Walking Canada’s Sunshine Coast

Walking Canada’s Sunshine Coast

9 Days Starting and ending in Vancouver

Visiting: Vancouver, Gibsons, Sunshine Coast, Madeira Park, Powell River

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W08SC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Multi-Level

Age range:

12-99

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4505 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 04-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey along Canada's Sunshine Coast with our "Walking Canada’s Sunshine Coast" tour. This self-paced adventure invites you to reconnect with nature, offering sweeping ocean vistas, woodland creeks, and encounters with rare flora and fauna. Stay in remarkable waterfront retreats that promise beauty and tranquility. Your journey begins in vibrant Vancouver, where you'll collect your rental car for a seamless exploration of the coast, including four ferry rides. Discover the lush landscapes of Gibsons, Sechelt, and Roberts Creek, and ascend the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail for panoramic views. Explore the rocky outcrops of Madeira Park and the serene trails of Powell River. For an unforgettable experience, consider adding a rail journey through the Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer or a stay at the unique Indigenous Klahoose Wilderness Resort. Enjoy eight nights of unique accommodations and all breakfasts, with the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Highlights

  • Reconnect with nature as you explore Canada's captivating Sunshine Coast at your own pace.

  • Experience sweeping ocean vistas and woodland creeks with rare flora and fauna.

  • Explore lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons, and alpine lakes in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Roberts Creek.

  • Hike the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail for expansive views of Vancouver, Gibsons, Bowen Island, and Howe Sound.

  • Visit the rocky outcrop of Smugglers Cove and the Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park in Madeira Park.

  • Walk through vibrant forests with views of Okeover Inlet and the Salish Sea in Lund.

  • Enjoy a gentle trail through the forest or a longer trail up Tin Hat Mountain for a 360° mountain-top lookout in Powell River.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver

Meals Included: Breakfast

Upon your arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you'll collect your rental car and drive to your first hotel in Vancouver to rest up before beginning your walking trip (approx. 30mins).Overnight Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver.

Day 2 : Around Gibsons, Sechelt & Roberts Creek

Location: Gibsons

Accommodation Name: Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (approx. 1h) for your ferry to Gibsons (45mins). Check in to your accommodation before heading out on your first Sunshine Coast walk. There are many walks to choose from throughout the week, these are some of our favourites.Choice of walks in Gibsons (3km/2.6km), Sechelt (19.6km/8km/2.3km), and Roberts Creek (10km/6.5miles).Explore lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons, and alpine lakes across these incredibly varied walks.Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.

Day 3 : Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail

Location: Sunshine Coast

Accommodation Name: Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk along Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail (12.5km), one of the highest peaks on the lower Sunshine Coast. Through forest, you'll follow the coloured markers as you climb along the ridge with glimpses of Langdale creek down below. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with expansive views to Vancouver, Gibsons, Bowen Island, and much of Howe Sound.Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.

Day 4 : Around Gibsons, Sechelt & Roberts Creek

Location: Gibsons

Accommodation Name: Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choice of walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km), and Roberts Creek (10.3km). Explore lush fern valleys, powerful waterfalls, mossy canyons, and alpine lakes across these incredibly varied walks.Overnight Shades of Jade Inn & Spa, Gibsons.

Day 5 : Madeira Park & Halfmoon Bay

Location: Madeira Park

Accommodation Name: Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choice of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Halfmoon Bay (4.2km/7.6km).Visit the rocky outcrop of Smugglers Cove, loop around a forest lake, or visit the Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park with a protected archaeological site.Overnight Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park.

Day 6 : Around Madeira Park & Egmont

Location: Madeira Park

Accommodation Name: Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choice of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Egmont (7.5km).Embark on a scenic beach walk to a small lighthouse with an arbutus tree grove or take a forested walk to a rocky outcrop with views of the changing tidal waters, creating unique rapids and whirlpools.Overnight Painted Boat Resort & Spa, Madeira Park.

Day 7 : Around Powell River

Location: Powell River

Accommodation Name: Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (1h), then drive to Powell River (approx. 30mins).After arriving on the ferry, we'd recommend a favourite walk amongst Powell River locals. As part of the renowned Sunshine Coast Trail, this relatively easy trail follows the riverbed and Appleton Creek to an iconic hut and lake with waterfalls and charming bridges along the way (7km).Overnight Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River.

Day 8 : Around Powell River

Location: Powell River

Accommodation Name: Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choice of walks in Powell River (14.5km/18.3km). Enjoy a gentle trail through the forest with spots to swim or embark on a longer trail up Tin Hat Mountain to an iconic viewpoint and hut that sits at the halfway point of the Sunshine Coast long-distance trail. Tin Hat Hut is a stunning 360° mountain-top lookout with views that define the Powell River experience.Overnight Desolation Sound Resort, Powell River.

Day 9 : Around Lund. Return To Gibsons & Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choice of walks in Lund (4.5km/8.7km/10.4km). Wind your way through vibrant forest with views of Okeover Inlet and the Salish Sea. Another walk takes you to the mossy rainforest of Malaspina Provincial Park and Wednesday Lake or follow a picturesque trail along the coastal bluffs of Hurtado Bay.Take two ferries before driving back to Vancouver International Airport to return your rental car and fly home. Alternatively, you can add on one of our incredible optional extensions as below.

What's Included

  • 8 nights in unique accommodation

    The tour includes 8 nights in unique accommodation, providing a comfortable and memorable stay.

  • All breakfasts

    All breakfasts are included during the tour, ensuring you start each day with a hearty meal.

  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

    The tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent, ensuring smooth and efficient travel arrangements.

  • Headwater navigation app

    Access to the Headwater navigation app is included, providing guidance and information throughout your journey.

  • Rental car for 9 days

    A rental car is provided for 9 days, allowing you to explore the Sunshine Coast at your own pace.

  • Ferries as per itinerary (x4 included)

    Four ferry rides are included as per the itinerary, facilitating seamless travel between coastal destinations.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

    Single accommodation is not included but is available on request with a compulsory supplement.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged independently if required.

  • Lunches & dinners

    Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose your dining options.

Food


Accommodation

This historical hotel, known as the 'castle in the city', offers luxury and elegance since 1939. Located downtown, it is close to attractions and restaurants, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness centre, perfect for resting before your walking trip.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes a rental car for 9 days, allowing you to explore the Sunshine Coast at your own pace. Additionally, four ferry rides are included as per the itinerary, providing seamless travel between the various coastal destinations.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in unique accommodations, including a historical hotel in Vancouver known as the 'castle in the city', and waterfront retreats like the Shades of Jade Inn & Spa in Gibsons and the Painted Boat Resort & Spa in Madeira Park.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All breakfasts are included in the tour package. However, lunches and dinners are not included and will need to be arranged separately.

  • What are some of the walking options available during the tour?

    The tour offers a variety of walking options, including trails in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Roberts Creek, as well as the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail. You can also explore Madeira Park, Halfmoon Bay, and Powell River, with walks ranging from easy trails to more challenging hikes with stunning views.

  • Is there an option to extend the tour with additional experiences?

    Yes, you can add on a 5-night rail journey through the Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer or spend 3 or 4 nights at the Indigenous Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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May 13, 2025 - May 21, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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