Spend a week on this 5-day walking tour, which is the ideal way to discover the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver. Take to the highways and seas along Canada's west coast. Learn from an experienced guide about the Sunshine Coast — a piece of territory that hugs the Georgia Strait and is home to quaint beach cities and plenty of wilderness to explore while staying in a hotel or rustic lodge. During your tour, take a breathtaking boat trip over the Strait, stroll the Sunshine Coast and Willingdon Beach trails, and experience the rush and roar of the Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids. While this location is less well-known than its natural counterparts in British Columbia and Alberta, it offers so much to a North American explorer, including certain perks.
Highlights
Explore the beautiful City of Vancouver, influenced by multi-cultural heritage.
Hike the Sunshine Coast and Willingdon Beach trails.
Visit Gibsons brewery and local museum and make a short walk to Soames Hill's wonderful harbor views.
Kayak in Georgia Strait and hike through rainforests and tall waterfalls.
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Vancouver! Today is an early start, meeting at Granville Square (located right by Waterfront Station) at 8:30 am for an all-important welcome meeting. 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 neighborhood, Stanley Park, Granville Island – are just some of the hotspots to check out if you have time. After your group briefing this morning, 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 your group is all checked in, head on a leader-led walk around town, then perhaps catch the sunset by the sea.
Included Activities:
Sechelt - Leader-led Walking Tour
Day 2: Powell River, BC
1 Dinner
There is a heap of cafes and eateries around town, so be sure to hit one up for some breakfast this morning. Reconvene with your group mid-morning and hit the road along Canada’s Sunshine Coast. A scenic drive for around an hour will hug the coastline and offer up some pretty serene views of the shore and waterways. 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 half, an hour's drive, arrive in the historic town of Powell River – your base for the next couple of nights. Grab some lunch and join your leader on a stroll around town and along the picture-perfect and lush Willingdon Beach trail. Afterward, freshen up at your hotel, then get excited about a beer tasting experience – with some light dinner – at an establishment in town.
Included Activities:
Powell River - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Powell River - Leader-led Willingdon Beach Trail Walk
Powell River - Brewery Beer Tasting
Day 3: Powell River, BC
1 Breakfast
Rise and shine, and be sure to get some breakfast before heading off at around 8 am for a 3-hour hike with your group and local leader along the Sunshine Coast Trail. During the hike, 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. With an afternoon at leisure, you’re able to keep exploring at your own pace. Perhaps try your hand at kayaking on the Georgia Strait. Otherwise, if sitting down is on the cards, there are plenty of breweries and distilleries to hit up with your travel pals. If you wish for additional excursions during your time in Powell River, contact us for current excursion pricing for the optional activity.
Included Activities:
Leader-led Sunshine Coastal Hike
Optional Activities:
Powell River - Kayaking
Day 4: Gibsons, BC
1 Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast before hitting 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. You might even be lucky to catch the tides changing along the rapids, which is quite a sight twice daily. These daredevils are sometimes seen battling the rapids but, during winter, it’s likely way too cold! Afterward, find a local eatery to refuel with your group, then heads towards the small town of Gibsons by 3 pm. This afternoon is free to explore, perhaps visiting a brewery or local museum, or otherwise, make the short walk up Soames Hill for some wonderful harbor views. Tonight, your leader will offer an optional dinner to the group to celebrate your time along Canada’s Sunshine Coast. Gibsons has some fantastic seafood establishments, so why not join your crew for a night of eating and drinking.
Included Activities:
Leader-led Skookumchuk Tidal Rapids Hike
Day 5: Vancouver, BC | Return Home
Leave Gibsons in your dust, departing 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 on arrival at Granville Square.
Dates & Prices
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Canada Cruises & Tours.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Notes
Select a Date
A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
4 Nights Accommodations
4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Optional Activities
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
Visa and passport fees
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
