To reach the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver, the primary way is via car and ferry. From Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver, take a scenic ferry ride from Langdale to Earls Cove then Saltery Bay before proceeding onto Saltery Bay itself.

Be sure to review the BC Ferries schedule and arrive 60 minutes early – vehicle reservations can also be booked online.

Getting There

Travel writers agree: reaching your destination is half the fun! And this holds true for the Sunshine Coast – an idyllic stretch of waterfront property north of Vancouver along BC’s Strait of Georgia coastline.

BC Ferries makes traveling to the Sunshine Coast simple with daily ferry sailings departing West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and lasting only 40 minutes, arriving in Langdale – your gateway for exploring 180-kilometre drive that traverses Gibsons, Sechelt, Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay on the north coast.

If driving isn’t your cup of tea, there are various other means of reaching the Sunshine Coast such as taxi and bus services. Visit BC Transit’s website for schedules and more information.

Getting Around

The Sunshine Coast is an idyllic destination with world-renowned beaches, an exceptional culinary scene and charming lakes and seaside villages. From Roberts Creek’s rugged shores to Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay’s pristine white-sand slivers, the region provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities.

Highway 101 serves as the main artery between communities in British Columbia. Before embarking on your trip, be sure to use DriveBC for current road conditions.

Public transit can be an ideal way to travel without a car. If arriving by later ferry sailings, plan ahead as bus service may not be available. BC transit bus #257 runs between Vancouver downtown and Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal; once at Horseshoe Bay you can connect with the Sunshine Coast Connector bus at Earl Cove Ferry terminal to travel the Sunshine Coast.

Planning Your Trip

The Sunshine Coast lies tucked into the southwest corner of British Columbia and comprises 180 km (116 miles). Here you’ll find sandy beaches and quirky communities that successfully combine natural elements with historic and cultural relevance. Get there by ferry from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to Langdale or Earl’s Cove or by direct float plane service with Harbour Air or Fly Coastal.

BC Ferries operates daily sailings between West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and Langdale, connecting to Sunshine Coast towns like Gibsons, Roberts Creek and Sechelt as well as Powell River in the north. If traveling with a bicycle be sure to book in advance and arrive well ahead of your departure time – bikes will only be loaded onto the main deck after cars have boarded the vessel.

Onboard

Once aboard, you’ll be charmed by the breathtaking views, relaxed pace and casual hospitality that greets you. As you cruise along secluded bays, striking inlets and tight archipelagos on your journey towards Sunshine Coast communities with open hearts and stunning sunset views, you won’t want to leave!

Roberts Creek is an eccentric tiny coastal village best known for two things: its community mandala art project and its amazing pier that could easily pass for Hawaii (though with spectacular BC views!). Davis Bay offers similar attractions – larger stores, charming hometown shops and an awesome ice creamery await here!

BC Ferries routes service Texada Island, Keats Island and Gambier Island as well as north and south sections of Sunshine Coast. Bike transport can also be booked at Langdale Ferry Terminal.

Disembarking

Travel writers agree: the journey itself can be half the fun! That maxim rings especially true on Vancouver’s Sunshine Coast – an idyllic stretch of waterfront real estate north of Vancouver featuring idyllic rocky, forested beaches and small communities like Langdale (Gibsons). From West Vancouver, take the ferry ride directly to Langdale on the Lower Sunshine Coast via Horseshoe Bay.

Follow passenger exit signs and head through the terminal. BC Ferries offers sailings from this point to Gambier Island, Keats Island and the Lower Mainland from here, and Museum & Archives has an incredible collection of artifacts from Union Steam Ship Company like dinnerware, deckchairs and life preservers from S.S. Catala and Lady Pam that you may want to view before making your ferry reservation.