Explore & Unwind

Beautifully rugged yet relaxing, the Sunshine Coast is an idyllic outdoor paradise with a laid-back feel. Calm, driftwood-strewn beaches, ocean adventure, and lush, rainforest hiking and biking await—right off the main highway and beyond.

First stop, the beach. As soon as you step off the ferry at either South or North ends, you can smell the easing salt air. Beach time on the Sunshine Coast is a must, and it’s a part of everyday life for locals, whether for the whole day, a few hours or just an after-dinner dog run. There’s nothing like a beach campfire and sunset to truly appreciate the tranquility of the Coast.

And that’s just a start. Grab a paddle and experience the serenity of the Sunshine Coast from off-shore. Launch your own kayak, paddleboard or canoe, or rent one from a nearby outfitter. An unhurried day trip allows plenty of time to gaze in wonder at mountainous landscapes, delight in small-town views, and discover remote, sandy beaches and islands along the way. Past Sechelt is lake country, inviting paddlers to the picturesque waters of Trout, Ruby, and Klein Lakes to name a few. Many of these have family-friendly picnic and campsite grounds as well.

Covering over 1570 kilometres, the evergreen rainforests of the Sunshine Coast offer a plethora of hiking and biking trails. From Cliff Gilker Park’s gentle paths to Mt. Daniel’s awe-inspiring views at 440 metres up, hiking takes you through sweet-smelling pine groves and beautifully-twisted, peeling arbutus. Take a moment to look up at the towering verdant canopy above and luxuriate in the stillness around you. Mountain bikers test their mettle at Sprockids Park—located just off the Highway 101 Bypass in Gibsons. In Porpoise Bay, the nationally-renowned Coast Gravity Park entices bikers of all ages and skill levels.

Options for outdoor adventure do abound, but the Sunshine Coast also has an ever-growing culture and food scene. From Gibsons to Lund, an enticing collection of eateries, watering holes, quaint shops and local galleries contribute to the area’s easygoing West Coast vibe. Grab a patio seat at one of the Coast’s city-calibre establishments with a local craft brew in hand and coastal splendour as your ambience. In summer, festivals and community events happen nearly every weekend. The annual summer mandala painting in Roberts Creek is like a rite of passage and you won’t find a community event that’s quite like it.

Wherever your itinerary takes you, the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty and casual atmosphere will refresh your spirits and calm your soul.