From Gibsons to Egmont, beaches to rainforest, this self-guided road trip is the perfect introduction to the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy travel at your own pace while following a well-designed route that takes you to all the best spots on the Coast — it’s like having a local guide in the back seat.
DAY 1: VANCOUVER TO GIBSONS & MADEIRA PARK: Pick up your car and hop on the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy the scenic 40-minute ride on the sun deck or relax with a coffee in the lounge. Once you arrive, head to charming Gibsons for lunch at a cozy cafe or waterfront spot. Stroll the harbor, explore markets and galleries, or join an Indigenous-led walking tour to learn the area's story. Next, drive up to Madeira Park and Pender Harbour to watch fishermen and soaring eagles. Check into a waterfront villa, then unwind with dinner at the on-site restaurant. The evening's yours—perhaps enjoy spa time, soak in the hot tub, or relax in the seasonal infinity pool at Painted Boat!
DAY 2: SEA KAYAKING AND EXPLORING SECHELT: Today, get out on the water and explore the coast by sea kayak. This half-day guided tour will take you through the protected waters around Sechelt Inlet, Halfmoon Bay, or Smuggler Cove depending on the group's interests and ability. Keep an eye for marine mammals and bird life as you paddle along the rugged shoreline, including seals and jellyfish.
The afternoon is an open canvas - we'll work with you to plan an itinerary that suits your interests. Explore the towns of Sechelt or Roberts Creek with no shortage of local cafes, craft shops and galleries. Spend the day hiking nearby trails, or relax on the beach with a good book. Other guided experiences include Forest Bathing experience, brewery tour, or art tour where you'll get behind-the-scenes with some of the many renowned artists on the coast. We can recommend some fantastic restaurants for a nice dinner out by the water, whether you're craving fresh oysters, Mexican, Italian, or a true fine dining experience.
DAY 3: PRINCESS LOUISA INLET TOUR: Today you join a guided boat tour from Egmont to Princess Louisa Inlet and the iconic Chatterbox Falls. This is a full day tour and requires a packed lunch. The first two hours are spent weaving up the Jervis Inlet, where you'll marvel at the glacial-carved fjords with their impressive granite walls rising from the ocean to plateaus some 1500m above. Along the way, your local guide will delight with stories of the fascinating history of this area - from historic homesteads, trade routes, and logging, to First Nations hunting, overwintering grounds, and pictographs.
At the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet, the boat slows as you meander through the powerful Malibu Rapids, feeling the push and pull from the current in every direction. The final cruise up the inlet to Chatterbox Falls is nothing short of breathtaking - the steep granite walls narrow in, and melting snowpack and fresh rain can create as many as 60 waterfalls flowing down the rock faces. At the head of the inlet, you approach Chatterbox Falls, an impressive waterfall tumbling 40m into the ocean. This area is said to be the most beautiful anchorage in the world, and you'll join other sightseers and boaters alike as you tie up at the dock and head into the park. Enjoy lunch ashore and time to explore the falls and surrounding Provincial Park.
You return to Egmont by mid/late afternoon, with time to hike to the famous Skookumchuk narrows rapids, or simply relax in the sun and reflect on your day. For your final night, we recommend a luxurious dinner at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge, or visiting Ruby Lake Resort for a fresh Italian dinner.
DAY 4: FREE DAY ON THE COAST: Explore the diverse outdoor, cultural, and culinary experiences on the Sunshine Coast. You can choose from a variety of optional add-ons, such as spa services, kayaking, scenic floatplane tour, sunset boat cruise, forest therapy experience, yoga, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, and more.
DAY 5: RETURN TO GIBSONS AND VANCOUVER: As you make your way leisurely down the coast, the scenic stops are yours for the choosing. When you reach Gibsons, enjoy a final stroll along the beach or the harbour, or stop for a drink at Persephone Brewing - a local favourite. Catch your ferry in the afternoon at a time of your choosing. Carry on to Vancouver to drop off your car rental.
Included:
Not Included:
Offered through our partner, Landsby.
Two items of checked baggage included with every fare, per passenger.
Complimentary snacks and light meals on each flight.
Exceptional customer service and support.
Air North, Yukon’s Airline is proud to offer authentic Yukon hospitality across Canada, offering flights between the Yukon and British Columbia, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Ontario.
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