Multi-activity holiday
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+ to 3
Headwater
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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.
Extend your Canadian Adventure
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 'Walk & Paddle 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.
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 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). Enjoy some free time in Gibsons before checking in to your accommodation.
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. Walk along Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail (12.6km), 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.
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.
Embark on your first guided sea kayaking tour around Halfmoon Bay or Sechelt Inlet (half-day). Explore the many protected inlets and coves along this beautiful section of the Sunshine Coast; kayaking routes can be adapted to suit your ability.
Spend the afternoon strolling the charming seaside towns of Sechelt and Gibsons, visiting the many eclectic shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, or choose from our selection of walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km), and Roberts Creek (10.3km).
Wave goodbye to Gibsons as you drive to your next idyllic accommodation in Madeira Park. Here you have a wide variety 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.
Stand-up paddleboards are available to rent from your accommodation should you wish to spend some time on the water with spectacular scenery all around.
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.
This morning, you can enjoy 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. Known as Skookumchuk Narrows, these unique rapids and spectacular whirlpools are popular with extreme kayakers and surfers; fascinating to watch! Choice of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Egmont (7.5km).
In the evening, you will embark on a 3hr guided sea kayaking tour from Egmont. Witness the waters and incredible marine life of the Sechelt Inlet awaken with a bioluminescent glow; an unforgettable experience!
Please note: Spotting bioluminescence is not guaranteed and will depend on the moon phase (new moon is best) and other weather conditions.
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) & Lund (4.5km/8.7km/10.4km). 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.
In Lund, 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.
Today, you get to experience a full day of guided sea kayaking from the serene Okeover Inlet to Desolation Sound (British Columbia's largest Marine park and world-class kayaking destination). This is a 7hr tour including lunch, although, shorter options are available at 3hrs or 5hrs that don't include Desolation Sound should you wish to adjust it.
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.
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 NZ$1610.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Multi-activity holiday
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+ to 3
Headwater
Navigation App
