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Sunshine Coast Circle TourHome ::
Tours and Drives :: Sunshine Coast
Circle Tour
There’s a good reason why the Sunshine Coast is named so – it receives approximately 2,400 hours of sunlight annually making it drier and sunnier than other destinations along the coast. Sun-warmed beaches, marine adventures and picturesque coastal scenery are all part of this three-to-five-day circle tour. Drive and ferry your way up the 180km (110mi) Sunshine Coast, over to Vancouver Island and down to the provincial capital of Victoria. This 359km (222mi) circle tour stays close to the water and explores the island's cozy seaside villages, beaches and marinas, where everyone knows that seafood is served best. Tourism Region Starting at Horseshoe Bay and ending at the Tsawwassen Fairy Terminal, the Sunshine Coast Circle Tour encompasses Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands as well as the Vancouver Coast and Mountains. Although this write-up does not include all the communities along the way, time should be taken to explore what lies beyond the beaten path. Route Directions
You will arrive in Langdale 45 minutes later. Drive the 8km (5mi) into the scenic seaside village of Gibsons, a fishing community less than 30km (18mi) from Vancouver, but well-removed from the big-city hustle and bustle. Nestled amongst Mount Elphinstone, Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia, this picturesque seaside village offers a relaxing lifestyle surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty. Residents are welcoming, and visitors easily get lost in the hospitable ambience of the alluring community.
Earl's Cove is the furthest you can drive on Highway 101 before ferrying across Jervis Inlet. The 16km (10mi), 50-minutes ferry trip sails up Agamemnon Channel and around Nelson Island into Jervis Inlet. Along the way, you will see spectacular coastal scenery against the backdrop of against the Coast Mountain range and beautiful fjords that adorn British Columbia’s coast. From Saltery Bay on the other side of the inlet, take some time to explore Saltery Bay Provincial Park. This park is among the most beautiful waterfronts in the British Columbia parks system. From its shores you can see killer whales, seals and sea lions, and it is also a popular destination for scuba divers. Continue north on Highway 101 31km (18mi) up the coast to Powell River. Situated along the magnificent Malaspina Strait, Powell River is surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. Powell River’s rich First Nations heritage, and the creativity of its residents, are clearly visible in many of the local shops. The original homes and businesses are Victorian-styled and have become western Canada's only National Historic Townsite. Powell River’s history as a prosperous forestry community is honoured each year at the Powell River Loggers’ Sports Competition. BC Ferries will then take you from Powell River across the Strait of Georgia to Comox, Vancouver Island. Comox is an incredible urban centre surrounded by recreational getaways. The snow-capped mountains, plunging valleys, and salty sea embody limitless recreational opportunities for adventurers. Hiking and fishing are the most popular activities, but visitors can also relax and take in the unique shops, art shows, and theatrical performances. The city has access to nearby Strathcona Provincial Park. Through recent additions, the park almost stretches across the whole of Vancouver Island. Within its boundaries are Mt. Golden Hinde, home of the island's tallest peak and Della Falls – Canada's highest waterfall.
If you're looking for freshwater activities, then head 14km (9mi) southwest to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. The park features two breathtaking waterfalls that empty into narrow rock canyons. At the base of the lower falls is a deep pool perfect for swimming. With large day-use areas, families and nature lovers are in pure paradise amongst the park’s river-skirting trails and old-growth forests.
The small but spirited town of Ladysmith is 23km (14mi) down the coast and is often referred to as one of the prettiest small towns in Canada. Take a walking tour of Main Street to see the masterfully restored Edwardian buildings that house art galleries, antiques shops and other collectibles.
Returning to Vancouver, board BC Ferries at Swartz Bay just
north of Victoria and enjoy the 1.5-hour sailing to Tsawwassen
as the ferry passes through the pastoral southern Gulf Islands
on its way to the mainland. LinksExplore the Communities along the Sunshine Coast Circle Tour Need a place to stay or camp while exploring the Sunshine Coast Circle Tour ? British Columbia's Circle Tours |
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From Vancouver, take Highway 1 west to the quaint and charming
harbour community of Horseshoe Bay. While waiting to board
the ferry to Langdale, be sure to explore the scenic marine
village, one of Vancouver's best stops for fish' n' chips!
Paddlers and scuba divers will feel right at home in the waters
of this small town nestled under the mountains bordering Howe
Sound. While on land, local the rocky hiking trails provide
challenging terrain for trekkers. Be sure to ask BC Ferries
about CirclePac Rates and enjoy the scenic sailing through
Howe Sound. 
Head north 26km (16mi) on Highway 101 to the historic town
of Sechelt. Rich in arts, culture and old-fashioned pubs and
marinas, Sechelt and the surrounding villages are destinations
for artisans, writers and musicians. All along the coast, rocky
beaches and gentle surf make kayaking and wildlife-viewing
enjoyable activities. 
As you travel down the island on Highway 19A, you’ll
find the community of Qualicum Beach. Overlooking the magnificent
coastline and beaches along the Strait of Georgia, Qualicum
Beach is a place with legendary hospitality and magnificent
coastal landscape. Just 11km (7mi) down the road is the community
of Parksville. Parksville has been a tourist hotspot for decades,
drawing hoards of visitors with spectacular scenery and the
warmest saltwater on Vancouver Island. Collectively, Qualicum
Beach and Parksville have grown to become a major tourist destination
jointly referred to as Oceanside. Here you’ll find a
world-renowned beach that stretches an incredible 70km (43mi).
Visitors are quick to try sea kayaking or sailing in these
pristine waters, but locals will tell you that the real attractions
are salmon fishing and scuba diving – Jacques Cousteau
calls Oceanside the second best cold-water-diving destination
in the world. At low tide the ocean retreats leaving behind
hundreds of tidal pools and smooth sand. Armed with pail and
shovel, children and parents alike can spend hours digging
and exploring the seafloor. 
Follow Highway 19A south along the awe-inspiring coast of
Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. With more than 200 parks, exceptional
shopping, cultural scenery, fine dining, and of course, a mild
climate, there’s no questioning why Nanaimo is a travelers’ hot-spot.
Surprisingly, this active city has the atmosphere of a relaxing
seaside getaway. An entire afternoon can be spent on the harbour
front watching the flurry of tugs, ferries, floatplanes and
freighters go about their business. Add the fact that Nanaimo
is ideally situated as a base for tours to the other parts
of Vancouver Island, and you get a destination that’s
the perfect choice for any kind of vacation.
Chemainus, 10km(6mi) south of Ladysmith, is known for its
world famous murals. Artists from around the world come to
Chemainus to paint giant murals and turn the streets into an
outdoor art gallery. Stroll through the charming downtown and
find 33 murals that changed not only the face, but also the
livelihood of the little community. Sculptors, potters and
painters continually congregate to this seaside town to take
in the flavours and creative energy of other artists. 
Continue south on Highway 19 until you reach Victoria, British
Columbia's idyllic Provincial capital. Named in honour of Queen
Victoria, the city is fittingly decorated and steeped in Victorian
decadence. With horse-drawn carriages, double-decker buses,
formal gardens and the tradition of afternoon tea, visitors
get to experience a little bit of Britain on BC’s West
Coast. However, Victoria is fast becoming a mecca for outdoor
adventurers. With a mild climate suited for kayaking, cycling,
hiking, fishing, golfing, windsurfing, and diving, outdoor
enthusiasts here are active year round. The city is also steeped
in rich history that is put on show throughout the many museums,
heritage buildings, and China town. Victoria’s Inner
Harbour is always bustling with kayaks, whale watching boats,
ferries and float plains. Explore native totems and artwork
in the local parks, tour the legislative buildings and don’t
miss afternoon tea at the extravagant Empress Hotel as you
end this circle tour.
