Start Exploring the Sunshine Coast

Spanning 177 km, there are many islands and communities throughout this region that are all worth discovering. Here a few destinations to get your journey started.

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Words by Steve Fennell

There are many reasons why the Sunshine Coast is so enticing to recreational boaters.  It’s a sheltered north-south route between the mainland of BC and Vancouver Island; there are several destinations to visit within every boating trip; and it encompasses countless coves, inlets, and bays to sit at anchor for a few days – or longer.

While volumes could be written (and have been) about travelling this famed coast, the area is also made up of a series of islands to discover. Here are four of them to add to your Canadian destination list this season. While there are many more, these will provide a good sampling of what the Sunshine Coast can truly offer.

Texada Island

With approximately 1,000 residents and spanning 300 km² (116 mi²), this is the largest of the Gulf Islands in the Sunshine Coast. While there are prime anchorages including Marble and Sturt bays, there’s available moorage with water and power at the Texada Boat Club with tie-ups available at the government docks in Van Anda, just on the northeast side of the island. Keep in mind, the water at the dock is known to be shallow, so it’s best to proceed with caution. Space here is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Given its size, it might come as a surprise that there isn’t any form of transit on the island. Nonetheless, on the northeast side of the island is the community of Van Anda where there’s the Texada Market (where you can stock up on basic groceries), a variety of dining options, and even trailheads within walking distance from the Texada Boat Club or the public docks. A popular hike is to the top of Mount Davies or Mount Pocahontas. Both offer excellent views of Vancouver Island, The Georgia Strait, and even The Coastal Mountains on the mainland.

For more information visit sunshinecoastcanada.com

Savary Island

Savary Island is a rural piece of paradise on the Sunshine Coast that’s considered to have the warmest waters north of Mexico with a great selection of expansive white sand beaches, making it a calling for recreational boaters. Located just at the entrance of Desolation Sound, the island lies east to west, and spans a mere 7.5 km (5 mi) long and 1 km (.6 mi) wide. While it’s not the largest island on the Sunshine Coast, it’s considered to be the most enticing. With its beautiful beaches comes excellent swimming and the opportunities to enjoy countless watersports including paddle boarding, kayaking, and more.

To further explore the island, there are a variety of hiking trails including Sunset, Eagle Ridge, Dune Ridge, and Hanging Tree. They are not all that not extensive or difficult, but they are a great way to see the area. Biking is also popular (and the best way to get around on Savary) and rentals are available for a reasonable cost. But if you just want to moor off its shores, you can do that as well. Find one that suits you and your crew best, and you’re set for some serious chill time. Keep in mind that the anchorages around the island are not protected from directional winds.

Access to the island is via the Government Dock on the Savary’s north side and some accommodations include camping (with basic services), cottages for rent, and even a resort to hang your hat comfortably for a few days. It’s also important to remember that services for groceries and supplies are limited, so it’s best to come prepared with food, drink, and other essentials.

For more information go to www.savary.ca

Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park

Rustic, environmentally-rich, and a great destination for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park is one of the many reasons why the Sunshine Coast is so popular. Like Savory, these islands are nearby to the community of Lund on the mainland so if you need supplies before settling in at anchorage here, this is the place to stock up on essentials.

Lund is also where you can access the park by cruising north and charting your course along the Thulin Passage, which is a nicely protected route.  Known as the ‘ragged group’ and made up of four islands that amount to an area of 470 ha (1,180 acres), the park is known as an ideal place to stop on route to further destinations as it offers great anchorages among the series of islands and inlets. Keep in mind, however, space may be limited at times and BC Parks recommends a stern line to shore to prevent swinging while at anchor.

Once here, you’ll be glad you came. Scuba diving is popular, the swimming is refreshing, and walk-in backcountry camping is available (in select areas on a first come- first serve basis). It’s also a wildlife mecca so bring the binoculars to admire bald eagles, harbour seals, and even deer. Kayaking is extremely popular here, too, and it’s common to see groups paddling their way to and from – as well as throughout – the island.

For all the details be sure to visit www.bcparks.ca

Keats Island

Although there are no marinas on Keats Island, if you need fuel or supplies before or after your visit, there’s a marina on neighbouring Bowen Island to the east and a popular one in Gibsons (that’s a short distance to the west), which is known as the ‘gateway to the Sunshine Coast.’  Being only 8 km² (3 mi²), Keats is another small island (and located near its entrance of Howe Sound at the south end) but it’s a popular area for weekend and transient boaters.

As beaches are scattered along its shores, Sandy Beach has recently become the island’s Trust Conservancy’s 30th nature reserve. With its rich bio-diversity and First Nations’ history, the beach has more than 250 m of sand beach with 3 ha (8 ac) of coastal Douglas-firs. This protected nature reserve also inhabits threatened/endangered species like the Great Blue Heron, the Olive-sided Flycatcher, and the Little Brown Myotis bat. It’s even home to surf smelt and Pacific sand lance, which are two fish that are prime food sources for salmon.

Another highlight for boaters is the 57 ha (140 ac) Plumper Cove Marine Provincial Park, the northwest side of the island. One of the oldest parks of its kind on the BC coast, there’s a popular anchorage just off the park’s shores with eight mooring buoys and six dock mooring slips. Docking fees are $2 (CAD) per metre/night. According to BC Parks, beware of the “rocky patch at a depth of about 0.5 m (2 ft) about 25 m (about 80 ft) off the end of the central mooring float.” There’s another beach in the park as well as a day-use/picnic area. Most of the picnic tables have barbecue attachments. If you’re coming here with a group, reservations can be made. It also has a maintained trail system and walk-in camping.

If your travels take you to the Sunshine Coast for your final destination or you’re on your way to more northern and southern areas in the region always be mindful of the weather, use up-to-date charts or navigation software, and follow all boating safety regulations to ensure a smooth journey.

For more information visit https://sunshinecoastcanada.com

*Sunshine Coast Tourism strongly recommends you follow and stay current on provincial and federal COVID-19 health regulations and travel restrictions prior to and during your trip to ensure safety for you, your crew, and the residents of the local communities.