Getting Here & Getting Around

Getting to the Sunshine Coast is part of the adventure.

The Sunshine Coast is located on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada (just northwest of Vancouver) and stretches 180 km (110 mi) along the Salish Sea, from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Although it’s part of BC’s mainland, access to the region is by air or by water only due to the mountainous terrain. There are no bridges connecting the Sunshine Coast to the Vancouver or Vancouver Island regions.

Sunshine Coast Communities

Ferry . . . . . . . Ferry Route Airport
Click to explore all communities

Get to Know the Sunshine Coast

Discover a string of quaint, coastal communities that offer a slower pace of life, allowing you to truly connect to nature.

Gibsons

Ch’ḵw’elhp

Gibsons sits at the southwest corner of Howe Sound, perched on a hillside overlooking several small islands. It was featured in a classic CBC TV show called The Beachcombers.

Read More

Gambier Island

Chá7elkwnech

Gambier Island is home to approximately 100 permanent residents. BC Ferries and local water taxis offer convenient foot passenger service.

Read More

Keats Island

Lheḵ’tínes

Keats Island is located just offshore from the community of Gibsons. BC Ferries and local water taxis offer convenient foot passenger service.

Read More

Roberts Creek

xwesam / Stelḵáya

Roberts Creek is a funky artist community. Discover cultural and natural attractions in the area such as the Roberts Creek Mandala and the waterfalls in Cliff Gilker Park.

Read More

Sechelt

ch’atlich

Sechelt sits on a narrow isthmus that separates the Sechelt Inlet from the Salish Sea. It serves as a fantastic adventure hub and is also home to a bustling arts scene.

Read More

Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove

xwilkway

Discover some of the most stunning coastline and beach access points on the Sunshine Coast in Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove. These areas are full of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Read More

Thormanby Island

sxwélap

Thormanby Island is known for its beaches, a large bay that provides safe anchorage for boats, and provincial parks that offer backcountry camping opportunities.

Read More

Pender Harbour

Kalpilin

Pender Harbour is the name of a harbour and also the larger area around the harbour, which is surrounded by small communities such as Madeira Park (salalus), Kleindale, and Garden Bay.

Read More

Egmont

sḵwelawt

Egmont is home to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park. You'll also find a range of waterfront accommodations and restaurants, along with unforgettable kayaking and boat tours.

Read More

Nelson Island

Nelson Island is accessible by private boat or floatplane. It sits along the BC Ferries route between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay, so you can easily view the island during your ferry trip.

Read More

Powell River

tiskʷat

Powell River is a city surrounded by natural beauty and adventure. It's home to the Sunshine Coast Trail, the Powell Forest Canoe Route, and more.

Read More

Texada Island

Sah yeh yeen

Texada Island is affectionately called “The Rock” by locals. BC ferries offers car & foot passenger service from Powell River.

Read More

Lund

Kla Ah Men

Lund is known as the “End of the Road” due to its location at Mile 0 of Highway 101, which is part of one of the longest highway networks in the world, running from Canada to Chile.

Read More

Savary Island

Kayeqwan

Savary Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Salish Sea, featuring white sand beaches & stunning ocean and mountain views. Water taxi service is available from Lund.

Read More

Copeland Islands

The Copeland Islands (also known locally as the Ragged Islands) offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Read More

Getting Here

You can get to the Sunshine Coast by ferry, private boat, or plane. Ferry options include taking your own vehicle, travelling by bus, or walking on to the ferry (you can even bring your bike).

Making a ferry reservation is recommended, but if you’re unable to make a reservation, keep in mind that space is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Getting Around

Highway 101, also known as the Sunshine Coast Highway, connects the communities of the Sunshine Coast. If you have your own vehicle, travelling within the region is as simple as putting wheels to the pavement. Our highway is suitable for all vehicle types, from motorcycles to large commercial trucks. Current road conditions can be viewed on DriveBC, where you can view highway webcams and construction and incident notices.

Other transportation options include buses, shuttles, ride hailing, car sharing, cycling, and even water taxis.

Transportation Listings

Browse through the business listings below to learn more about transportation options on the Sunshine Coast.