Among the windswept beaches, glittering ocean views, and quiet, austere forests, lies a land of such beauty that you will feel completely captivated. With an expanse of blue ocean waters guiding the path, the Coastal Circle Tour will take you into a perfect tranquil expanse of nature, calming your soul and revealing you to scenery unlike anything you have ever seen. From the stands of Douglas fir and red cedar, to the deep sea harbours and tiny communities, the Coastal Circle Tour offers every traveler an escape to paradise. The Coastal Circle Tour encompasses the quiet serenity of the Sunshine Coast, the picturesque east coast of Vancouver Island, and the pristine beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. A rich mixture of cultures awaits, from the colourful communities, to the fascinating diversity of the urban centers of Vancouver and Victoria. Explore a wealth of activities, ranging from marine excursions, to first nations arts and culture and natural attractions, all within the stunning backdrop of Southern British Columbia. The Coastal Circle Tour is truly the perfect way to "get away" and indulge in a treasured holiday.

Total Route Distance: 635 km or 381 mi

Communities along the route: Vancouver - Horseshoe Bay - Gibsons - Sechelt - Egmont - Earls Cove - Powell River - Lund - Comox - Nanaimo - Victoria - Delta - Tsawwassen - Steveston - New Westminster - Burnaby - Vancouver

To begin this scenic coastal circle, follow Highway 99 north from Vancouver and at picturesque Horseshoe Bay board the Langdale Ferry heading for the Sunshine Coast. Relax on a 40-minute cruise through spectacular marine and mountain scenery. Off the ferry and onto the famed Sunshine Coast. Visit the seaside hamlet of Gibsons. Walk the seawall and windowshop in the galleries and curio shops.

Head north along Highway 101, through lush forest and spectacular ocean vistas, to Sechelt, the cultural centre of the coast. Learn about the Sechelt Nation at the “House of Hewhiwus”. Discover the underwater magic of an old warship, sunk as a man-made diving reef. Hop on a mountainbike and cycle over about 33 kilometres of well-developed trails that wind their way up the Earls Cove. Stop & hang out in Pender Harbour, or drive through these resort and marina communities past glittering lakes and stands of ancient cedar. At Egmont, hike through the forest trails to the Skookumchuck Narrows with its boiling and bubbling rapids. A charter boat will take visitors up to Princess Louisa Inlet and the breathtaking Chatterbox Falls. 

A 50 minute ferry across Jervis Inlet to Saltery Bay, and the upper Sunshine Coast. Visit an underwater kingdom and meet a 3 metre (10 ft.) bronze mermaid 20 metres (65 ft.) down, in this “Dive Capital of Canada”. In Powell River tour the historic town site. Hike around Inland Lake, or canoe the Powell Lake Chain. Stop and view “The Hulks”, a partially underwater ring of ships forming an industrial breakwater. Browse local galleries and shops for carvings, pottery, jewelry and weaving. At the north end of Hwy 101, discover the village of Lund. Check out the heritage (1895) Lund Hotel, or prepare for a marine excursion into pristine Desolation Sound. Okeover Inlet is a haven for recreationers -- kayaking, fishing, diving.

From Powell River catch a ferry for the 75 minute journey to Comox on Vancouver Island. Head south on Hwy 19 and spend some time visiting the seaside towns of Qualicum Beach and Parksville, then follow the highway to Nanaimo. Stop at the city’s many parks before continuing south to picturesque Victoria. Complete the circle by taking another ferry back to the mainland and the diverse communities around Vancouver. The ferry disembarks at Tsawwassen, in Delta. Nestled in lush farmlands and wetlands the community is a nature-lover’s haven. Visit the bird sanctuary on Westham Island, walk the dykes in Deas Island Regional Park.

The “Island City” of Richmond is home to Vancouver International Airport. Walk the piers at Steveston, where "fisher-people" sell their catch from boats. Stop for a fresh seafood lunch or tour the cannery. Visit Westminster Quay Public Market in New Westminster and catch a tour boat for a narrated tour of the Fraser River. Step back a century at Burnaby’s heritage village and carousel. In Vancouver, stop to shop on the popular Robson Street, visit all the world-class attractions and try some of Vancouver’s fabulous restaurants. Travel through Stanley Park, and explore Vancouver’s North Shore.

Click here to order a copy of the Coastal Circle Tour brochure.