The Sunshine Coast is one of the premier mountain biking regions in Canada. With year round riding and a labyrinth of trail systems, it's no wonder the Sunshine Coast has become a must-ride destination for racers and recreationalists alike. Road cyclists will be challenged by the 170+km Hwy 101. This scenic masterpiece weaves along the shoreline before giving way to the inland lakes near Pender Harbour. Don't be afraid to seek the road less travelled as there are countless mountain biking routes and trails. Your mini mountain bikers will love Sprockids Park with over 14 km (8.4 mi) of trails with jumps, downhill, teeter-bars and ramps. Most of the biking routes loop back to the park centre so riders can enjoy many trails.

The BC Bike Race travels the length of the Coast each July. So grab your bike and come 'Ride Where the Pros Ride'!

Click here for a list of biking tour operators, rentals and equipment sales.

Cruising coastal waterways is both pastime and passion for many on the Sunshine Coast. Our boating season is year-round, with an abundance of marine life including sea lions, porpoises and orcas, which provide great wildlife viewing while at sea. Our waters are easily reached from Vancouver area marinas, or from the Gulf Islands and US. Unspoiled anchorages and protected bays are waiting to be explored by adventurous boaters. Many harbours have commercial marinas where you can dock your boat, get supplies, rent a boat or kayak, get a meal or sign on for excursions. Click here for a marinas.

From “roughing it” to “glamping” and everything in between the Sunshine Coast can accommodate any kind of camping need! With 37 Provincial Parks, many privately owned campgrounds and RV parks, some open year round, with great amenities all nestled in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.

Diving

Deep fjords and inlets along the Sunshine Coast offer excellent cold-water diving. The waters of Skookumchuck Narrows at the entrance of Sechelt Inlet are highly rated by diving magazines and the Cousteau Society. Topping the list of dive sites is the scuttled WWII Royal Canadian Navy escort destroyer, the 112 m (366 ft) HMCS Chaudière. Sunk by the Artificial Reef Society of BC in 1992 at the mouth of Salmon Inlet, it's now a colourful marine ecosystem of orange plumous anemones, white tube worms and ling cod. In Powell River waters, lost anchors, strange rock formations and flourishing sea life make Pirate Rock one of the area's most dramatic dives. The most popular shore dive is at Mermaid Cove where Canada's first underwater statue rests serenely; the Emerald Princess is a 2.5 m (8 ft) sunken bronze mermaid. Click here for tour operators and equipment rental.

Choose your own adventure and explore the Sunshine Coast by land, air or water. The Coast’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage will rejuvenate your senses and nourish your soul. Whichever way you choose to experience the Sunshine Coast, it will be unforgettable.

Water
With the pristine Pacific coastline as our backyard there’s no better way to experience the Sunshine Coast then by water. With vast local knowledge and insight Sunshine Coast tour operators are one of the best resources for getting the true Sunshine Coast experience. The invigorating fresh ocean air will make seeing the breathtaking beauty of the Coast’s various inlets, narrows, straits, marine parks and water falls that much more memorable! Grab your camera and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget. Tour operators offer a variety of tours, private charters (and equipment rentals) that can range from short hour-long excursions to overnight trips. For a list of experienced tour operators visit our Directory Listing.

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Air 
Get a bird’s eye view of the Sunshine Coast and soar over majestic inlets, fjords, narrows, straits, and water falls. For a list of experienced tour operators visit our Directory Listing.

 

 

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Land
Whether it’s on foot, bike, cross-country skies or snowshoes you are in for an awe inspiring adventure. Our majestic old growth forests, mountain and ocean vistas provide a stunning back drop for you to explore. From easy paths to intense trails, design your own trek lasting from half an hour to several days on snow, terra firma or both on the same day! Our Visitor Information Centres can help you plan your hike and our experienced tour operators are always available to guide you in the right direction and provide equipment.

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Cultural
Welcome to the traditional territories of the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh), Sechelt (Shíshálh), and Sliammon (Tla’Amin) First Nations. From artist demonstrations to learning about the ecosystems the First Nations of the Sunshine Coast are ready to share their abundance of history and rich culture. For a list of experienced tour operators visit our Directory Listing.

 

Powell River's mill town roots are on display in the historic Townsite. Check out landmark buildings like the Patricia Theatre, Dwight Hall, and the Rodmay Hotel, as well as the nearby Catalyst paper mill. Walking tours are available. Powell River Historical Museum is a highlight.

Saltwater anglers can expect great peak-season salmon fishing along our magnificent coastline. The Strait of Georgia is a major salmon migration route and is accessible from any of our communities, from Gibsons to Earls Cove. The deep waters of Pender Harbour are famous for giant lingcod, in addition to salmon. Shellfish include prawns, crab, oysters and clams. The Coast's charming little villages make great bases for fishing the many mountain-fed streams and lakes full of steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

To ensure a rewarding fishing experience, charters and guides are recommended. Charter operators, equipment and boat rentals, and welcoming fishing resorts are plentiful. If you are travelling with your own boat, there are many opportunities for moorage along the Coast.

Fishing licences are mandatory in British Columbia and can be purchased at marinas. Look for the free British Columbia Freshwater & Saltwater Sport Fishing Guide at Visitor Info Centres.

Our majestic old growth forests, mountain and ocean vistas provide a stunning back drop for hikers to explore. From easy paths to intense trails, design your own trek from easy to extreme, half an hour to several days. Our Visitor Information Centre’s can help you plan your hike. The Sunshine Coast is home to the renowned Sunshine Coast Trail. The trail can easily be explored in smaller sections, or via one extraordinary multi-day hiking vacation! Shelters dot the trail at stunning locations and make for an interesting day hike, or a secure overnight experience.

Inland Lake Provincial Park - This 13 km, one-of-a-kind trail, loops around Inland Lake and is fully wheelchair-accessible. The circuit includes boardwalks, bridges, and a crushed limestone path.

Soames Hill – Conquering “The Knob” can be done in a short 40 minutes and don’t forget to leave some time for a water/snack break at the top and take in the stunning views of Gibsons Harbour, the coastal mountain range, and Vancouver Island.

Hidden Grove – “for hardy hikers and strollers too” Choose from a variety of trails from easy 15 minutes walks to more difficult hikes of 3-4 kms.  For those with mobility concerns check out the “take it easy accessibly trail.”

The Suncoaster Trail – 37 km of nature starting at Earls Cove and making your way down to Homesite Creek in Halfmoon Bay.  There are easy exit points along the way so with a little planning you can hike during the day and camp, enjoy a B&B or even a resort in the evenings. 

Other trails to explore:

Powell Forest Canoe Route
Langdale Creek Trail & Falls
The Mount Elphinstone Heritage Trails
Waterfall Trail Tramway Trail
Cliff Gilker Park
Lower Chapman Creek Trail  
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park,
Sargent Bay Provincial Park Trail
Smuggler's Cove Hike
Halfmoon Fir Trail
Homesite Caves Trail
Pender Hill Trail
Mount Daniel in Garden Bay
Skookumchuck Narrows Park, Mount Steele Trail
Holly Branch Trail
Lang Creek Trail
Sweetwater Trail
Confederation Lake
Haywire Bay
Marathon-Appleton Trail
Powell River Greenways Trail