Located within the traditional territory of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Xwémalhkwu First Nations, Lund (Klah ah men) sits at the end—or beginning, depending on your perspective—of Highway 101. It's part of a 15,000-kilometre highway network that links the Pacific coast from Chile to Canada’s Sunshine Coast, and while you may not be road tripping that far, Lund’s location at the proverbial "end of the road" has long captured the imagination of intrepid travellers who like to explore off the beaten path.
Lund is also known as the Gateway to Desolation Sound, which is home to Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park. It's the largest marine park in BC and is popular with boaters and kayakers alike.
Along with plenty of adventures awaiting in Lund’s big and beautiful backyard, you'll find some charming spots to check out in this small village. Here are a few ideas to add to your Sunshine Coast trip itinerary—keep in mind that business operating hours can vary, and some businesses operate seasonally, so it’s best to check ahead of time. Parking can be limited during peak times in the summer; paid lots are available and it's important to park in designated lots, and not along Highway 101.
1. Stroll Around the Village & Waterfront
The main seaside village area extends for only a few short blocks and is home to the local post office, a general store, public marina, and a handful of local shops and eateries. There’s a picturesque view around nearly every corner in Lund.
Lund is home to incredible marine life and wildlife, which can sometimes be seen from the town's boardwalk and pathways. The short, wooden boardwalk wraps around the town's marina, connecting to The Boardwalk Restaurant and a couple of accommodations via short pathways. The boardwalk is ideal for a post-meal stretch, snapping photos of boats bobbing in the harbour, and opportunities to spot everything from eagles swooping overhead to seals popping their heads out of the glassy water.
Walk the full Lund Loop (highlighted on this Lund & Desolation Sound map) and don’t forget to visit the Mile 0 Marker and snap a photo in front of it. Built in 2009, this stone pillar signifies the start/end of Highway 101. Be sure to keep an eye out for the hand-painted sign near the Lund Water Taxi office, which settles the debate on whether locals consider this to be the start or end of the highway.
2. Shop for Sweaters, Art, and More
There are a handful of local shops to check out in Lund. Pollen Sweaters are ubiquitous around town and are another local claim to fame. These West Coast staples are made in Lund using pure, itch-free wool, and are known for their ability to withstand the local elements and for their easy, no-fuss care. While they come in a variety of styles, they're modelled after the classic mariner's crewneck sweater—a helpful addition to your wardrobe if you're planning to spend a week sailing or kayaking in Desolation Sound.
At the Tug-Guhm Gallery Studio, artist Debra Bevaart carves sculptures out of blocks of stone. You’ll often see her at work, bringing life to what was once an ordinary piece of rock. The gallery also features artwork from over 50 local artists—everything from prints and paintings to sculptures and pottery—and is a great spot to pick out a souvenir from your trip.
The Stockpile Market is owned by the Tla’amin Nation and is where you’ll find souvenirs featuring Indigenous artwork. Items from the Native Northwest collection range from t-shirts, bags, and wallets to bowls, cups, and keychains. This is also the spot to stock up on snacks and drinks for your trip.
Visit the Lund Soap Company for handmade, cold process, natural soaps that come in scents like Blackberry & Lavender, Lund Sunset, and Fisherman’s Soap. You’ll also find lip butters, shampoo and conditioner bars, and bath salts on offer.
There are also spots that require an appointment or a call ahead. Artists Jan Lovewell and Rob Robb are behind Rare Earth Pottery, creating functional and sculptural raku and wood-fired pottery. RSC Knits Studio is a small shop that carries a wide selection of wool and yarns, and Three Stone Soup Fibre Studio offers studio drop-ins, workshops, and slow fashion textile pieces.
3. Dig into a Delicious Meal
When it comes to breakfast and lunch, Nancy’s Bakery is always bustling with activity. While the bakery is known for its cinnamon buns that come in a variety of flavours, you’ll also find coffee and beverages, fresh bread, scones, muffins, and sandwiches on the menu. You can also get coffee at The Stockpile Market, along with a variety of ready-to-eat meal options like salads and sandwiches. The market also has hot items on offer each day, and you can call ahead or simply pop by to see what’s available.
When it’s time for lunch and dinner, there are a couple of great spots to enjoy some seafood (and more). The Boardwalk Restaurant is expected to open for the season in May, meaning that visitors will soon be able to get their fix of (gluten free) crispy fish & chips, fried oysters, and cheesy seafood poutine. There are also some great non-seafood options, like a lamb burger and chicken tacos. Over at the 101 Bar & Grill which is currently open for limited hours, the menu features fish & chips, a salmon burger, curried mussels, and calamari. Non-seafood options include items like the southwest steak salad or alfredo linguine; but no matter what you choose, don't forget to pair your meal with a beer from Powell River’s Townsite Brewing. If you're looking for a post-meal sweet treat, Sassy Mack's Ice Cream opens up next to Nancy's Bakery in the summer months. They serve up handmade ice cream in various flavours, and typically have a vegan option available as well.
In Okeover Inlet (about 3km away), you’ll find Laughing Oyster Restaurant. The restaurant is currently open for dinner on select nights, and has a seafood-forward menu. Think lobster and crab bisque, seared scallops, baked salmon wellington, and more. Be sure to end your dinner on a sweet note, with options like crème brûlée and sticky toffee pudding.
4. Get Out on the Water
Lund is a coastal paradise, offering access to stunning marine landscapes and islands just beyond its shoreline–including places like Desolation Sound, Savary Island, the Copeland Islands, Mitlenatch Island, and Okeover Arm.
Kayaking is a popular activity in Lund, with services offered in the late spring and summer months. Terracentric Coastal Adventures offers kayak rentals (keep in mind someone in your group needs to have experience) along with guided trips of different lengths. Book a half day trip (3 or 4 hours), a full day trip (6 or 8 hours), or a multi-day trip (ranging from a 3-day beginner-friendly adventure to a 6-day immersive expedition). Footprint Nature Explorations offers single day (6 hours) and multi-day trips (2- to 6-day tours), along with special kayak tours for birding enthusiasts. Multi-day expeditions with local operators include stays at remote basecamps while shorter excursions will introduce you to the dramatic beauty of the Sunshine Coast in just a few hours.
Paddleboarding in Lund is also an option. Wilder Adventure Rentals offers mobile rentals, meaning they will drop off equipment in Lund Harbour (or nearby spots like Okeover Arm Provincial Park) for your use. This includes boards, paddles, life jackets, and leashes.
If boating is more your style, Terracentric Coastal Adventures offers zodiac tours that range in length from 3.5 hours to 8 hours. These tours are a great way to explore spots like Desolation Sound, Toba Inlet, and Mitlenatch Island. If you’re into fishing, consider booking a charter with a knowledgeable local guide such as Pristine Charters. The fishing near Lund is not-to-be-missed and combines a scenic day out with the chance to catch your dinner. All anglers must have a tidal waters license (for any species of saltwater finfish or shellfish) and adhere to fishing regulations.
You can also hail a taxi—by water! Lund Water Taxi provides service to nearby islands that surround Lund, including Savary Island and Cortes Island. They offer safe transport for bikes and kayaks, meaning you can bring your favorite mode of activity along with you to more easily explore this corner of the Sunshine Coast. Savary Island Ferry provides scheduled service to Savary Island, as well as charter services. Water taxi services can book up fast in summer, so reservations are recommended.
5. Relax at a Local Park
Local parks are perfect for some low-key time spent outside. Take a picnic (just remember to pack out what you pack in) and a book, and simply unwind for a while.
Diver's Rock Regional Park, which faces west towards Vancouver Island, features a rocky shoreline with excellent perches for sunset spotting. Kla Ah Men Lund Gazebo Regional Park has a sheltered gazebo and a patch of grass that’s perfect for spreading out a blanket. A little further away, Okeover Arm Provincial Park faces towards its namesake waterway and often frames sailboats in the distance.
6. Go for a Hike
The 180-kilometre Sunshine Coast Trail starts just north of Lund at Sarah Point, which can be accessed via water taxi–a very cool way to kick-off a hut-to-hut hiking trip. You can also get to other points along the main Sunshine Coast Trail like Bliss Portage and Manzanita Bluffs via a handful of access trails.
If you want to access Sarah Point by boat, Terracentric Coastal Adventures, Lund Water Taxi, and Savary Island Ferry offer drop-offs. If you want to access the Sunshine Coast Trail by land, you can either hike one of the access trails or arrange transport services with Sunshine Coast Shuttle. Along with offering pick-up and drop-off services, this operator also offers resupply services as well as trail packages that include help with itinerary planning.
7. Visit the Tidal Arts Centre
Housed in a former Forestry Station on Finn Bay Road, the Tidal Arts Centre functions as a space for local and visiting artists to display their work and as a gathering space for residents and visitors to take part in rotating workshops. It houses a clayworks and pottery studio with all the tools needed to throw your own piece, as well as a printmaking studio with a large printing press, work surface, ink, and paper. Meanwhile, the on-site gallery displays rotating art exhibitions of a high calibre, ranging from fibre arts to ceramics to paintings of all mediums and expressions.
Opening hours are tied to shows, events, and classes. Be sure to check the centre’s website to see what’s happening during your visit.
8. Spend the Night in Cool Accommodations
Hunker down for the night in one of Lund's unique accommodations. Options include The Lund Resort at Klah ah men, a waterfront resort operated by the Tla’amin Nation; Lund Harbour House, a nautical-themed suite that overlooks the Lund Harbour; SunLund RV Park & Cabins, which is in a quiet, treed area just steps away from the Harbour; The Magical Dome, a secluded cottage; and Finn Bay Farm, a 13-acre homestead that features a Mongolian-style yurt cottage and their more modern Blue Jay cottage.
There are more accommodations located further afield. If you’re looking for a remote wilderness option, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an Indigenous-owned and -operated retreat that's tucked away in the secluded and wildly beautiful Toba Inlet. The resort’s packages include boat transfer from Lund, meals, and activities (including bear viewing in the fall).
Over in Okeover Inlet, Desolation Sound Resort offers rustic chalets that can sleep up to 8 people at a time, while Oyster Beds (at Laughing Oyster Restaurant) offers a number of tiny home cabins. There’s also Cabana Desolation Eco Resort, which offers all-inclusive guided sea kayaking stays or “chill & immerse” stays that depart from Okeover Inlet and include accommodation on a remote island in Desolation Sound.
Find more places to stay on the Sunshine Coast here.
