Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
With such diverse landscapes and thriving marine life, it's no wonder Canada's Sunshine Coast is famous for both hiking and sea kayaking. Walking trails are plentiful to suit all abilities; similarly, our sea kayaking tours are aimed towards beginners and can be adapted by your water guide. Beginning in the vibrant city of Vancouver, enjoy a stroll through S...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

    • Walk along far-reaching coastline, through lush rainforest, and on theSunshine Coast Trail
    • Explore protected inlets and coves byguided sea kayak, with an evening bioluminescence
    • Stay in tranquilwaterfront retreatswith paddleboards or canoes available to rent
    • Add on a 5 night rail journey through the Rockies on the unforgettableRocky Mountaineer
    • Add on 3 or 4 nights at the incredibly unique,Indigenous Klahoose Wilderness Resort

What's this trip about?

    With such diverse landscapes and thriving marine life, it's no wonder Canada's Sunshine Coast is famous for both hiking and sea kayaking. Walking trails are plentiful to suit all abilities; similarly, our sea kayaking tours are aimed towards beginners and can be adapted by your water guide. Beginning in the vibrant city of Vancouver, enjoy a stroll through Stanley Park, book a whale watching tour, or visit North America's largest night market. Your first ferry takes you to Gibsons, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and a popular spot with artists and outdoor enthusiasts. Gibsons is home to excellent walking trails including Langdale Falls, a gorgeous 40 foot waterfall cascading into a mossy canyon, and Soames Hill, taking you to the best lookouts along the coast. From here, you can easily explore the seaside communities of Sechelt and Roberts Creek where you'll have your first taste of sea kayaking along the many protected coves of Sechelt Inlet. Moving onto your next base in Madeira Park, you can stroll along the coast to Francis Point Lighthouse, through dense rainforest in Halfmoon Bay, learn about First Nations history in Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park, and watch in awe as expert kayakers take on the tidal rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows. As evening approaches, excitement builds for your bioluminescence kayaking tour where you can witness the glowing waters and incredible marine life; an unforgettable experience! A scenic ferry ride brings you to your last base in Powell River. Here, you can walk part of Canada's longest hut-to-hut route - The Sunshine Coast Trail - reaching the iconic viewpoint of Tin Hat Mountain with 360-degree mountain views. Along the coast, you can enjoy the sandy beaches of Hurtado Bay before heading towards Lund where soft forest with rich flora awaits. From Desolation Sound (British Columbia's largest Marine Park and world class kayaking destination), you have a full day of guided sea kayaking on the serene Okeover Inlet back to Desolation Sound - a fantastic end to your trip! When it comes to fauna and flora, you're spoilt for choice with the potential to see porpoises, seals, orcas, and humpback whales on the water, whilst the trails are home to many species of interesting plants, flowers, and berries. You'll become immersed in vibrant art communities, reconnect with nature, and enjoy spectacular scenery as you explore this inspiring coastline which remains under the radar - for now! Your accommodation is equally as unique and beautiful as the Sunshine Coast itself. Set in tranquil, waterfront locations, these remarkable resorts are fantastic hideaways, surrounded by nature and often with paddleboards or canoe/kayak rental should you wish to explore more of the nearby waters.This self-drive walking and sea kayaking trip welcomes you into the intriguing world of Canada's Sunshine Coast.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVancouver
End CityVancouver

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Destinations

Attractions

  • Vancouver

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking

Trip includes

    • 8 nights accommodation
    • All breakfasts & 1 lunch
    • Briefing at the start of your holiday
    • Headwater navigation app
    • Three guided sea kayaking excursions: 1 half day, 1 full day, & 1 evening bioluminescence (sighting of bioluminescence is weather dependent)
    • Rental car for 9 days
    • Ferries as per itinerary (x4 included)

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver

Upon your arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you'll collect your rental car and drive to your first hotel in Vancouver to rest up before beginning your trip (approx. 30mins).

Day 2 Around Gibsons, Sechelt & Roberts Creek

Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (approx. 20mins) for your ferry to Gibsons (45mins). Enjoy some free time in Gibsons before checking in to your accommodation. Choice of walks in Gibsons (2.7km/2km), Sechelt (8km/3km), and Roberts Creek (10.3km). Explore lush fe...

Day 3 Sea Kayaking in Halfmoon Bay or Sechelt

Embark on your first guided sea kayaking tour around Halfmoon Bay or Sechelt Inlet (half-day). Explore the many protected inlets and coves along this beautiful section of the Sunshine Coast; kayaking routes can be adapted to suit your ability. Spend the afternoon str...

Day 4 Walk in Madeira Park & Halfmoon Bay

Wave goodbye to Gibsons as you drive to your next idyllic accommodation in Madeira Park. Here you have a wide variety of walks in Madeira Park (1.8km/2.5km/4.4km) and Halfmoon Bay (4.2km/7.6km).Visit the rocky outcrop of Smugglers Cove, loop around a forest lake, or v...

Day 5 Walk in Madeira Park & Egmont and Bioluminescence Sea Kayaking

This morning, you can enjoy a scenic beach walk to a small lighthouse with an arbutus tree grove or take a forested walk to a rocky outcrop with views of the changing tidal waters. Known as Skookumchuk Narrows, these unique rapids and spectacular whirlpools are popula...

Day 6 Walks Around Powell River

Take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (1h), then drive to Powell River (approx. 30mins). After arriving on the ferry, we'd recommend a favourite walk amongst Powell River locals. As part of the renowned Sunshine Coast Trail, this relatively easy trail follows the riverbed and Appleton Creek to an iconic hut and lake with waterfalls and charming bridges along the way (7km).

Day 7 Walks Around Powell River

Choice of walks in Powell River (14.5km/18.3km) & Lund (4.5km/8.7km/10.4km). Enjoy a gentle trail through the forest with spots to swim or embark on a longer trail up Tin Hat Mountain to an iconic viewpoint and hut that sits at the halfway point of the Sunshine Co...

Day 8 Full Day Sea Kayaking Desolation Sound

Today, you get to experience a full day of guided sea kayaking from the serene Okeover Inlet to Desolation Sound (British Columbia's largest Marine park and world-class kayaking destination). This is a 7hr tour including lunch, although, shorter options are available at 3hrs or 5hrs that don't include Desolation Sound should you wish to adjust it.

Day 9 Depart from Vancouver / Extend Trip

Take two ferries before driving back to Vancouver International Airport to return your rental car and fly home. Alternatively, you can add on one of our incredible optional extensions as below. You stay at Rocky Mountaineer/Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,025
Price per day$447
Last Updated: 11/20/2024
Departure Date
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16 May 2025
24 May 2025
$4,025
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17 May 2025
25 May 2025
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18 May 2025
26 May 2025
$4,025
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19 May 2025
27 May 2025
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20 May 2025
28 May 2025
$4,025
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21 May 2025
29 May 2025
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22 May 2025
30 May 2025
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23 May 2025
31 May 2025
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24 May 2025
01 Jun 2025
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25 May 2025
02 Jun 2025
$4,025
$5,123

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Lunches & dinners

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-M08SC

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