Located on the southernmost tip of the British Columbia mainland, the Sunshine Coast of Canada is a wonderful place to spend some time. It has a beautiful climate and a great many activities to take part in. From hiking to biking, there are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Besides the beaches, visitors can take part in sailing on the BC Ferries or visit First Nations communities.

Climate

Located along the western coast of British Columbia, the Sunshine Coast is a veritable cornucopia of wildlife and natural splendor. The area is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s a hive of activity during the spring and summer months, and boasts some of the most scenic beaches and forests in the world. It’s also home to the largest collection of glaciers in the world, including the icy glaciers of the Canadian Rockies. The average temperature of the surrounding ocean ranges from the low thirties in the summer to the low forties in the winter.

There’s plenty to do in the area, from hiking to fishing. While the Sunshine Coast is a relatively remote part of the country, it does benefit from regular ferry service to the mainland and Vancouver.

Outdoor activities

Located on the western coast of Canada, the Sunshine Coast is a 177-km stretch of forested mountains and sparkling lakes. Its temperate climate makes it an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors. The region is known for its scenic hiking and paddling opportunities, and offers a variety of services and attractions to suit every traveller.

The Sunshine Coast is home to one of Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail systems, which has been dubbed the “Sunshine Coast Trail”. The trail is free to use, and is a three-hour hike. There are sections for all levels of trekkers, and the trail runs along the coastal shoreline.

There are many outdoor activities to be found on the Sunshine Coast, from hiking and paddling to canoeing and biking. The region is a popular destination for mountain biking.

First Nations

Located on the Pacific Northwest Coast, First Nations on the Sunshine Coast of Canada have been around for millennia. Their culture is visible in middens along shorelines and protected petroglyphs. They also continue to thrive in their ancestral territories.

Sechelt (shishalh) Nation is one of Canada’s most progressive First Nations. Their population has grown remarkably in the past century. Their traditional territories span from Roberts Creek to Lang Bay. They are a division of the Coast Salish family of First Nations.

Sechelt originally occupied the southern part of the Sunshine Coast. In 1881, their population was nearly twenty thousand. They had four villages on the Sunshine Coast and one on Pender Harbour.

The Coast Salish are a family of First Nations that inhabit the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest. They have individual cultures, languages and traditions. Many of their tribes have signed full treaties with the Canadian government.

Bike tours

Located northwest of Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast of Canada is the region’s closest day-trip destination from the Lower Mainland. The region is home to a variety of scenic sights, including rugged natural surroundings, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of outdoor festivals. Cycling on the Sunshine Coast is a popular way to tour the area. The area has plenty of bike shops and bike rentals.

One of the best bike touring routes on the Sunshine Coast is the Lower Sunshine Coast Bikepacking route. This is a series of bicycle trails that are maintained by a dedicated group of trail builders. The route begins at Earls Cove and then continues down the coast. Some of the best trails on the coast are featured in this ride, including the Skookumchuck Narrows.

Sailing on BC Ferries

Providing essential links between British Columbia’s mainland and coastal islands, BC Ferries offers scheduled service from Vancouver to Gambier Island, Keats Island and Sunshine Coast. It is the largest passenger ferry line in North America.

BC Ferries operates a fleet of 36 vessels that serve 47 locations on British Columbia’s coast. These vessels, which are called the Salish Class, are dual-fuel capable and were built in Gdansk, Poland. Currently, the Salish Class includes the Salish Eagle, Salish Orca, and Salish Eagle II. They entered service in 2022.

BC Ferries provides scheduled passenger service for pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles. The ferries move approximately 23,000 vehicles daily. BC Ferries accepts all vehicles, including wheelchairs and pets. In addition, the ferry service has a unique “stretch and lift” program.