The best walks and hikes around Sunshine Coast Regional District
4.8
(257)
2,746
hikers
34
hikes
Hiking trails around Sunshine Coast Regional District traverse diverse landscapes, from coastal shorelines along the Salish Sea to dense old-growth forests and mountain peaks. The region is characterized by its geographical isolation, offering a variety of natural features including numerous freshwater lakes, cascading waterfalls, and subalpine environments. This area provides a wide range of trails suitable for various experience levels.
Best hiking trails around Sunshine Coast Regional District
- The most popular hiking route is Francis Point Trail — Francis Point Provincial Park, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail that takes 41 minutes to complete. This easy path offers coastal views and is suitable for all fitness levels.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mount Richardson & Richardson Lake — Mount Richardson Provincial Park, a moderate 8.9 miles (14.3 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain and leads to Richardson Lake.
- Local hikers also love the Mount Elphinstone via Elphinstone Summit Trail — British Columbia, a 9.1 miles (14.6 km) trail leading through mountain terrain, often completed in about 5 hours 44 minutes.
- Hiking around Sunshine Coast Regional District is defined by old-growth forests, ocean coastlines, and mountain vistas. The network offers options for easy walks, moderate day hikes, and challenging multi-day expeditions.
- The routes in Sunshine Coast Regional District are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 240 reviews. More than 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore Sunshine Coast Regional District's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
4.9
(9)
88
hikers
2.57km
00:41
30m
30m
Hike the easy 1.6-mile Francis Point Trail in Francis Point Provincial Park, enjoying rainforest and coastal views of the Strait of Georgia.
3.7
(3)
20
hikers
14.6km
05:45
1,070m
1,070m
Hike the difficult 9.1-mile Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail for panoramic views of Howe Sound and a challenging 3500-foot climb.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
8.52km
02:28
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
7
hikers
2.62km
00:55
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
16.1km
06:03
1,070m
1,070m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The Triangle Lake Trail is the access route that brings you from the lower forest up toward the Triangle Lake Loop Trail. Starting from the Calvin Creek Trail, you follow a steady path through dense coastal rainforest, with sections of roots, dirt trail, and a few small creek crossings along the way. It’s a gradual climb for about two kilometres. Keep an eye out for the junction, as this is where you turn off to begin the loop.
0
0
Reached via the forest trails in Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, Triangle Lake sits quietly surrounded by dense West Coast rainforest. When you get to the viewpoint, you’re looking out over a small, marshy lake framed by trees, with only partial openings through the forest. It’s not a wide-open viewpoint, but the setting feels calm and remote. The trail continues around the lake on a loop, mostly through forest, so you’ll spend more time immersed in the landscape than right along the shoreline.
0
0
At the start of the Calvin Creek Trail in Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, you’ll see a small parking area right by the trail entrance that can look like the main place to park. This is actually reserved for buses, so it’s best not to leave your car here. Instead, continue down to the main Sargeant Bay Provincial Park car park, located about half a kilometre away. From there, you can walk back to the trailhead and begin the route toward Triangle Lake.
0
0
Langdale Falls is a 12-meter waterfall that cascades over a series of rocky ledges into a mossy canyon. To reach the falls, you’ll follow a trail system that passes through Sprockets Mountain Bike Park, so hikers may share parts of the route with mountain bikers.
0
0
The trail up to Langdale Falls is quite steep—so steep, in fact, that a climbing rope is installed to provide extra stability over one of the more challenging sections. The lower portion of the route passes through a network of trails and junctions within Sprockets Mountain Bike Park, so it’s a good idea to keep a map open on your phone while navigating.
0
0
Spipiyus Provincial Park is a small but impressive coastal park, with steep forested mountains, bluffs, and vast ocean views. The park protects a slice of classic Pacific Northwest rainforest, home to mossy trees, ferns, and rough bedrock shaping the landscape, while a network of trails climbs to awesome viewpoints. Drive slowly as the maximum speed limit is 20 kilometers per hour.
0
0
The Mount Hallowell Forest Fire Lookout sits just below the summit of Mount Hallowell. It was used as a fire lookout to scan Howe Sound and the surrounding forests for smoke, but the site now serves as a scenic viewpoint. From here, visitors get wide, elevated views over the water, nearby islands, and to the coastal mountains beyond, a perspective that makes it easy to understand why this spot was chosen for fire detection.
0
0
Mount Hallowell is the high point of Spipiyus Provincial Park, with the summit reached via a short but steep climb. As you reach the top, you will pass the Mt Hallowell Forest Fire Lookout, and the forest opens to reveal viewpoints overlooking Howe Sound and the surrounding Coast Mountains, with layers of forested islands and distant peaks.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Sunshine Coast Regional District?
The Sunshine Coast Regional District offers over 30 hiking routes, catering to various skill levels from easy walks to challenging multi-day expeditions. You'll find a diverse network of trails to explore.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Sunshine Coast Regional District?
Hikers in the Sunshine Coast Regional District can experience a wide array of stunning landscapes. These include majestic old-growth forests, rugged ocean coastlines with views of the Salish Sea, spectacular mountain vistas, and serene freshwater lakes. Some areas also feature subalpine environments and dramatic waterfalls.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Sunshine Coast Regional District?
The trails in Sunshine Coast Regional District are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the region's diverse natural beauty, from coastal paths to forest trails and mountain views.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the region has many easy trails perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Francis Point Trail — Francis Point Provincial Park is an easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) path offering beautiful coastal views. Another great option is the trails in Cliff Gilker Park, which wind through rainforests and lead to a lovely waterfall.
Where can I find challenging hikes with significant elevation gain?
For those seeking a challenge, the Sunshine Coast Regional District offers several demanding routes. The Mount Elphinstone via Elphinstone Summit Trail is a 9.1-mile (14.6 km) trail with substantial elevation gain, leading through mountain terrain. Another challenging option is Mount Hallowell — Spipiyus Provincial Park, which also features significant ascent.
Are there any trails that offer coastal views?
Absolutely. Many trails in the Sunshine Coast Regional District provide stunning coastal vistas. The Francis Point Trail offers direct views of the Salish Sea. Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park also features charming forest trails with amazing coastal views, and waterfront parks like Coopers Green Park provide views across the Strait of Georgia.
Can I find trails that lead to waterfalls?
Yes, you can. Cliff Gilker Park is known for its trails that wind through rainforests and lead to a lovely cascading waterfall. Hidden Grove also features unique wooden bridges and waterfalls along its forest trails.
Are there trails that pass by lakes?
Yes, several trails in the region feature beautiful lakes. Tetrahedron Provincial Park, for example, is home to ten freshwater lakes. You can also find trails near Yew Lake, Browning Lake, and Killarney Lake, offering serene waterside experiences.
Are the hiking trails in Sunshine Coast Regional District dog-friendly?
Many trails in the Sunshine Coast Regional District are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before heading out. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most regional parks and trails, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in this region?
The Sunshine Coast Regional District offers hiking opportunities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer is ideal for higher elevation trails. Winter offers unique experiences like snowshoeing in subalpine areas such as Dakota Ridge, though some trails may have snow or ice.
Are there any loop trails in the Sunshine Coast Regional District?
Yes, the region offers various loop trails for hikers. While specific loop routes vary, many parks like Francis Point Provincial Park and Hidden Grove feature interconnected trail systems that allow for circular walks, providing diverse scenery without retracing your steps.
What are some notable viewpoints or landmarks to explore?
The region is rich with scenic viewpoints and landmarks. Soames Hill offers excellent views overlooking Howe Sound. You can also visit Quercus Point or Watts Point Summit for panoramic vistas. The powerful Sechelt Rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park are also a dramatic natural spectacle.
Most popular routes around Sunshine Coast Regional District
Most popular attractions around Sunshine Coast Regional District
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
