Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast (That Take You Beyond the Road)

Stretching from Langdale to Lund, BC’s Sunshine Coast is a place where forested mountains meet sheltered coves, and sleepy seaside towns invite a slower pace of life.

You’ll find farmers’ markets and art studios, coastal trails and ocean swims — all part of what makes this a perennial favourite for Vancouverites seeking nature without the long haul.

But here’s the thing about the Sunshine Coast: some of its most remarkable places aren’t on the road at all. The further north you go, the more the map gives way to ocean. And just past the end of Highway 101, where the pavement runs out in Lund, a whole other world begins — one best explored by boat.

If you’re looking for things to do on the Sunshine Coast that go beyond the beaten path, here’s a guide that starts with road-accessible favourites and leads you into the island passages, fjords, and marine parks that give this coast its soul.

Explore Seaside Towns Like Gibsons, Sechelt & Lund

Walkable harbours, public art walks, artisan shops, and dockside breweries make these towns perfect for a relaxed start to your Sunshine Coast holiday. Gibsons charms with its small-town feel, Sechelt offers culture and oceanfront trails, and Lund marks the end of the highway — and the beginning of the boat-access-only coast.

Hike to Ocean Lookouts and Rainforest Groves

From the tide-ripping spectacle at Skookumchuck Narrows near Egmont to the quiet trails of Francis Point Provincial Park near Madeira Park, hiking options range from quick loops to rugged coastlines. Many trails offer views across the Salish Sea or lead to pocket beaches ideal for a secluded picnic.

Paddle the Copeland Islands Marine Park

Just offshore from Lund, this cluster of low-slung islands is a paradise for paddlers. Calm, clear water, abundant intertidal life, and regular visits from curious seals make this a top pick for Sunshine Coast kayaking — whether you’re heading out for a day trip or launching into a longer expedition.

Discover Desolation Sound — A Boater’s Paradise

Not a single road leads into Desolation Sound — but from the water, it unfolds in a series of deep inlets, sun-warmed bays, and island anchorages. Long known to boaters and paddlers, it’s where suprisingly warm Pacific waters lap against polished granite shores. Places like Prideaux Haven and Laura Cove invite days of anchoring, swimming, and watching the light change over the mountains.

It’s also a springboard to even wilder corners of the coast.

Hike to a Hidden Lake in Teakerne Arm

On the remote edge of West Redonda Island, Cassel Falls pours from a forest lake into the sea at Teakerne Arm. A short hike leads to the lake itself — a still, sun-dappled spot made for swimming or a quiet paddle. It’s a classic “only-by-boat” destination, and a favourite among locals in the know.

Venture into Toba Inlet – Grizzly Country

Toba Inlet stretches 35 kilometres into the mountains northeast of Desolation Sound. This dramatic fjord is home to waterfalls, wildlife, and one of the coast’s most powerful cultural experiences — the opportunity to visit Klahoose Nation territory and observe grizzly bears fishing for salmon from viewing stands on the river.

The Discovery Islands – Culture and Wild Coastlines

Sail north from Lund (and Desolation Sound) where the waterways thread into the Discovery Islands — a labyrinth of forested islets, cultural sites, and wildlife-rich channels. Paddle along kelp forests where sea lions hunt and whales pass through. Shorelines here hold evidence of thousands of years of coastal life — and you’re never far from a hidden anchorage.

Want to Explore These Places? Here’s How

Many of these destinations are best accessed by water. Maple Leaf Adventures offers multi-day guided boat tours that explore Desolation Sound, Toba Inlet, and the Discovery Islands — all departing from local ports just a ferry, drive, or short flight from Vancouver. Each trip includes expert guides, naturalists, and locally sourced meals aboard classic wooden ships or luxury catamaran with just a handful of other guests.

Whether you’re kayaking from shore, chartering a private boat, or joining a guided expedition, the northern Sunshine Coast rewards those who follow the coastline beyond the road.