Recommended itinerary: 7 days, 6 stops
EXPERIENCE
Coastal Circle Tour
Credit: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Tomas Jirku
Relax, recharge and explore
Ocean views, coastal culture, and seaside towns are yours to explore as you journey between the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
Start your adventure by sailing to Langdale, where you will launch into the start of your trip with stops in charming seaside towns like Gibsons, Sechelt and beyond. After enjoying the beauty of Howe Sound, sail across the Georgia Straight and recharge with stops in the Comox Valley and the sandy beaches of Parksville.
Use this recommended itinerary as a guide for planning your trip to the Sunshine Coast and the eastern shores of Vancouver Island.
RECOMMENDATION 1
Metro Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast
Set sail on a scenic 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to the Langdale terminal on the Sunshine Coast. From there, wind your way along the coastline, stopping at local breweries, eclectic art studios, charming galleries, and one-of-a-kind shops.
Ferry route:
Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Sunshine Coast (Langdale)
Book activities:
RECOMMENDATION 2
Halfmoon Bay
Continue your journey to Halfmoon Bay, where forested hills meet the water and the small town feels tucked along the coast. Begin the morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to Smuggler’s Cove Marine Provincial Park. Enjoy a walk along forested trails that lead to hidden beaches and tidal pools. For those who enjoy the water, take a kayak out to explore the calm waters and coastline. In the evening, stroll along the waterfront or simply sit by the water and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Book activities:
Secret Cove Paddle Adventures Kayak Rental
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort Day Pass
Credit: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Chris Thorn Photography
Credit: Sechelt Farmers' & Artisans' Market/Nathaniel Martin
Credit: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Chris Thorn Photography
RECOMMENDATION 3
Halfmoon Bay to Lund
Continue your adventure by boarding the ferry at sḵelh (Earls Cove) for a picturesque 50-minute crossing to Saltery Bay. Before you set sail, take time to marvel at the power of the Skookumchuck Narrows (stl’ikwu). At peak tide, powerful rapids generate massive whirlpools and waves that can soar over 9 feet tall. Renowned as one of the world’s great whitewater wonders, it is a draw for extreme kayakers, divers, and visitors eager to witness nature’s raw power.
Ferry route:
Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove) to Powell River (Saltery Bay)
Credit: Destination BC/Dannielle Hayes
Credit: Destination BC / Andrew Strain
Credit: Destination BC / Albert Normandin
RECOMMENDATION 4
Lund to Comox
Detour north to Lund, the gateway to Desolation Sound, for stunning views and a taste of coastal tranquility. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, savour fresh seafood, and take in scenic waterfront strolls before catching your next ferry to Vancouver Island.
Ferry route:
Powell River (Westview) to Comox (Little River)
Credit: Sunshine Coast Tourism / Shayd Johnson
Credit: Danielle Clark (@dclark09)
RECOMMENDATION 5
Comox to Parksville
Take the scenic seaside drive from Comox to Parksville. On the way, you could visit the local shops of downtown Courtenay, comb the beach in Qualicum, head inland to explore the mysterious Horne Lake Caves, or wander around Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park and walk amongst giant Douglas firs more than 80 years old.
Book activities:
Big Animal Encounters Comox Wildlife Tour
Big Animal Encounters Comox Fishing Charter
Credit: Destination BC / Ben Giesbrecht
RECOMMENDATION 6
Parksville
Spend the day right by the sandy beach or visit a local spa. Take advantage of Parksville’s year-round mild climate, famous beaches, and take a stroll along the boardwalk. For a bit of family-friendly fun, stop by the iconic Paradise Fun Park for a round of mini golf.
Book activities:
Paradise Fun Park Mini-Golf
Paradise Fun Park Ultimate Fun Package
RECOMMENDATION 7
Parksville to Metro Vancouver
Enjoy your last morning in Parksville at your own pace before heading to Nanaimo to catch the ferry back to Metro Vancouver.
Ferry route:
Nanaimo (Duke Point) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen)
15% OFF
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort
HALFMOON BAY, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
25% OFF
The Tide's Inn
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 25% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below. Plus, enjoy unlimited minigolf at Paradise Fun Park with your stay.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.20% OFF
Coast Courtenay Hotel
COURTENAY, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
The Oceanside, Coast Hotel
SECHELT, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
Bayside Resort
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate with a minimum 2-night stay. To book, call the hotel directly at 1-800-663-4232.
Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable for stays in Jul & Aug.
20% OFF
Beach Club Resort
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate when you book at Beach Club Resort using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable for Jun - Sep
20% OFF
Coast Parksville
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below. Plus, enjoy unlimited minigolf at Paradise Fun Park with your stay.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Best Western The Westerly Hotel
COURTENAY, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate with a minimum 2-night stay when you use code BCFERRIES online to book your next stay.
Valid for stays through Jun 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Hotel Feng, Best Western Signature Collection
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
3RD NIGHT FREE
Pender Harbour Resort
PENDER HARBOUR, BC
Get a 3rd Night Free when you book online with code BCFERRIES.
Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable for Jun 26 - Aug 31, 2026.
25% OFF
The Spot at Porpoise Bay
SECHELT, BC
Enjoy 25% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.15% OFF
Sea Edge Beachside Hotel
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Oceanside Villas
SECHELT, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Waterways, A Boutique Hotel
POWELL RIVER, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
OVER $300 IN PERKS
Painted Boat Resort & Marina
MADEIRA PARK, BC
Enjoy discounted room rates, $100 travel credit, $100 dining voucher, and $100 spa voucher when you book a minimum 3-night stay and use code FALLLOVE online.
Valid til Jun 15, 2026. Blackout dates may apply. Travel credit is deducted from room rate at check-in.
More to explore
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