Hiking, Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada

Cool Hiking Trail
Inland Lake, Powell River, BC

There's nothing to clear the head and raise the spirits like a good long hike. This past weekend, we went on one of the nicer ones I have been on, and that says a lot, since I have been on hundreds, maybe thousands, of hikes around BC.

Inland Lake Provincial Park is just a short drive from Powell River. Although it is a top rated destination, GPS is useful to find the start of the trail, near the boat launch. The trail follows the entire perimeter of the lake, about 13 kilometres (8 miles). We spent an exceptionally pleasant day frequently pausing for swimming. Warm, clear water, and a pristine view.

The trail is in excellent condition: wide, and completely flat. A very easy hike. Although highly rated on Trip Advisor, on a beautiful Sunday we saw very few other people.

The entire Sunshine Coast is loaded with awesome hiking opportunities. Tough to beat.

When you visit the Coast, take time out to visit my studio gallery in Granthams Landing, Gibsons. You'll see glass, copper, beach stone, driftwood works that you won't find anywhere else You can preview them on my website: Coast Chimes.

Happy trails!

Hiking, Sunshine Coast, BC

Hiking on the Sunshine Coast
Gibsons, BC, Canada

The Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada is rich in hiking adventures. The picture above is from the Mount Elphinstone trail, an estimated 6 hour round trip route. My wife and I did not push too hard, and managed to complete it in about 4 hours, including a lunch break at the top enjoying the view. It is one of the more beautiful hikes out of a very long list of gorgeous hikes I have undertaken on the Coast, but also, no doubt about it, one of the more strenuous.  In fact, I was not wearing very good shoes, just slip ons, and coming down was so steep that my toes constantly banged forward hitting and now, about a year later, I still have two black toenails! Such a beautiful trail, a little pain is nothing.

From Langdale through Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, and on up to Pender Harbour (and beyond, to Powell River) there are hundreds, if not thousands, of short to long hikes, full of stunning scenery, and the likely hood of seeing some interesting wildlife, too (i.e., bears).

Be prepared to be wowed, but also be prepared. Know where you are going, tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to be back, dress appropriately (don't wear crummy slip ons for mountain hikes!). I know from early hiking days, a step off the trail, a little turn around, and you can get very lost, very fast. Most trails are well marked, but some certainly are not!

When visiting the Sunshine Coast, pick up the Purple Banner guide of artists' studios and galleries, because the Coast is also full of serious talent. Lots of fun to stop in and visit the art scene. You can certainly stop by Coast Chimes, and see wind chimes like you never imagined (also enjoy a unique house and urban food garden).