The Sunshine Coast / Vancouver Island

Coast/Mid Vancouver Island Circle Tour from Vancouver to Vancouver

From Vancouver take Highway 99 north to Horseshoe Bay where you board one of the BC Ferries to Langdale. Highway 101 between Langdale and Powell River follows B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, aptly named for its mild climate of warm summers and balmy winters. Annual precipitation is 900 millimetres, some 170 less than rainy Vancouver.

Although the Sunshine Coast is on the mainland of British Columbia, it has no road connections with the rest of British Columbia. Access is by ferry only - across Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, then farther north another ferry from Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay and another journey by ferry across the Strait of Georgia from Powell River to Comox on Vancouver Island.

The Sunshine Coast has broad beaches rugged headlands, quiet lagoons and lakes backed by heavily forested uplands - all set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains to the east. The serene beauty of the land and the unhurried life-style of its people make this area an idea outdoor retreat. Sport fishing for salmon and cod is a year-round activity. There is excellent swimming in the warm waters of Howe Sound and Sechelt Inlet. Four provincial parks offer facilities for boaters and campers.

From Langdale, Highway 101 runs through Gibsons, the film location of the TV series "The Beachcombers." It continues north to Sechelt, located on a narrow strip of land between Sechelt Inlet and the Strait of Georgia, then winds past the sheltered bay of Pender Harbour. You must take another ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay where you rejoin the highway to the upper Sunshine Coast to Powell River. Remember to check BC Ferries for the sailing times on this route.

Along the route why not stay at one of this fine Canada Bed & Breakfast Host:

From Powell River take BC Ferries to Comox. Here you have a choice and can either take a side trip to Campbell River or continue on the circle route south along the Island Highway. In either case Highway 19A is the scenic route to take. The route to Campbell River passes Miracle Beach Provincial Park which has an abundance of marine life and a spectacular view of the Coast Mountains. The Comox Valley is home to many flourishing farms and their produce such as, fresh fruits, vegetables and honey can be bought at roadside stands. Courtenay is the largest city in the area. The hiking and skiing area of Forbidden Plateau is within an easy drive of the city.

The drive south along Highway 19A is called the Oceanside Route as most of it hugs the coastline. The resort areas of Qualicum and Parksville attract many visitors and are popular vacation spots. They are noted for their fine beaches, excellent fishing and lovely parks. From Parksville you can take another side trip via Highway 4 to Port Alberni and on to the rugged west coast to Tofino and Ucluelet. On the way stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park and see giant Douglas Fir trees as well as some Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce. At the terminus of Highway 4 you will find Pacific Rim National Park which clings to Vancouver Island's west coast where surf-swept beaches, rocky headlands and craggy islands are bathed by the Pacific Ocean and battered by its fury.

Continuing south from Parksville on Highway 19 you arrive at Nanaimo, the second largest city on Vancouver Island known as the Hub City. From here you have two methods to head back to the Vancouver and the mainland via BC Ferries. You can take the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay service or alternatively the Duke Point to Tsawwassen service. BC Ferries offers savings for ferry travel when doing this circle tour.

This tour can also be taken in reverse!

Along the route why not stay at one of these fine Canada Bed & Breakfast Hosts:

and in the Vancouver area:

Tour information adapted from Reader's Digest "Canadian Book of the Road."

Map courtesy BC Ferries.