Mon, May 31 - Sat, Jun 12, 2027
Early Bird Pricing (Until Jan 31, 2027): $2,349 +HST | Reg. Pricing: $2,699 +HST
Start/Finish: Vancouver, British Columbiasunshine coast trail
Join us for a 13-day backpacking trip along British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast Trail, a ~180-km backcountry route stretching from Sarah Point in Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay.
The Sunshine Coast Trail is Canada's longest hut-to-hut hiking trail, stretching through the pristine wilderness of British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. This remarkable trail offers hikers an unforgettable journey through old-growth forests, past crystal-clear lakes, and up to breathtaking mountain viewpoints.
What makes this trail truly special is the network of wilderness huts strategically placed along the route. These rustic shelters provide a roof over your head and a warm wood stove, making multi-day backpacking trips more comfortable and accessible. The trail is well-maintained and marked, but it's still a serious wilderness adventure. Hikers should be prepared for challenging terrain, variable weather, and the possibility of encountering wildlife including black bears, cougars, and wolves.
This is a challenging multi-day backpacking trip intended for hikers who are comfortable spending consecutive days on trail, carrying an overnight pack and hiking over variable and sometimes steep terrain. Previous multi-day backpacking experience is mandatory. Participants will be screened following registration and refunded if required. Participants should arrive prepared for long days, changing weather, early-season trail conditions and the flexibility that comes with wilderness travel.
highlights
Spend 11 days on trail travelling through coastal rainforest, mountain terrain, lakes and old-growth forest
Complete Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail
Visit iconic locations including Manzanita Bluff, Confederation Lake, Tin Hat Mountain, Elk Lake, Mount Troubridge and Rainy Day Lake
Opportunities to sleep in the Sunshine Coast Trail’s backcountry huts when space is available
Learn practical skills related to backpacking, backcountry camp routines, food management, navigation and wilderness travel
Enjoy multiple ferry transits and a scenic coastal drive through beautiful British Columbia
ITINERARY
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VANCOUVER PICK-UP & TRAVEL TO POWELL RIVER
Participants will be picked up in Vancouver between 7:00–9:00 AM.
Pick-up can be arranged from:
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Another pre-approved central Vancouver location
From Vancouver, the group will travel together to the Powell River, with ferry travel and ground transportation coordinated by SHE Ventures.
Upon arrival, the group will check into front-country camp site, complete introductions, review the trip plan, conduct a final gear check and prepare for the following morning’s departure to Sarah Point. Participants will have the option to visit local grocery stores to purchase snacks and lunch items.
Participants should arrive in Vancouver no later than the evening of May 30 unless their inbound flight arrives early enough on May 31 to accommodate the scheduled pick-up window. Exact pick-up locations and timing will be coordinated with participants closer to departure based on individual travel plans.
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ARRIVAL & SARAH POINT
Transportation will be provided from Powell River to Sarah Point, the northern terminus of the Sunshine Coast Trail.
After arriving at Sarah Point, we’ll begin hiking south.
Approximate distance: 16 kmA detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – ~17.5 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – ~22 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 19 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 15 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 20 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 14 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 23 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 13 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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On trail – 11.5 km. A detailed proposed itinerary (subject to change) will be provided to registered participants.
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SALTERY BAY & POWELL RIVER
On trail – 9 km.
Group transportation will be arranged from the Saltery Bay area to Powell River. Exact transportation arrangements will be confirmed closer to departure based on 2027 operator schedules and availability.
Group will overnight at front-country camp site in Powell River. Dinner in town for the group (not included).
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DEPARTURE & TRAVEL TO VANCOUVER
Participants will travel back to Vancouver via ferry and ground transportation arranged by SHE Ventures to the below destinations:
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Another pre-approved central Vancouver location
Arrival will be late evening and participants should not book air travel for this day.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Maximum 4:1 guide ratio
Certified Wilderness First Responder
Commercial guiding and liability insurance
Search and rescue coverage
Satellite communication and emergency equipment
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Breakfasts and dinners on trail (Day 2-12)
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See checked boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Round-trip ground transportation to/from the northern and southern terminus to Powell River
Round-trip ground transportation to/from Powell River to Vancouver
Ferry fees associated with transport between Vancouver and Powell River
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Front-country camping permits in Powell River on arrival and departure day. Any necessary permits associated with SCT hike.
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Water treatment and purification
Food preparation and storage
Bear safety and camp set-up
Hands-on gear demonstration
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Full coordination of trip logistics from pre-departure through trail completion
Route planning and daily itinerary development
Coordination of trailhead and end-of-trail transportation
Coordination of water taxi, shuttle and ferry logistics as required
Pre-trip participant communication, packing guidance and trip preparation
Monitoring of trail, weather and access conditions leading up to departure
Coordination of alternate plans or route adjustments where required due to weather, trail conditions or safety considerations
Coordination of any required camping permits, registrations or access requirements
Download the gear checklist below to see what you need to bring. Checked boxes will be supplied by SHE Ventures.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
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Flights to/from YVR
Accommodations outside of trip dates (e.g., Vancouver)
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See blank boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Participants are to provide their own coffee/tea, snacks and/or lunch items. Shopping time will be allocated in Powell River on arrival day if needed.
Meals on day 1 and 13 during commute to/from Vancouver to Powell River.
Dinner in Powell River on day 12.
The itinerary is proposed and subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, access, group pace, transportation availability and other factors.
Backcountry huts on the Sunshine Coast Trail are shared public facilities and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hut accommodation cannot be guaranteed, and participants must be prepared to camp when required.
Daily hiking distances are approximate and may vary.
Ferry, shuttle, water taxi and other transportation arrangements are subject to operator schedules, availability and conditions.
The lead guide has not previously completed the Sunshine Coast Trail. The trip will be planned using current maps, trail information, access updates and route research, and the guide will be supported by appropriate navigation, emergency communication and trip-planning systems.
Group equipment will be distributed among participants for carrying while on trail. Participants are expected to carry their assigned share of group gear in addition to their personal equipment.
Participants are expected to assist with shared camp responsibilities, including meal preparation, clean-up and other routine camp tasks throughout the trip.
SHE Ventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, route, campsites, hut stays or transportation arrangements as needed.
DISCLAIMERS
CANCELLATION POLICY
A non-refundable deposit of $250 CAD is required to secure your spot. This deposit is only refundable if the trip is cancelled by the hosts due to low registration. All refunds (including those issued in the event of host cancellation) are subject to a 5% administrative fee to cover processing costs.
If you need to cancel your participation:
Cancellations made more than 60 days before retreat start (before April 1, 2027) will receive a refund of any amount paid beyond the $250 CAD deposit, minus a 5% administrative fee.
Cancellations made 30–60 days before trip start (between April 1 – May 1, 2027) will receive a 50% refund of the total trip cost, minus the 5% administrative fee.
Cancellations made within 30 days of trip start (after May 1, 2027) are non-refundable.
In the unlikely event the trip is cancelled by the hosts due to low registration or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund minus a 5% administrative fee.