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Sunshine Coast Walking Summer Adventure

Sunshine Coast Walking Summer Adventure

From $ 2,555 AUD

Description

Travel by road and by sea on the west coast of Canada with a 5-day summer adventure from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast. Less well-known than many of its other natural counterparts in BC and Alberta, the Sunshine Coast has much to offer a North American explorer – and on this tour, with some cushy inclusions as standard. Your knowledgeable leader will introduce you to this stretch of land hugging the Georgia Strait, where quaint seaside communities and lush wilderness await. Ferry across the Strait on several scenic rides, hike the Sunshine Coast and Willingdon Beach trails and discover the rush and roar of the Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids, all while enjoying Canada’s long summer days.

Trip Name
Sunshine Coast Walking Summer Adventure
Last Updated
2023-08-22
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Soak up the warm, summertime rays of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, named for the 2400 hours of sunshine it receives every year.
  • With fewer visitors than nearby Vancouver Island and other parts of BC, this ferry-access-only region will have you feeling like you’re escaping the normal summer crowds for something entirely new.
  • You’ll not only experience south-western Canada by land, but also by sea. Voyage on a number of short ferry journeys that will provide some pretty epic vistas.
  • Embark on several scenic leader-led hikes, including along the Sunshine Coast and Willingdon Beach trails, and to check out the mighty Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids.
  • With all the ferry bookings taken care of and private transport arranged, you won’t have to stress about a thing. Your mind will be focused on finding the next place to eat or whether to book an optional kayaking adventure.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Vancouver to Sechelt
Welcome to Vancouver! Today is an early start at 8:30 am for your welcome meeting. After your briefing, depart in a private vehicle towards Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal for a 1.5-hour transfer to Langdale. Back on land, grab some lunch and take a 30-minute drive to tonight’s stop in sleepy Sechelt. Once you are all checked in, head out on a leader-led walk around town, then perhaps catch the sunset by the sea. With a free evening tonight, you may wish to gather your group and head out for a meal. Be sure to ask your group leader for their favourite picks. With not a lot of time spent in Canada’s western hub, it’s highly recommended to spend an extra day or two here to see what Vancouver has to offer. The Gastown neighbourhood, Stanley Park and Granville Island are just some of the hotspots to check out if you have time.
Day 2 - Powell River
Grab breakfast from one of the many cafes around town before departing with your group mid-morning for Powell River. Hit the road along Canada’s Sunshine Coast for an hour-long scenic drive that hugs the coastline and offers up some lovely serene views. Stop for photos along the way, then board a ferry from Earl's Cove Terminal for a 1-hour cruise to Saltery Bay. After another 30-minute drive, arrive in the historic town of Powell River – your base for the next couple of nights. Grab yourself some lunch then join your leader on a stroll around town and along the picture-perfect Willingdon Beach Trail. Afterwards, freshen up at your hotel, then join a beer-tasting experience (with some light dinner) at a local brewery. Sit back, relax and let the conversation (and beers!) flow.
Day 3 - Powell River
Rise and shine, and be sure to get some breakfast, before heading off at around 8 am for a 3-hour hike along the Sunshine Coast Trail. During the hike, you’ll walk through verdant rainforests and past some tall waterfalls. It’s one of Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trails, but you and your small group will just be taking on a small section. There will be plenty of stops to take some panoramic photos along the way. Keep in mind that you’ll arrive back in town around 1 pm, so it’s wise to bring some snacks with you this morning. The afternoon is at your leisure, so you’re free to keep exploring at your own pace. Perhaps browse some local shops or test out the many breweries and distilleries around town.
Day 4 - Gibsons
Enjoy your own breakfast then hit the road by 9 am. Head south in your private vehicle and take the same ferry crossing back to Earls Cove. This time, however, you’ll make a slight detour to Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids for a 2-hour leader-led hike in a lush rainforest. You might even be lucky to catch the tides changing along the rapids, which is quite a sight twice daily. Afterwards, find a local eatery to refuel with your group then head towards the small town of Gibsons by 3 pm. This afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps visit a brewery or local museum or make the short walk up Soames Hill for wonderful harbour views. Tonight, your leader will offer an optional dinner with the group to celebrate your time along Canada’s Sunshine Coast. Gibsons has some fantastic seafood establishments if you’d like to try some freshly caught Pacific fish.
Day 5 - Vancouver
Debart Gibsons by 11 am, bound for Langdale to take the return leg of your 1.5-hour ferry ride across to Horseshoe Bay and onwards to Vancouver. You’ll arrive back at around 4 pm, where the tour will end. With no activities planned, you are free to leave the group, continuing your own adventure or beginning your homeward journey.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-05-202430-05-2024AUD $ 2,555-
16-06-202420-06-2024AUD $ 2,555-
07-07-202411-07-2024AUD $ 2,555-
28-07-202401-08-2024AUD $ 2,555-
18-08-202422-08-2024AUD $ 2,555-
08-09-202412-09-2024AUD $ 2,555-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Ferry

Map