Sightseeing
Francis Point Provincial Park is a beautiful park that is located along the Sunshine Coast near Madeira Park. The trail is short but follows a rocky route along the coastline providing scenic views of the Strait of Georgia, looking across towards Texada Island.
From the parking lot, follow the trail into the forest, enjoying the peacefulness of the lush west coast rainforest with every step. Within a few minutes, you arrive at Francis Bay, where you can make your way to the edge of the water to look out onto the waterway.
Return to the trail follow it southward as it crosses a small wooden bridge and then arrives at a rocky outcrop that overlooks the bay. Continue to follow the trail along the coastline, carefully watching your step as you make your way up over the rocks and back down again. Be especially careful if the rocks are wet, they can be very slippery.
The trail continues along the shoreline, offering many views of the Strait of Georgia as you look across to Texada Island. Eventually, the trail descends down a steep section between some rocks where it arrives at a spectacular grove of Arbutus trees. Walk down to the rocky outcrop where the lighthouse beacon can be see. This is the end of the trail.
The views from the end are more than 180-degrees as you can see fairly far south as well as across the Strait towards Texada. If you're lucky, you may even spot some marine wildlife, such as seals or even whales.
Take one last look at the view before walking back up towards the grove of arbutus trees and beginning to follow the trail back. Carefully hike up the steep section and then watch your step as you make your way over the rocks, back along the route. Returning to the area where you first had a view of Francis Bay, go right and walk back up the trail, returning to the parking lot where you began.
51 locals recommend
Francis Point Provincial Park
Francis Point Provincial Park is a beautiful park that is located along the Sunshine Coast near Madeira Park. The trail is short but follows a rocky route along the coastline providing scenic views of the Strait of Georgia, looking across towards Texada Island.
From the parking lot, follow the trail into the forest, enjoying the peacefulness of the lush west coast rainforest with every step. Within a few minutes, you arrive at Francis Bay, where you can make your way to the edge of the water to look out onto the waterway.
Return to the trail follow it southward as it crosses a small wooden bridge and then arrives at a rocky outcrop that overlooks the bay. Continue to follow the trail along the coastline, carefully watching your step as you make your way up over the rocks and back down again. Be especially careful if the rocks are wet, they can be very slippery.
The trail continues along the shoreline, offering many views of the Strait of Georgia as you look across to Texada Island. Eventually, the trail descends down a steep section between some rocks where it arrives at a spectacular grove of Arbutus trees. Walk down to the rocky outcrop where the lighthouse beacon can be see. This is the end of the trail.
The views from the end are more than 180-degrees as you can see fairly far south as well as across the Strait towards Texada. If you're lucky, you may even spot some marine wildlife, such as seals or even whales.
Take one last look at the view before walking back up towards the grove of arbutus trees and beginning to follow the trail back. Carefully hike up the steep section and then watch your step as you make your way over the rocks, back along the route. Returning to the area where you first had a view of Francis Bay, go right and walk back up the trail, returning to the parking lot where you began.
Beaver Point Lookout
Baker Beach Park
12499 Baker RdPender Hill is located on the Sunshine Coast in Pender Harbour and is a short, steep hike that provides incredible views of the surrounding area. From various viewpoints near the top, the views include one looking down towards Hotel Lake, across to Mount Daniel, across Pender Harbour, and out towards the Strait of Georgia.
From the parking area, follow the narrow trail next to the sign as you quickly head into the forest. Within a minute, the trail begins to climb quickly as you make your way uphill. Follow the worn path as the ascent becomes steeper, making sure to stay on the trail as there are no trail markers.
Eventually, the trail reaches a junction where both routes will rejoin each other about 30-meters up the trail. Go left and follow the path that wraps around the east side, looking up to catch occasional glimpses of a view between the trees. There likely were clear views from this side of the hill at some point but the trees have grown and now block those views.
Go left as the trail rejoins the other trail and continue hiking uphill on a more gradual pace. Within minutes, the trails exits from the forest and you walk up over a large rock as you make your way to a bench that sits near the peak of Pender Hill.
Continue walking past the peak and down the hill to a viewpoint directly above Hotel Lake that gives you an incredible view looking across the harbour and towards Mount Daniel. From there, you can walk back up slightly and to the west where there is an open area that gives a different view across the harbour and looks out towards the Strait of Georgia.
After enjoying and taking photos of the many viewpoints, return to the peak of the hill and follow the worn path back into the forest as you begin your descent. This time, go left at the junction, taking the slightly shorter route back down as it rejoins the trail shortly after. Watch your step as you descend down some of the rocks and steep sections. In no time, the steepness of the descent begins to level and you return to the parking lot area where you began your hike.
33 locals recommend
Pender Hill Trail Head
4331 Coastview DrPender Hill is located on the Sunshine Coast in Pender Harbour and is a short, steep hike that provides incredible views of the surrounding area. From various viewpoints near the top, the views include one looking down towards Hotel Lake, across to Mount Daniel, across Pender Harbour, and out towards the Strait of Georgia.
From the parking area, follow the narrow trail next to the sign as you quickly head into the forest. Within a minute, the trail begins to climb quickly as you make your way uphill. Follow the worn path as the ascent becomes steeper, making sure to stay on the trail as there are no trail markers.
Eventually, the trail reaches a junction where both routes will rejoin each other about 30-meters up the trail. Go left and follow the path that wraps around the east side, looking up to catch occasional glimpses of a view between the trees. There likely were clear views from this side of the hill at some point but the trees have grown and now block those views.
Go left as the trail rejoins the other trail and continue hiking uphill on a more gradual pace. Within minutes, the trails exits from the forest and you walk up over a large rock as you make your way to a bench that sits near the peak of Pender Hill.
Continue walking past the peak and down the hill to a viewpoint directly above Hotel Lake that gives you an incredible view looking across the harbour and towards Mount Daniel. From there, you can walk back up slightly and to the west where there is an open area that gives a different view across the harbour and looks out towards the Strait of Georgia.
After enjoying and taking photos of the many viewpoints, return to the peak of the hill and follow the worn path back into the forest as you begin your descent. This time, go left at the junction, taking the slightly shorter route back down as it rejoins the trail shortly after. Watch your step as you descend down some of the rocks and steep sections. In no time, the steepness of the descent begins to level and you return to the parking lot area where you began your hike.
Mount Daniel is a steep hike on the Sunshine Coast that provides incredible views of the Pender Harbour region. Located in Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park, the trail climbs through the forest to the first peak before descending slightly and heading up to an area near the second peak with several viewpoints.
From the trailhead next to the metal gate along Garden Bay Road, follow the gravel road uphill until you reach a junction. Go left at the junction and continue uphill along the wide road as it begins to level. The gravel road ends and a narrow hiking trail enters the forest. Follow this trail and within a few minutes, the trail begins a very steep ascent.
Continue following the steep trail uphill as you pace yourself in-between breaths. The trail passes a BC Parks sign marking the boundary to Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park. During the spring or after a rainfall, sections of the trail can be like walking through a creek, so be sure to watch your step.
The trail begins to level and you make your way up a section that is not that steep, quickly gaining distance. The trail arrives, at what looks like a junction, and off to the right is the first peak. Walk up onto the rocky peak to take a look, however there is no view as the trees have grown and blocked it.
Return to the trail and follow it down a hill into a gully. The trail begins to ascend again and continues through the forest. It eventually reaches the first view through a clearing in the trees. Walk down to the rocky outcrop for the best view as you look down towards Pender Harbour below.
Most hikers stop at this viewpoint, however the trail continues to another spectacular viewpoint that is close by. Follow the worn path as it wraps around the mountain to another clearing, this one looking southward across Gunboat Bay and east towards the mountains.
32 locals recommend
Mount Daniel Peak Trail Head/Parking
5223 Garden Bay RdMount Daniel is a steep hike on the Sunshine Coast that provides incredible views of the Pender Harbour region. Located in Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park, the trail climbs through the forest to the first peak before descending slightly and heading up to an area near the second peak with several viewpoints.
From the trailhead next to the metal gate along Garden Bay Road, follow the gravel road uphill until you reach a junction. Go left at the junction and continue uphill along the wide road as it begins to level. The gravel road ends and a narrow hiking trail enters the forest. Follow this trail and within a few minutes, the trail begins a very steep ascent.
Continue following the steep trail uphill as you pace yourself in-between breaths. The trail passes a BC Parks sign marking the boundary to Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park. During the spring or after a rainfall, sections of the trail can be like walking through a creek, so be sure to watch your step.
The trail begins to level and you make your way up a section that is not that steep, quickly gaining distance. The trail arrives, at what looks like a junction, and off to the right is the first peak. Walk up onto the rocky peak to take a look, however there is no view as the trees have grown and blocked it.
Return to the trail and follow it down a hill into a gully. The trail begins to ascend again and continues through the forest. It eventually reaches the first view through a clearing in the trees. Walk down to the rocky outcrop for the best view as you look down towards Pender Harbour below.
Most hikers stop at this viewpoint, however the trail continues to another spectacular viewpoint that is close by. Follow the worn path as it wraps around the mountain to another clearing, this one looking southward across Gunboat Bay and east towards the mountains.
This park was established in 1957. Skookumchuck Narrows Park provides trails and viewing areas for visitors who wish to experience the awesome power of incredibly turbulent tidal rapids. On a three metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt and Jervis Inlet.
The difference in water levels between one side of the rapids and the other sometimes exceeds two metres in height. Current speeds can exceed 30 km per hour. The rapids are famous for their spectacular whirlpools and whitewater.
There are opportunities to view tidal rapids, waterfowl and abundant marine life at various tidal levels. Brown Lake provides further waterfowl viewing opportunities.
Tidal reports for the best viewing times of the Skookumchuck Narrows are available on the Sunshine Coast Tourism website.
171 locals recommend
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
6671 Egmont RdThis park was established in 1957. Skookumchuck Narrows Park provides trails and viewing areas for visitors who wish to experience the awesome power of incredibly turbulent tidal rapids. On a three metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt and Jervis Inlet.
The difference in water levels between one side of the rapids and the other sometimes exceeds two metres in height. Current speeds can exceed 30 km per hour. The rapids are famous for their spectacular whirlpools and whitewater.
There are opportunities to view tidal rapids, waterfowl and abundant marine life at various tidal levels. Brown Lake provides further waterfowl viewing opportunities.
Tidal reports for the best viewing times of the Skookumchuck Narrows are available on the Sunshine Coast Tourism website.
Dakota Ridge Ski Area
Snow Shoe and cross country skiing.
Iris Griffith Field Studies & Interpretive Centre
15200 Sunshine Coast HwySoames Hill Park
639 Bridgeman RdKatherine Lake is a popular swimming spot to enjoy for a day or as part of a camping trip. The lake allows non-motorized boating and you will find the following amenities:
Picnic Facilities
Small Playground
Washroom Facilities
19 locals recommend
Katherine Lake
Katherine Lake is a popular swimming spot to enjoy for a day or as part of a camping trip. The lake allows non-motorized boating and you will find the following amenities:
Picnic Facilities
Small Playground
Washroom Facilities
Ruby Lake
15427–15899 Sunshine Coast HwyGarden Bay Lake
Cliff Gilker Park
3110 Sunshine Coast HwyTetrahedron Provincial Park
Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park
Homesite Creek / Secret Cove Recreation Area
9844 Sunshine Coast HwyHorseback Adventures
Peacefully tucked away in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada.
We climb mountains, cross streams and make our way through sloping hills and valleys on horseback.
The Hitch N Post
Horseback Adventures
Peacefully tucked away in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada.
We climb mountains, cross streams and make our way through sloping hills and valleys on horseback.
Slo Cat - Pender Harbour Tours
Golf
Pender Harbour Golf Club
13823 Sunshine Coast HwyFood scene
The Lagoon Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort, Spa & Marina
12849 Lagoon RdMama's Japanese Kitchen
12808 Madeira Park RdAquí Es México
12808 Madeira Park RdSkookumchuck Bakery & Cafe
6694 Doriston HwyRockwater Secret Cove Resort
5356 Oles Cove RdPender Harbour Hotel
12671 Sunshine Coast HwyHarbour Pizza
12875 Madeira Park RdJava Docks
12890 Madeira Park RdThe best fish & chips, burgers etc. Fish locally caught. Supporting local fishers. Cash only. Long waits cause it’s just so good!
9 locals recommend
Badabing Burgers
12905 Madeira Park RdThe best fish & chips, burgers etc. Fish locally caught. Supporting local fishers. Cash only. Long waits cause it’s just so good!
Inlets Restaurant
6649 Maple RoadSpectacular view from sundeck. West Coast Wilderness Lodge.
Secret Cove Marina Ltd
5411 Secret Cove RdOutstanding food and service!
OSPREY COASTAL DINING
Summer pop-up restaurant at John Henry's marina in Pender Harbour
With panoramic views of the sparkling waters and rugged coastline, this waterfront haven invites you to indulge in a culinary journey like no other.
Located at the historic John Henry’s Marina and Resort in Garden Bay, Pender Harbour, we’re just a short jaunt up the Coast. From locally sourced seafood delicacies to globally inspired culinary creations, every dish is a masterpiece crafted with passion and precision.
29 locals recommend
John Henry's Resort & Marina
4907 Pool RdOSPREY COASTAL DINING
Summer pop-up restaurant at John Henry's marina in Pender Harbour
With panoramic views of the sparkling waters and rugged coastline, this waterfront haven invites you to indulge in a culinary journey like no other.
Located at the historic John Henry’s Marina and Resort in Garden Bay, Pender Harbour, we’re just a short jaunt up the Coast. From locally sourced seafood delicacies to globally inspired culinary creations, every dish is a masterpiece crafted with passion and precision.
Provisions
IGA Madeira Park
12887 Madeira Park RdBC Liquor Stores
12887 Madeira Park RdOak Tree Market
12875 Madeira Park RdGuardian - Marina Pharmacy’s
12887 Madeira Park RdBookstore
Earthfair Store
12902 Madeira Park RdPost Office
Canada Post
4976 Gonzales Rd