Winter Adventure Itinerary
While most think of the Coast as a summer destination, winters on the Sunshine Coast are mild, relaxed, and and full of great opportunities to escape the crowds. This itinerary is built for the winter adventurer. It’s for those who aren’t afraid to get a bit wet (and maybe a little chilly) before getting cozy.
WHAT TO PACK
The weather on the Sunshine Coast can change daily. Bring layered clothing, camping gear, overnight packs, snowshoes, hiking poles (if preferred), matches and lighter, a light cookstove (propane or white gas), sleeping pads and bags, waterproof gear, etc. Pellets and a fire starter for wood stoves are a must if you plan to spend the night at Tin Hat Hut. The Sunshine Coast Trail has recommendations for backpackers on what to bring. This is not an exhaustive list so be sure to do your own planning as well.
BEFORE YOU GO: SAFE TRIP PLANNING
This itinerary has suggestions for backcountry travel, winter snowshoeing, and hiking. Snowshoeing and hiking in winter conditions can be hazardous. If you are travelling through avalanche terrain, you and everyone in your group must be self-sufficient, carry all the proper gear (transceiver, shovel, and probe), have avalanche training. BC Adventure Smart is a great resource to help you get informed before heading outdoors. Remember the three T’s–trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
Winter Adventures on the Sunshine Coast: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Day 1
Travel to the Sunshine Coast. If you’re coming from Vancouver and beyond, your journey will begin on BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. If you’re coming from Vancouver Island, you could travel this itinerary in reverse after taking BC Ferries from Comox to Powell River.
Fuel Up on Local Coffee
Fuel up before your winter adventure in the snow with a locally roasted brew from Strait Coffee in Sechelt. Strait is located at the turnoff towards Dakota Ridge, making it an easy stop for a jolt of caffeine before heading for the hills.
Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge
Head up to Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area for a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. There are 20 km (12 mi) of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and 7 km (4 mi) of groomed and wilderness snowshoe trails to explore.
Get Rental Equipment and a Shuttle to Dakota Ridge (if needed)
Rental equipment, shuttles, lessons, and tours are available from Alpha Adventures in Sechelt to help get you into the mountains.
Grab Lunch with a View
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Wobbly Canoe, overlooking the ocean at Davis Bay. The view is perfect and the food is delicious.
It's time to head north. Travel along scenic Highway 101 towards Egmont. This is the perfect place to rest your head for the night.
Tuck in for the Night
Check into the Backeddy Resort & Marina. The resort's cozy cabins overlook the ocean in a relaxing and peaceful setting.
Day 2
Flightseeing Tour
After a cozy night in a seaside cabin, it's time to see the Sunshine Coast from the air. If you make arrangements ahead of time, Sunshine Coast Air can pick you up at the dock at Backeddy Resort & Marina.
Lunch at the Backeddy Pub
Open for lunch and dinner, the pub at the Backeddy Resort & Marina serves up great food in a cozy atmosphere.
Stay Another Night
Why leave a good thing? Stay one more night at the Backeddy Resort & Marina before embarking on your next winter adventure.
Day 3
When you check out of the Backeddy Resort & Marina, you are only a 15-minute drive away from the ferry terminal in Earls Cove. Jump on BC Ferries and take the 50-minute crossing to Saltery Bay, just south of Powell River.
Stock Up on Supplies
Before your next adventure, you'll need to stock up on food supplies for an overnight trip into the backcountry. Shop ahead of time at Save-On-Foods in Powell River.
Snowshoe to Tin Hat Hut
Grab your snowshoes and head out for an overnight adventure to Tin Hat Hut, along the Sunshine Coast Trail. This hut is winterized and has a pellet stove to keep you warm. Enjoy 360 degree views from the hut of mountains, lakes, inlets, and the ocean. It makes the perfect destination for a winter adventure. Sunshine Coast Shuttle can help with transportation information, shuttles, and logistics for the Sunshine Coast Trail and Tin Hat Hut.
Stay Overnight at Tin Hat Hut
The Tin Hat Hut on the Sunshine Coast Trail is free for guests to stay overnight and is operated on a first-come, first-served basis, but please consider making a donation towards trail maintenance. You’ll need to bring your own food, cooking supplies, pellets for the stove, sleeping bag and mat, first aid kit, and any other camping supplies you may need for your trip.
Day 4
Heading Home
Enjoy a slow morning at Tin Hat Hut before hiking down. If you have time or want to extend your trip, spend some time exploring more of Powell River and Lund.
Begin your journey home by heading south on Highway 101 to return to Vancouver and beyond, or take the ferry from Powell River to Comox on Vancouver Island.
