Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast

This self-drive walking and sea kayaking trip welcomes you into the intriguing world of Canada's Sunshine Coast.

With such diverse landscapes and thriving marine life, it's no wonder Canada's Sunshine Coast is famous for both hiking and sea kayaking. Walking trails are plentiful to suit all abilities; similarly, our sea kayaking tours are aimed towards beginners and can be adapted by your water guide. Beginning in the vibrant city of Vancouver, enjoy a stroll through Stanley Park, book a whale watching tour, or visit North America's largest night market. Your first ferry takes you to Gibsons, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and a popular spot with artists and outdoor enthusiasts. Gibsons is home to excellent walking trails including Langdale Falls, a gorgeous 40 foot waterfall cascading into a mossy canyon, and Soames Hill, taking you to the best lookouts along the coast. From here, you can easily explore the seaside communities of Sechelt and Roberts Creek where you'll have your first taste of sea kayaking along the many protected coves of Sechelt Inlet. Moving onto your next base in Madeira Park, you can stroll along the coast to Francis Point Lighthouse, through dense rainforest in Halfmoon Bay, learn about First Nations history in Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park, and watch in awe as expert kayakers take on the tidal rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows. As evening approaches, excitement builds for your bioluminescence kayaking tour where you can witness the glowing waters and incredible marine life; an unforgettable experience! A scenic ferry ride brings you to your last base in Powell River. Here, you can walk part of Canada's longest hut-to-hut route - The Sunshine Coast Trail - reaching the iconic viewpoint of Tin Hat Mountain with 360-degree mountain views. Along the coast, you can enjoy the sandy beaches of Hurtado Bay before heading towards Lund where soft forest with rich flora awaits. From Desolation Sound (British Columbia's largest Marine Park and world class kayaking destination), you have a full day of guided sea kayaking on the serene Okeover Inlet back to Desolation Sound - a fantastic end to your trip! When it comes to fauna and flora, you're spoilt for choice with the potential to see porpoises, seals, orcas, and humpback whales on the water, whilst the trails are home to many species of interesting plants, flowers, and berries. You'll become immersed in vibrant art communities, reconnect with nature, and enjoy spectacular scenery as you explore this inspiring coastline which remains under the radar - for now! Your accommodation is equally as unique and beautiful as the Sunshine Coast itself. Set in tranquil, waterfront locations, these remarkable resorts are fantastic hideaways, surrounded by nature and often with paddleboards or canoe/kayak rental should you wish to explore more of the nearby waters.