The Sunshine Coast Trail is Canada’s longest and—unfairly—most overlooked hut-to-hut trek, which only makes it all the more special! Tucked in the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia, this hidden paradise is reachable only by ferry or plane. Over seven days, we’ll move from one stunningly situated hut to the next, with a special mid-trip night in a historic hotel to indulge in a warm shower and the comfort of soft, inviting pillows. Hikes are gentle enough for beginners, so join us for a week on the remote Sunshine Coast, guided by a local who knows the trails inside and out!
The Sunshine Coast Trail guided experience offers seven days of hut-to-hut trekking through some of British Columbia’s most stunning and remote landscapes! Beginning at Sarah Point on Desolation Sound, you’ll hike past sparkling lakes, over Tinhat Mountain, and along subalpine ridges, exploring old-growth Fir and Cedar forests, smooth Arbutus trees, and towering ferns. Along the way, you’ll stay in carefully selected huts and a historic hotel, while a certified local guide manages routes, hut stays, and logistics, letting you fully immerse yourself in this spectacular, little-known wilderness.
After arriving in Vancouver, you can take one of the twice-daily flights to Powell River and be there in just 35 minutes, or enjoy a scenic six-hour drive up the Sunshine Coast via two ferries. Powell River, the hub of the Sunshine Coast, is where our journey begins. We’ll meet you by the shores of the Salish Sea and drive 20 minutes to the historic Lund Hotel, built in 1918, where you’ll settle in and enjoy a dinner of fresh, local seafood. Note that accommodation is not included.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we set out for two nights on the trail. Just 100 m (330 ft) from the hotel, we board a water taxi for a 20-minute ride along the coast—hopefully passing a pod of whales—before arriving at Sarah Point. After group photos with Mount Washington and Vancouver Island in the background, we begin our hike, spotting views of Desolation Sound through the trees and the distinctive reddish-brown bark of the Arbutus. We pass Hinder and Malaspina Lakes, home to beavers that may slap their tails in warning, before ending the day at the semi-open Manzanita Hut, where our porter awaits with snacks and views of the Copeland Islands, Savary Island, and the Salish Sea.
We start the day with coffee overlooking the Salish Sea before setting out from Manzanita Hut to Rievely’s Pond Hut. This section of the trail takes us through some of the densest forests of the trip, with old-growth fir and cedar mixed with stands of ponderosa pine. We’ll wander deep into fern-filled groves, cross log bridges, and enjoy the shelter of the rainforest canopy, which makes even a rainy day pleasant. Like Manzanita, Rievely’s Pond Hut is semi-open, with an enclosed upper level accessed by stairs where we’ll sleep side-by-side on mattresses in our sleeping bags, and an open lower area for gathering. Our porter will arrive ahead of us with snacks and secure our spots. At dusk, the hut’s nickname—the Frog Chorus—comes to life.
It’s another beautiful day on the Sunshine Coast Trail as we zigzag through head-high ferns and catch glimpses of Desolation Sound. Our hike ends on the shores of Powell Lake, a dammed fjord measuring 50 km (31 mi) by 24 km (15 mi). Right off the trail sits the Shinglemill Pub, a former 1913 shingle mill now serving pints and hearty meals with a view of the water. After dinner, we’ll head into town and spend the night at a hotel.
After a shower and breakfast at a local café, we set out with an easy walk along Powell Lake and then Inland Lake before ascending a dirt path that meets an overgrown former logging road—now far too narrow for any ATV, let alone a logging truck. The climb is steep but straightforward, and the arrival snack at Confederation Lake Hut will be well earned. This is our first fully enclosed hut, though the lakeside benches outside are the real draw. While you relax by the water, your guide and porter will prepare another gourmet backcountry meal to enjoy in the calm beauty of the area.
Today is our first truly challenging day. From the hut, we traverse to Vomit Vista—likely named for someone who climbed all the way from sea level without stopping at the lake. After a short break to peek through the trees at Powell Lake, we begin a long, switchbacked descent toward Fiddlehead Landing. Two to three hours later, we reach a crossroads: left leads down to Fiddlehead Hut, but our sights are set higher. We continue on to tackle our second-biggest climb of the trip, almost entirely under the forest canopy—welcome shade on hot days and shelter in the rain. Our destination is Tinhat Hut, where the tough ascent is rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views that make every step worth it.
If you’re going to wake up for sunrise, this is the place—offering sweeping views of Nanaimo, Mount Washington, Desolation Sound, and more, all from a modest 1,185 m (3,888 ft) elevation. We start the day along a subalpine ridge toward Lewis Lake, hiking through bush, scrub, and sparse trees that keep the surrounding waters in sight. The trail can be rough underfoot, so watch your step as the scenery pulls your gaze away. We’ll stop at Lewis Lake for lunch—and a swim if it’s warm—before continuing to Elk Lake Hut, where another swim may await.
Our seventh day on the trail is a shorter one, with gentle ups and downs leading to Walt Hill—a perfect lunch spot and a chance to soak up some of the last summer sun. From there, we head downhill to meet our transport vehicle, or continue all the way to Powell Lake to bring the trip to a close.
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This Sunshine Coast Trail guided tour is suitable for almost anyone, as all that’s required is a basic fitness level. Generally, you’ll be doing short days with fairly light packs. Still, you’ll spend 7 consecutive days hiking, so be sure you’re up for it.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Clothing
Personal equipment
Group sizes and pricing
Sunshine Coast Trail guided hikes can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Sunshine Coast Trail guided hike is Powell River. To get there, you first have to fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Make sure to fly into Vancouver at least a day prior to Day 1 of the tour.
Once there, you can hop on one of the twice-daily flights to Powell River and arrive in just 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive up the Sunshine Coast via two ferries, which takes about six hours. Powell River is the hub of the Sunshine Coast and this is where you’ll begin your journey.
You’ll meet your guide there on Day 0 by the shores of the Salish Sea and drive the 20 minutes to Lund, where you’ll stay at the historic Lund Hotel and dine on local seafood (accommodation not included).
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
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