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. Strait is located at the turnoff towards Dakota Ridge, making it an easy stop for a jolt of caffeine before heading for the hills.

STRAIT COFFEE
4330 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, BC
straitcoffee.ca   

Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge

Head up to Dakota Ridge 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.

DAKOTA RIDGE WINTER RECREATION AREA
1975 Field Road Sechelt, BC V0N 3A1
scrd.ca  

Get Rental Equipment and a Shuttle to Dakota Ridge (if needed)

Rental equipment, shuttles, lessons, and tours are available from Alpha Adventures to help get you into the mountains.

ALPHA ADVENTURES - OUTDOOR ADVENTURE STORE
#2- 4330 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, BC
outdooradventurestore.ca  

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.

WOBBLY CANOE
4774 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, BC
wobblycanoe.com 

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

Stay in these cozy cabins overlooking the ocean for a relaxing and peaceful sleep.

BACKEDDY RESORT & MARINA
16660 Backeddy Road, Egmont
backeddy.ca  
 

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, Harbour Air can pick you up at the dock at Backeddy Resort & Marina.

HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES
Lighthouse Marine Pub, 5764 Wharf Avenue, Sechelt
harbourair.com 

Lunch at the Backeddy Pub

Open for lunch and dinner, the pub at the Backeddy Resort & Marina serves up great food in a cosy atmosphere.

BACKEDDY RESORT & MARINA
16660 Backeddy Road, Egmont
backeddy.ca   

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.

SAVE ON FOODS
7100 Alberni Street, 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.

TIN HAT HUT
Along the Sunshine Coast Trail
sunshinecoast-trail.com  

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 it is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.

TIN HAT HUT
sunshinecoast-trail.com  
 

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, here are more suggestions for exploring 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.

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