Sunshine Coast
Ale Trail
This is the West Coast beyond compare. Explore the coastal communities of Gibsons, Sechelt and Powell River but be sure to take your time along the way.
You should know: it’s not an island.
Deep sea inlets and coastal bays to explore by kayak or sailboat; interconnected lakes and rivers ideal for canoeing; rugged cliffs to climb and trails to bike; beaches and swimming holes for family relaxation. Wash all that down with beer from some of British Columbia’s most distinctive craft breweries.
On BC’s southwest coast lies a hidden paradise of coastal geography awaiting discovery. The Sunshine Coast is less than 30 km (18 miles) from downtown Vancouver, but getting there requires a ferry, making it seem like an island unto itself.
Some of British Columbia’s most distinctive breweries make their homes in the Sunshine Coast communities of Gibsons, Sechelt and Powell River.
Townsite Brewing in Powell River, BC
Gibsons Harbour
Tapworks Brewing Company in Gibsons, BC (photo provided)
Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen in Sechelt, BC
Sechelt Seawalk in Sechelt, BC
The 101 Brewhouse and Distillery in Gibsons, BC
Batch 44 Brewing in Sechelt, BC
Moonshine Spa at The Stonewater in Madeira Park, BC
Trail riding on the Sunshine Coast
The Alley by Persephone Brewing in Powell River, BC
Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, BC
Banditry Cider in Gibsons, BC (photo: provided)
Sunset on the Sunshine Coast of BC
Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, BC
Persephone Brewing in Gibsons, BC
The 101 Brewhouse & Distillery in Gibsons, BC
BC Ferries on the Sunshine Coast
The Alley by Persephone Brewing in Powell River, BC
Lund, BC (photo: Paige Owen)
The 101 Brewhouse & Distillery in Gibsons, BC
Gibsons Harbour on the Sunshine Coast (photo: Regan Hately)
Townsite Brewing in Powell River, BC
Persephone Brewing in Gibsons, BC
Tapworks Brewing Company in Gibsons, BC
Tapworks Brewing Company in Gibsons, BC
Gibsons Public Market in Gibsons, BC
Gibsons, BC, on the Sunshine Coast
Tapworks Brewing Company in Gibsons, BC
The 101 Brewhouse & Distillery in Gibsons, BC
Sunday Cider in Gibsons, BC (photo: Sunday Cider)
The Alley by Persephone Brewing in Powell River, BC
Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen in Sechelt, BC
Brickers Cider in Sechelt, BC (photo: Brickers Cider)
Townsite Brewing in Powell River, BC
Harbour Air Seaplanes on the Sunshine Coast (photo: Shayd Johsnon)
Persephone Brewing in Gibsons, BC
Day 1
Gibsons
Travel Info
Ferry from Vancouver to Sunshine Coast to (Horseshoe-Langdale)
Ferry from Vancouver Island to Sunshine Coast (Little River-Westview)
A destination for Sunshine Coast visitors and residents of all ages—everyone is welcome to convene and learn, enjoy local food, fresh produce, art and entertainment. The public market hosts local merchants and offers activities, workshops, a marine education centre, a community kitchen, and a bistro.
Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the waters off Gibsons Harbour, venturing over to local islands like Keats Island and Gambier Island. Alternatively, kayak up Sechelt Inlet, watching out for dolphins and deer.
A community hub where locals and visitors can gather to enjoy beer and a meal from the in-house Burger Shack in a comfortable, welcoming setting or up on their roof-top patio with scenic views of the coast.
Located just above Gibsons, “The Knob” can be summited in a short 40 minutes–but don’t forget to leave some time for a water/snack break at the top. Take in stunning views of Gibsons Harbour, the coastal mountain range, Keats, Gambier, Bowen and Vancouver Island.
Explore the Beer Farm. Enjoy a beer in the tasting room or outside at a picnic table, perhaps with some pizza prepared in the outdoor wood-fire oven. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Banditry Cider reflects all the endearing aspects of the Sunshine Coast community. Surrounded by 40 varietals of heritage fruit trees producing delicious, clean, and simple cider. Assemble your own charcuterie board with their rich and delicious cheeses, cured meats, olives, artisanal jams, and biscuits, and head over to the picnic area!
Founded by locals with a passion for the Coast, the 101 epitomizes the Gibsons lifestyle — it is a community hub where people gather together to enjoy well made craft beer, small batch spirits, and locally inspired food.
Fine and far-out, award-winning craft cider made with 100% fresh pressed BC apples. Enjoy a glass on the grass in their friendly picnic area, surrounded by a West Coast forest and heritage apple trees.
Choose from a range of options in Gibsons, Roberts, or Sechelt for your first night on the Coast. Options range from cottages, hotels and inns, bed and breakfasts, and resorts so there is something to suit every travel style.
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Be sure to stop in at the Gibsons Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
For your cultural fix, head to Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives or one of the numerous art galleries around Gibsons Landing. Better yet, time your trip to attend one of the annual festivals, including the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival, the annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, or the Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Festival.
Getting around the Coast – There are plenty of options to help you navigate the Coast during your stay. Coastal Rides is a modern ride-hailing service, with options for private rides, large groups, and accessible transportation. Book on demand, or up to seven days in advance. If you refer a traditional taxi service, give Sechelt Taxi a call. And of course, there is BC Transit’s public transit system to get you safely from point A to point B.
Day 2
Sechelt
Travel Info
Drive or bike to Sechelt (23 km).
Know before you go – get more information on cycling the Sunshine Coast.
Located in the heart of downtown Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, Basted Baker is an award-winning brunch destination serving delicious pastries, craft coffee, and next-level breakfast/brunch food.
Explore Canada's first low elevation mountain bike park. This 160-acre park features 17 mtb trails, from speed to jumps and everything in between, with terrain to suit every type of ability and rider.
Batch 44 Brewery is a family owned brewery focused on creating high quality locally crafted beer for all to enjoy, accompanied by a full kitchen and robust, varied menu. The perfect lunch stop after a morning of adventuring.
The Sunshine Coast original working cidery located in West Sechelt. Enjoy their 3-acre apple orchard, tasting room and lounge and a food truck on-site. We serve tastings and glasses of our delicious dry apple ciders, as well as a rotating guest beer tap.
This unique waterfront location welcomes all with a great menu and stunning Sechelt Inlet views all year long.
Explore the short (1km round-trip) accessible trail to the Big Tree – an old-growth Douglas Fir that is believed to be the largest existing tree on the Sunshine Coast. The 44-hectare park is also home to plenty of other trails for a variety of abilities.
Recharge in your own, private, spa. The Moonshine Spa is a private rental space in the most beautiful part of The Stonewater property. For 75 minutes, this cedar sauna, hot tub, shower, cold plunge, and fire pit are all yours to enjoy, plus up to five of your favourite people.
With local and seasonally inspired menu items, the Backeddy highlights pacific northwest heritage in modern gastropub style.
Choose a place to stay in Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour, or Egmont. Options range from cottages, hotels and inns, bed and breakfasts, and resorts so there is something to suit every travel style.
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Be sure to stop in at the Sechelt Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through Sechelt’s public art.
Sechelt and the surrounding area are full of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Enjoy a swim in Trail Bay, Davis Bay or at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park. Paddleboard in Davis Bay, or one of the many lakes near Pender Harbour. Or experience world-class scuba diving sites, renowned mountain bike trails, and multiple golf courses.
Check out Halfmoon Bay General Store for a wide selection of local craft beer.
Day 3
Northern Sunshine Coast
Travel Info
Drive to Earl’s Cove and then take the ferry to the Northern Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove-Saltery Bay).
Drive to Powell River (about 30 minutes).
Highlighting quality local ingredients, 32 Lakes offers specialty coffees, croissants, sourdough bread, and a selection of treats.
Explore Sunshine Coast’s awe-inspiring natural environment with a sea kayaking adventure tour, or zodiac cruise in world famous Desolation Sound.
This beautiful new space in Townsite boasts local artisan shops including fine art, a fresh fruit and vegetable market, a bakery, more! You'll find a climbing co-op housed in the building as well with a 35-foot climbing wall and a large bouldering gym. Check them out for a lesson, or group event.
Individual store days and hours vary.
An iconic brewery in a historic neighbourhood in a unique and interesting BC community. Townsite is passionate about brewing quality beer, with a Belgian flair. Relax in their cozy tasting room, complete with self-guided brewery museum, or enjoy their new outdoor backyard oasis. With plenty of nearby restaurants offering takeout to enjoy, it's a great spot for lunch.
Along the Duck Lake gravel logging road are many trails and other adventures for both the hiker and mountain biker like the Blackwater Trail and Holly Branch Trail. All within a close driving distance. Look for big cement block monument trailhead markers.
Supercharger offers a variety of handmade 14" pizzas, wings, and farm fresh salads all in a relaxed 80's style pizzeria.
Recently purchased by the folks at Persephone Brewing, this second location offers great pub fare and craft beer. Spend the evening enjoying some friendly competition on the bowling lanes or at a billiards table.
Choose a place to stay in Powell River or Lund. Options range from cottages, hotels and inns, bed and breakfasts, and resorts so there is something to suit every travel style.
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For culture junkies, Powell River loves a good festival so there always seems to be something fun happening. Time your visit with the Powell River Logger Sports competition, or the annual Blackberry Festival in August. Explore the local arts with the annual self-guided qathet Studio Tour.
Powell River is also home to Canada’s longest-running movie theatre: The Patricia Theatre (built in 1913!).
Take a drive up to Lund. Lund (Klah ah men) is a small, picturesque community located at the north end of BC’s Sunshine Coast, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Homalco First Nations. It’s known as the “End of the Road” due to its location at Mile 0 of Highway 101, which is part of one of the longest highway networks in the world, running along the coast from Canada to Chile. This seaside village is the epitome of small-town vibes and plays host to boaters on their way to Desolation Sound, road trippers reaching the terminus of Highway 101, and those who come just to buy a famous blackberry cinnamon bun or a Pollen sweater.
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Paddle to an offshore islet, browse for locally made treasures or relax on a white sand beach: BC’s Sunshine Coast, with its sheltered coves and artsy seaside villages, has all the scenic charm and laidback vibe of an island getaway. The difference is that this sunny shoreline is actually part of the mainland and just 40 minutes by ferry from West Vancouver, or 1.5 hours from Comox on Vancouver Island.
Plan Your Trip:
Explore British Columbia's best kept secret, stretching along 180km of land from Langdale to Lund.
sunshinecoastcanada.comBook Accommodations:
Find a wide range of options – from the budget traveler to luxury accommodations.
tripadvisor.caHow To Get Here:
Although it is part of BC's mainland, access to the region is by air or by water due to the mountainous terrain.
sunshinecoastcanada.com