Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
21.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Tucked into the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia, this 180km stretch of paradise is lovingly known as the Sunshine Coast. Only accessible by plane or boat, this extraordinary shoreline stretches from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. You'll become immersed in vibrant communities, reconnect with nature, and enjoy spectacular scenery as you explore this inspiring coastline which remains under the radar - for now!
With rugged mountains bordering these beautiful inlets, on foot is truly the best way to uncover the Sunshine Coast's hidden gems. Walking trails are plentiful and incredibly varied, from majestic forests and mountains to sweeping ocean vistas, you're spoilt for choice. The area is rich with fauna and flora, home to black bears, cougars, and wolves, as well as many species of interesting plants, flowers, and berries.
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 kayak rental should you wish to explore the nearby waters.
Add On - Rocky Mountaineer: See it on Youtube
Embark on an unforgettable rail journey through the spectacular Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. Begin or end in Vancouver or Banff and visit Kamloops on this legendary 'First Passage to the West' adventure. You can choose between Silver Leaf or Gold Leaf Service which will also determine which high-quality hotels you'll stay in. Silver Leaf offers a single-level glass-dome coach, full glass-dome windows, outdoor viewing area, a delicious breakfast and lunch served in the comfort of your seat, and complimentary beverages and snacks. Gold Leaf offers a bi-level glass-dome coach, oversized glass-dome windows, a large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform, a gourmet breakfast and lunch served in a lower-level dining room, and complimentary beverages and snacks. A National Parks Pass is included with both Silver & Gold Leaf. Please see itinerary for more information.
Add On - Klahoose Wilderness Resort: See it on Youtube
This is a once in a lifetime experience like no other. Incredibly unique, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an immersive, Indigenous cultural experience which reflects the Klahoose people's traditional values and explores the pristine region within the heart of Desolation Sound, British Columbia. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, this off-grid resort sits between the Coast Mountain Peaks of the Sunshine Coast and the Salish Sea, on the edge of BC's Great Bear Rainforest. Rich in diverse wildlife, you'll take part in immersive marine and terrestrial viewings to see Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Porpoises, Dolphins, Sealions, Seals, and Eagles. From late August to mid-October, you can also join Grizzly Bear viewing tours in Toba Inlet.
There are many other activities included in your stay: Guided Indigenous cultural activities and excursions, cedar weaving, sea kayaking, stand up-paddle boarding, ocean swimming, woodfire cedar sauna, rainforest nature walks, campfires and dark sky gazing, and ocean and forest foraging. You'll stay in a stunning waterfront lodge for 3 or 4 nights. Everything is included, accommodation in a lodge room or cabin, all meals, transfers, and activities. With a typical stay of around 12 guests, your experience is small and personal. Your friendly lodge hosts are local guides from the Klahoose Nation who take pride in providing an extremely personalised service as they welcome you into their traditional Klahoose Nation territory. Please see itinerary for more information.
Combine all three: Take the trip of a lifetime beginning with our 8-night walking tour of Walking Canada's Sunshine Coast', followed by a truly unique 3 or 4-night stay at Klahoose Wilderness Resort! Return to Vancouver to end with an unforgettable 5-night Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Banff. We recommend returning home from Calgary airport (approx. 1.5hrs from Banff). Please enquire for prices.
Read more about this holiday in The Times ‘Top 24 of the World’s Best Walking Holidays’.
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).
You stay at Fairmont Hotel.
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This historical hotel is fondly known as the ‘castle in the city’ and has been combining luxury and elegance since 1939. Benefitting from a prime downtown location, the hotel is close to many local attractions and excellent restaurants. With an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre, this hotel is a great place to rest before beginning your walking trip.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (approx. 20mins) for your ferry to Gibsons (45mins). Check in to your accommodation before heading out on your first Sunshine Coast walk. See our choice of walks below.
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.
You stay at Bonniebrook Lodge.
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The historic Bonniebrook Lodge is a 4-story, 7 suite lodge sitting on stunning ocean front property. Chasters Restaurant, contained within the Lodge, offers the ultimate dining experience to lodge guests and locals on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of B.C.
Walk along Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail, 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.
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.
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.
You stay at Painted Boat Resort & Spa.
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Nestled in a tranquil waterfront setting surrounded by Douglas fir, red cedar, and Arbutus trees, these simple yet elegant villas each feature beautiful rooms, a large patio or balcony, BBQ, and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s a hot tub and infinity pool onsite, as well as a spa and serenity garden. The onsite Lagoon Restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, showcasing a casual coastal feel. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent from the hotel.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
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).
You stay at Desolation Sound.
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Located in the beautiful Okeover Inlet, these unique, local-crafted wooden chalets sit beautifully on the waterfront. Each has a fully equipped kitchen, private deck, and steps down to the water, all with unparalleled scenery. Complimentary kayaks and canoes are available for all guests.
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.
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.
You stay at Rocky Mountaineer/Klahoose Wilderness Resort.
Rocky Mountaineer/Klahoose Wilderness Resort,
Klahoose Wilderness Resort: Add on 3 or 4 nights at the incredibly unique, Klahoose Wilderness Resort. This is a once in a lifetime Indigenous cultural experience, reflecting the Klahoose people's traditional values and exploring the diverse wildlife of Desolation Sound. Please enquire for prices.
This is the perfect add-on to our 8-night trip - 'Walking Canada's Sunshine Coast'. Ending in Desolation Sound Resort, it's a short 10min drive to Lund port where you're met by a Klahoose representative for your boat transfer to the resort (included - approx. 1hr); you can leave your hire car at Lund port (paid locally - approx. $10per day).
Rocky Mountaineer: Add on a 5 night rail journey through the Rockies with the unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer. Begin or end in Vancouver or Banff and visit Kamloops on this legendary 'First Passage to the West' adventure. Please enquire for prices.
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver. Explore Stanley Park, take a small ferry to Granville Island or simply wander around this scenic, coastal city.
Day 2 - Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Vancouver has activities for all interests, including visiting historic Gastown or dining in lively Yaletown. No matter what you choose to do, the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean surround you.
Day 3 - Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia. You'll see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of BC interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate and the steep slopes of Thompson River.
Day 4 - Continue east towards the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Cross rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 5 - Enjoy a free day in Banff where you can take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, relax in the hot springs, or book an excursion into the great outdoors.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £743.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Vancouver International airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
21.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
