Origin Travels

It’s not an island but it’s only accessible by ferry or plane and has that slow, coastal feel with jaw-dropping scenery, seriously good food and a stretch of the BC Ale Trail with some great local breweries. Only a 40 minute ferry from Vancouver, it feels worlds away. Here’s my guide to 72 hours on the Sunshine Coast, BC:

🍃Day 1:
7:30am ferry from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver (make sure you have a reservation with BC ferries)
Arrive at Gibson’s and immediately grab a coffee flight, cinnamon bun donut (I’d take the ferry over just for this donut) and a breakfast wrap at Beachcomber
Get onto Highway 101 and stop for a beach hang or a hike along the way (like the Triangle Lake trail)
Check into the Rockwater Secret Cove Resort and enjoy the afternoon - they have a tree-top boardwalk, areas to hang out by the water, lawn and board games and kayaks you can rent. Get dinner at the restaurant and make s’mores by the fire (they set up a s’mores station for guests every night)

🌿Day 2:
Wake up to the fresh air and ocean breeze, make yourself a coffee in the cabin and indulge in a slow morning
Go to Juno for brunch - everything is soooo good! It’s gorgeous inside, the iced latte was outstanding and we loved everything we ordered (the brunch bowl and bacon cheddar cheeseburger)
Walk around and pop into the little shops in Sechelt
Go back to the Rockwater and enjoy a sunset paddle
Go to the Shed for pizza (and live music with a hanging in the backyard feel)

🌸Day 3:
Savour your last morning at the resort. Sit with a book and cup of coffee on your deck, go down to the water, take the kayaks out for one last paddle
Do another hike or check out a beach. Smugglers Cove Provincial Park has the iconic loop with boardwalk, rocky coastline and pretty views
Grab a flight and dinner at Persephone, it’s right by the ferry terminal so it’s the perfect ending to your trip. You can sip your beer and chat with the chickens, walk around the 11 acre property and enjoy one of the patios. I looooved all the ciders they have and grabbed a pack of the strawberry sours to take home

Is the Sunshine Coast on your list?