that prefer cold weather adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sunshine Coast
What is considered the Sunshine Coast?
Located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, the Sunshine Coast is a 180.0 km swathe of land along the Strait of Georgia that stretches from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound.
How do I get to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver?
Although part of the mainland, the mountainous terrain of the Sunshine Coast makes it extremely difficult to access by car. As such, water and air travel are the preferred methods to reach the different communities in the area. The best way to access the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver is to take the ferry between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale, an approximately 40 minute journey that runs every two hours.
Best Hikes in Sunshine Coast
Toquenatch Trail
The Toquenatch Trail is a 7.4 km out-and-back hiking route north of Sliammon, BC, that will allow you to experience the calm, relaxing nature and beauty of the temperate rainforests along the Sunshine Coast. As a section of the much longer Sunshine Coast Trail, this route is used for multiple purposes, although hiking, mountain biking, and trail running are the most popular. With a fairly minimal elevation gain, this trail is well-suited for casual hikers looking to simply meander along some wonderful forest paths.
User Ratings
Halfmoon Loop Trail
The Halfmoon Loop is a 4.0 km lollipop hiking route near Halfmoon Bay, BC that sets out from the Trout Lake Picnic Area and winds through a dense stretch of forest. Made up of wonderfully shaded pathways and relatively flat terrain, this well-maintained trail is perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels. If you are looking to make this hike into a full day excursion, try spending some time at nearby Trout Lake, where you can spread out for a nice picnic or go for a refreshing swim.
User Ratings
Pterodactyl Loop Trail
The Pterodactyl Loop is a 3.9 km hiking circuit near Sechelt, BC, that winds through the forests to the Welcome Wood Wilderness Park. With a breathtaking forest setting, easy terrain, and plenty of space to explore, this trail is perfect for a fun family excursion outdoors. As this trail is part of a dense network of routes within the park, hikers should bring a trail map or GPS to stay on the correct path.
User Ratings
Phare Lake Hike
The trek around Phare Lake follows a 6.0 km lollipop hiking route that will allow you to explore the landscape surrounding this picturesque woodland lake. This hike is perfect for hikers of all skill levels due to the amazing scenery and easy to traverse forest terrain. Along the route, you will experience a beautiful temperate rainforest setting that features interpretive trail signs to learn about the different species of plant and animal life in the area.
User Ratings
Easter Bluffs
The hike up to the Easter Bluff Viewpoint follows a 1.8 km out-and-back route that leads you uphill for some amazing views overlooking Cortes Bay. From the viewpoint, you can watch boats come in and out of the cove, while you sit and enjoy a nice picnic lunch along the Sunshine Coast. While the trail is fairly short and easy, there are some steep sections with rocks that will make travel difficult for families with strollers and there are also some drop offs at the top, so be sure to keep an eye on children when up near the viewing area.
User Ratings
Mansons Landing Loop Trail
The Mansons Landing Loop is a 9.5 km lollipop hiking route that begins in Mansons Landing Provincial Park and heads east through the forest to the edge of Gunflint Lake. Along the trail, hikers will experience an amazing forest setting to hike through while taking in the beautiful sights across the coastal landscape. Try timing your hike with the tide to check out the tidal pools that can be found in nearby Mansons Lagoon.
User Ratings
Wilde Creek Loop Trail
The Wilde Creek Loop is an 11.9 km lollipop hiking route near Sliammon, BC that will allow you to explore the amazingly scenic forests that can be found along the Sunshine Coast. You will gain a small amount of elevation along the hike as you work through the moss-covered trees and thick underbrush of the temperate rainforest. With a moderate incline and fairly easy-to-navigate trail, this route is a perfect option for casual hikers that want to build up their experience on intermediate-length routes.
User Ratings
Gibraltar Lookout Hike
The journey to the Gibraltar Lookout follows a 6.1 km out-and-back hiking route that climbs uphill through the forest to reach an amazingly scenic viewpoint. From the top of the trail, you will have a spectacular view across the vast forests of the Sunshine Coast, as well as the blue expanse of the Strait of Georgia. With favourable terrain and a steady incline all the way up to the viewpoint, this is a great trail for hikers of almost any skill level.
User Ratings
Kingfisher and McFall Creek Loop Hike
The Kingfisher and McFall Creek Loop is a 2.3 km lollipop hiking route that loops through an amazingly scenic West Coast temperate rainforest environment. Along the trail, you will be surrounded by an abundance of plant and animal life, as you cross over wooden bridges and bubbling forest streams that dissect the thick underbrush around you. While this is a fairly accessible hike, there are a few steps and uneven areas that might make travel difficult for less-mobile hikers.
User Ratings
Heron Trail
The Heron Trail is a 2.9 km lollipop hiking route in Powell River, BC that will take you from the Powell River Recreation Complex to the sands of Willingdon Beach by means of a scenic rainforest trail. Along the hike, you will experience that natural beauty of the West Coast temperate rainforest environment, as you hike past large cedars and small ferns on the way to the Sunshine Coast. With relatively flat terrain, scenic views, and a short overall distance, this hike is ideal for hikers of every skill level.
User Ratings
Rainy Day Lake Hike
The hike out to Rainy Day Lake follows an 8.2 km out-and-back route near Powell River, BC, that sets out from Saltery Bay and works inland through the forest until you arrive at the pristine shore of the lake. The route utilizes a gravel road for almost the entire distance to the lake, making it easy to access and traverse for hikers of almost any skill level. If you are making the journey with children, make sure to keep an eye on them and leave plenty of room along the road for passing vehicles.
User Ratings
Saltery Bay and Rainy Day Lake Loop
The Saltery Bay and Rainy Day Lake Loop is an 18.3 km lollipop hiking route near Powell River, BC, that will take you along the Sunshine Coast before heading inland to the scenic shores of Rainy Day Lake. Along the trail, you will experience the beautiful coastal landscape before hiking through a stunning forest setting to the picturesque waters of the lake, where you can gaze across the calm water at the heavily wooded mountain slopes of the surrounding area. If you are looking to turn this into an overnight trip, there are several cabins along the route that can be booked in advance.
User Ratings
Stillwater Bluffs Trail
The Stillwater Bluffs Trail is a 3.1 km lollipop hiking route along the Sunshine Coast that provides some amazing views overlooking the blue waters of the Georgia Strait. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting before breaking out of the tree cover to hike along the rocky bluff. This portion of the loop doesn’t have a dedicated trail, so you will need to follow the edge of the water and keep left until you return to the trail.
User Ratings
Holly Branch Loop Hike
The Holly Branch Loop is a 6.0 km lollipop hiking route near Powell River, BC, that will take you through a scenic West Coast temperate rainforest environment that is teeming with plant and animal life. Along the trail, you will hike alongside moss-covered trees and countless smaller species of plants including wild mushrooms and ferns before reaching a vantage point with views of a waterfall. This trail is perfect for a family excursion where kids can explore the mystical rainforest landscape like a true adventurer.
User Ratings
Malaspina Switchback Trail
The Malaspina Switchback Trail is a 6.9 km out-and-back hiking route in Powell River, BC, that will take you through the forest to a stretch of trail along the Sunshine Coast. Along the hike, you will make your way through a beautiful forest setting, hike alongside the flowing waters of the Powell River, and experience amazing views looking out across the Georgia Strait. With minor elevation gains and scenic coastal views, this is a great trail for hikers of almost every skill level.