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For me the best thing about a hike is a good view or two. Something to really make all that effort, and sweating, and aching limbs worth it. My friends and I discovered the Sunshine Coast Trail along the coast of British Columbia would have plenty of impressive views.
In our hunt for the next multi-day hike after the High Rim Trail from Kelowna to Vernon, the Sunshine Coast Trail offered something different. A more moderate terrain, more water sources, and the best thing: epic coastal views at random intervals along the trail. It was the perfect first multi-day hike of the season. A great way to get back into longer hikes, especially during the longer days of early Summer.
Where is the Sunshine Coast Trail?
The Sunshine Coast is an aptly named region of British Columbia a short ferry ride or two from Vancouver. A series of islands and inlets make it impossible to drive directly from Vancouver even though technically it is part of the mainland. But the Sunshine Coast is where the feel of island life and summer resorts meet.
The Sunshine Coast officially runs for 180km from Sarah Point to Saltery Bay where the ferry terminal is. However unless you have a lot of time (and energy) most people tend to do a portion of it. We planned the 50km section between Sarah Point and Shingle Mill, in Powell River. Therefore this post will specifically cover this popular section which can be done in either 2 or 3 nights.
The trail runs near the towns of Lund and Powell River – either being a good base before and after the hike.
Getting to Powell River
From Vancouver you’ll need to take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. Downtown Vancouver to the ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay is about a half hour drive. Ferry reservations are often recommended especially if traveling around a weekend or during the summer. And you will need to arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before the ferry departs. The ferry cost for 2 people with a car is around $100 – this is for both directions.
The ferry to Langdale is actually shorter than you’ll wait to get on it. Only 40 minutes and you’ll arrive near Gibsons, which if you have time has a bunch of really awesome breweries. You’ll then need to follow the highway to Earls Cove at the other end of the Sunshine Coast. Drive time is about an hour and a half. You really can’t get lost, it’s basically the only road.
The next ferry is about 50 minutes long to Saltery Bay, although reservations are not possible. So you’ll instantly be in a race across the Sunshine Coast to get to the head of the queue. From Saltery Bay, it’s about 20-30 minutes to get to Powell River. You pay the fee in one direction only, leaving Saltery Bay on the return. Car plus two people is around $75.
Powell River, British Columbia
For our hike we decided to stay in Powell River the night before and the night after the hike. Although Lund and Powell River are very small towns, there is more to do in Powell River and more lodging options.
An affordable hotel option is the Powell River Town Centre Hotel. Clean and comfortable enough, the staff were friendly and there was a decent continental breakfast included in the room rate. We were also able to leave bags at the hotel while on the hike which is better than leaving them in your car.
Powell River has a few nice restaurants, lovely little shops and even a brewery – Townsite Brewing. Around the town there are lots of nice walks and good beach access and park areas. For anyone who doesn’t want to bother with ferries and driving there is a small regional airport with flights to/from Vancouver for $150-$250 each way.
Packing for the Sunshine Coast Trail
As well as your hiking essentials, you will need to plan a bit more for the Sunshine Coast Trail. The trail is not particularly difficult but since you’ll be gone for multiple days, and because the trail is so difficult to get to, you won’t have access to roads for long sections of it.
Safety first, there are bears in the area. We saw one as we were traveling to the starting point of the trail, and other hikers we talked to saw bears on the trail. I encourage everyone to be bear aware and learn about some Bear Safety 101. I recommend packing a bear canister like this one that I use.
To cut down on backpack weight think carefully about the food you are packing. We got dehydrated backpacker meals, most of which were pretty good. They have a good variety of meal options, all heavier in calories (exactly what you need for such a hike). They are easy to make (just add boiling water and wait 20 mins) and are both lighter and easier to pack that other food.
The most popular time to hike this trail is late Spring through to Fall. It can get rather hot and sunny during this time though so pack accordingly. We had days in excess of 25°C and there were parts of the trail with very little cover. So sunblock and a hat are two things you will definitely need. As is bug spray. There are some areas of the trail with a lot of mosquitoes.
Getting to Sarah Point
The easiest way to do the hike is to start at Sarah Point and end at Shingle Mill. You can park at Shingle Mill and get a transfer to Sarah Point to start the trail. That way you end at your car.
Most vehicles can’t make it over the rocky logging roads to Sarah Point. Therefore your best option is a transfer with Sunshine Coast Shuttle. They use four wheel drive vehicles and even offer services where they can store extra gear or drop it off at other areas on the trail if you don’t want to carry everything.
We got the shuttle to Sarah Point, and arranged for them to pick us up at Shingle Mill in Powell River. Our driver Dennis was really nice and helpful, telling us about the area. The transfer is $75 per person with a minimum cost of $190 (something to be aware of for solo or duo hikers).
Shingle Mill has ample free parking at the side of the road. Be careful not to park in the lot reserved for guests of the Shingle Mill Pub. Although you may be able to talk to them in advance about parking there. We unfortunately arrived too late in the evening the day before the hike and started the trail too early.
Hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail
OK we’ve covered what to pack, where to stay and how to get to the trail. Now I’m sure you want to hear about the trail itself. The first thing to note is that the Sunshine Coast Trail can be done hut to hut. There are fully covered open huts in case of rain, or for more comfort. However most people tend to camp and use the hut to store items in. Some come with bear bins, others don’t. But there are fire pits at each as well as outhouses.
Here are the basics of what you need to know about the Sarah Point to Shingle Mill section of the Sunshine Coast Trail.
- Distance: 50km (31 miles)
- Length of hike: 2 or 3 nights (see below for suggested itineraries)
- Type of trail: Through hike – one way point to point
- Highest Elevation: 417 meters
- Difficulty: All Trails says Hard, but I would say Moderate. A few elevation gains but mostly a nice trail with minimal challenges.
- Longest hiking day: 16-17km depending on the itinerary you create (again, see below)
Itinerary option #1:
Day 1: Sarah Point to Manzanita Hut (16km); Day 2: Manzanita Hut to Rieveley’s Pond Hut (17.4km); Day 3: Rieveley’s Pond to Shingle Mill (16.8km).
Itinerary option #2:
Day 1: Sarah Point to Manzanita Hut (16km); Day 2: Manzanita Hut to Homestead (12.9km); Day 3: Homestead to Shangri-La (14.2km); Day 4: Shangri-La to Shingle Mill (7.1km).
*We briefly considered this itinerary but were underwhelmed by Homestead and decided to push on the extra 4km to Rieveley’s Pond – a way better camping area.
Itinerary option #3 (the route we took)
Day 1: Sarah Point to Manzanita Hut (16km); Day 2: Manzanita Hut to Rieveley’s Pond Hut (17.4km); Day 3: Rieveley’s Pond to Shangri-La (9.7km); Day 4: Shangri-La to Shingle Mill (7.1km).
There are of course more places to camp than these. But they are the best stopovers to break the route up into sizeable days. We wanted 3 nights and this way got to have 2 longer days followed by 2 shorter days which was perfect.
Even though Shangri-La is only 7km from the end, having the night at Little Sliammon Lake is worth it. Such a gorgeous place (and a great place to go swimming).
Water sources on the Sunshine Coast Trail
There were a lot more water sources than we initially thought, although I would imagine some are more seasonal. I’ve listed the permanent ones below with trail kilometer markers.
- Hinder Creek – 5.3km
- Bliss Portage – 8.1km
- Wednesday Lake – 12km
- Wednesday Creek – 12.2km (last water before Manzanita Bluff campsite) at 16km
- Thulin Springs – 17.5km
- Ferngully Creek – 22.3km
- Plummer Creek – 25.8km
- Homestead – 28.9km (not noted on the official trail map as a water source, but was a rather larger stream/river)
- Trinket Trail – 29.5km
- Rieveley’s Pond – 33.4km (there’s also a plentiful stream about 100m before the campsite – easy to walk back to)
- Appleton Creek – 35.5km (really good, clean and plentiful water source)
- Gorge Falls and Bandit Falls – not sure of exact spot, only that they are between Appleton and Kokanee. They are quite close together
- Kokanee Creek at Big Sliammon Lake – 40km
- Shangri-La at Little Sliammon Lake – 43.1km (very clean, easy to access – last real water before the end of the trail)
**Always remember that as clean as the water looks you should have a water filtering system to make it safe to drink. I use the Sawyer Water Filtration System.
Day 1: Sarah Point to Manzanita Bluffs – 16km
Starting the trail at Sarah Point, you’ll think this might be as good a view as you’ll get. But don’t worry, there’s more to come. A future hut is under construction here as of summer 2021, but the outhouse is already complete and really clean. Perfect way to start the hike. Take your photos of the rugged coast line and the necessary start of hike selfie, then on your way.
There’s a short incline in the first couple of kilometers but after that remains relatively easy until the 8km mark. Feather Cove at 3km is a nice first rest stop where you can wander down to the beach area. Hinder Lake, at 5km, is a great place for your first extended break. We chose to make it our breakfast stop about a third of the way to camp.
If you really want short days, Bliss Portage at 8km is a really nice camp in the dense forest area. It’s less than a kilometer after this point you’ve got a bit of elevation – 300m over the next 6km. Pace yourself, and there are flatter areas to keep it balanced. Wednesday Lake is at 12km and is an amazing place for a long break. Swim in the clear water, soak up some sun by the beautiful lake, and rest for an hour or so like we did before the final push of the day over the next 2km.
Manzanita Bluffs camp area
Your reward will be Manzanita Hut sat on the high bluffs with a spectacular view and a lovely welcoming campsite after a long day. The bathrooms are a bit rough but the hut and picnic tables are a nice addition. There are plenty of camping spots including some facing the lookout. There were about 12 people camping there when we visited, including our group of 3.
There are fire pits, however please check in advance for fire bans. We all put our bear canisters in the hut which has a second level and covered areas around the side in case of rain. Note the huts have been “closed” during COVID-19 so it’s assumed that they are to be used only in bad weather. Restrictions are beginning to relax though.
Day 2: Manzanita Bluffs to Rieveley’s Pond – 17.4km
This was the biggest day and included the highest elevation on the trip. We knew it would be tough. We had a hearty breakfast and set out early as the day was going to be warm.
There were a couple of brief viewpoints during day two, but it was mostly hiking through wooded areas. One of my favorite parts was finding a log book at a bench rest stop halfway through the day. Reading from everyone who’d walked the trail before us, and contributing our own notation made this feel like more than just another hike. It was incredibly quiet along the trail and we only met a few day hikers as well as occasionally passing (or being passed by) the through hikers we’d met the night before.
We had debated a shorter day, ending at Homestead. But the “camping area” was either a parking lot style area next to the outhouse, or a small mosquito infested area between the road and the creek. We decided to keep going to Rieveley’s Pond. Later, in speaking with those who decided to stay at Homestead, they wish they had done this too.
Rieveley’s Pond campsite
The final push from Homestead to Rieveley’s Pond was a big one. A few big uphill areas and narrow paths – each not really too long but in the heat of a late summer afternoon it was sweaty, tiring stuff.
Passing the small stream we knew to be just before camp, we were happy to have made it on day two. Camp at Rieveley’s Pond hut was less scenic than Manzanita, with no pretty views. But the homely forest camping spots, picnic tables and fire pit with benches all around made it feel like a luxury resort.
In camp this night were 12 people (and one dog). There was adequate space for us all to camp, make dinner and enjoy a roaring fire as the evening started to creep in. Roasting marshmallows and enjoying a warm beer was actually the nicest feeling after this day.
As with Manzanita the previous night, there was a large open plan hut with additional sleeping spots should they be needed. A great place to store the bear canisters and gear for the evening. There were two outhouses, one a bit newer and in better condition, but both rather basic. But after 17km of walking, it didn’t matter how basic camp was. We washed our aching feet in the stream and collected fresh water before retiring to a well deserved night sleep.
Day 3: Rieveley’s Pond to Shangri-La – 9.7km
Waking up knowing the worst of the trail was behind us was a good feeling. After a quick breakfast we set off to hopefully arrive at our lake oasis camp early enough to enjoy it. Unlike the previous two days where tiredness took over as soon as we got to camp, there was excitement of a shorter day.
Our third day took us past some of the most beautiful trail areas in my opinion. It was nice to break the day up with scenic lakes and waterfalls – which doubled as great water sources to keep hydrated. Don’t over stock up on water as camp this day is on a lake.
Appleton Creek, two kilometers after Rieveley’s Pond was one of the cleanest water sources we found on the trail. It was a lovely area to sit and grab a quick morning snack too. With an easier day of less elevation, our sore feet, heavy bags and the beating sun were the only challenges. The second half of the day you’ll be periodically exposed as you circumvent Big Sliammon Lake, then Little Sliammon Lake.
As nice as the lakes are, I recommend stopping for lunch at the shadier Kokanee Creek, just before the lakes. There are nice picnic tables and it’s fully sheltered from the sun.
Shangri-La Campsite
This place is amazing – if ever a name and a place were well suited. There aren’t too many places to camp, only three decent sized clearings, so we ended up near the picnic area. But it was comfortable enough. And Shangri-La was also one of the least mosquito-ridden areas we saw on the trail, which was even more comfortable.
The picnic area is nice and large. There is a small outhouse which I would not describe as Shangri-La-esque, but I’ve seen worse. The best thing, however, is the dock where you can sit and catch some sun, or jump in the cool and refreshing lake.
I’m not one for swimming, but after 3 days of hiking, a dip was amazing. I finally felt clean again. We sat on the dock, drying our clothes and enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine, chatting, taking pictures of the beautiful lake and playing card games.
Unlike the other camps there’s no hut here. So you’ll have to find somewhere an reasonable distance away to hang a bear bag or stow your bear canister. But the camp was lovely, the sunset incredible and the sound of the frogs in the lake surprisingly soothing at night. Better still, the lake’s dock is an ideal morning breakfast spot before you leave camp.
Day 4: Shangri-La to Shingle Mill – 7.1km
The shortest day doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. There are some hilly areas to ascend as you get closer to Scout Mountain. The path snakes up to vantage points of Powell River below for some impressive ocean views. It was a hot day for us though and there wasn’t too much shade along some parts of the trail.
There are no real water sources after Shangri-La so pack enough water for the day. The terrain is a mix of wooded trail, rocky peaks and alpine flower trails. At the top of Scout Mountain it’s easy to lose the trail. You’ll see a bench and larger rest area looking out over Powell River – the trail is a narrow path in front of that with an access point to the right of the viewpoint.
The next part of the trail is quite rocky and narrow – it will be a little tough on the knees. It’s only a kilometer though and you’ll be on the final stretch along the road to Shingle Mill.
The 7km took us 3 hours with only a few short breaks. We arrived at the Shingle Mill Pub & Bistro in time for lunch, with a well deserved pint of cold local beer. After 3 days of packaged food everything will taste amazing but I highly recommend a side order of the parmesan dusted cauli wings which were so good.
Is the Sunshine Coast Trail really that good?
Personally I loved this hike. I thought it had everything I needed in a multi day hike. Close enough to Vancouver for an extra long weekend, but far enough away to leave the city behind. Easy enough trail, but with a few challenging areas to make it a good balance of a hike. And best of all, the hut-to-hut camping.
I liked that instead of finding a spot in the woods we got to camp near other people. There were no huts on my last 4 day hike. We pitched the tent at the side of the trail and often were alone. I felt much safer this time. It’s a great trail for first time multi-day hikers due to the huts and the numerous water sources. Both made it a lot easier to enjoy.
But it’s the scenery that steals the show. The ocean views that creep up on you are welcome reminders when tiredness makes you wonder why you’re doing this. Stunning vistas of the BC coastline, and the cool, calm waters of the lakes capture the area beautifully. And any discomfort from your aching feet and joints will melt away as you realize how lucky you are to experience this amazing trail.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you done any part of the Sunshine Coast Trail? What would be your favorite part of this hike?
I have friends moving to the Vancouver area soon and plan to stay with them next year. I had been researching things to do and see and this will be a great addition the that list. I had never heard of the Sunshine Coast Trail (I wonder if my friends have?), It looks great fun and the iadvice and tips here are so good. Bears in the woods! ….. that would scare a city dweller like me, so I may invest in one of those bear cannisters you talk of. Thanks for the great info.
This hiking trail looks great. I love that there are huts along the way!
This hiking trail looks amazing. I wish to explore Canada someday. It’s an amazing country .thanks for sharing
This looks like a fantastic hike, especially the Shangri-La campsite! I loved your picture of the lake and would love to camp there. Thanks for providing such a detailed guide!
This looks like the type of hike that I would really enjoy going on! There’s definitely a lot to consider first so thanks for sharing those tips. And your food looked really good!
This looks like such an excellent day hike! A nice way to get out of the city. I haven’t been yet but Vancouver is definitely on my list.
first off, GORGEOUS photos! i’ve never done a major, overnight hike like this — but you make it seem very accessible to even a beginner (with proper prep of course!). i have only been to vancouver one, and i know i didn’t get out of the city as much as i should have… but now i think that Sangri-La campsite is calling my name.
This looks like a great hike. I love that you found a log, how fun to read others notes about the hike
We are heading back to BC in the fall and plan to spend a week on the Sunshine Coast. So your post came at the perfect time for us to consider. We probably aren’t doing even a 50 km hike. But would love to pick out pieces that we can handle.
What a beautiful hike! We go up to my partner’s family’s property on the Sunshine Coast every year and it’s one of my favourite spots. But we’ve never tried this hike. So stunning! Awesome that there’s a shuttle so you can hike to your vehicle. And great find with the Shangri-La campsite – stunning!
This looks like an amazing hike with such beautiful scenery and other than the distance not too challenging. I’d love to do this one day and make a point to stay a night at the Shangri-La campsite!
WOW – adding this hike to my bucket list! The pictures of the lake, forest, and sunrises/sunsets are stunning! Love the details on your experience of the hike. I’ve never done a backcountry campsite so will be using this as a reference!
What a beautiful trail! I especially love the picture of the sunset along the way. I’ve always found British Columbia to be a lovely part of Canada and want to explore it more.
I love hiking, but have never done a multi-day hike before. Your guide is super helpful with everything I would need to know to plan with water stops, distances, etc. I would be leary to do a multi-day hike, but the views really do make it look worth it!
Hiking is the only way to true experience the beauty you must have been fortunate enough to witness. Any coastal trail gets my vote. There’s something so peaceful coming upon a calm lake. It looks like Sunshine Coast has many options. Great tips and info for those who have the great opportunity to do this.
Canada is open to Americans; Yay! Can’t wait to get to the Sunshine Coast!
This sounds like a lovely hike. Not too easy but not too challenging either, just the right amount for a hike. And the views are stunning over there. Also appreciate the warning about bears in the area, better to be safe than sorry.
This looks like an awesome hike and those views!!!
Also Alpine Mac and Cheese is always 100!