Sunshine Coast Road Trip

We all love a good road trip. We get behind the wheel and drive. Some people like driving and just seeing where the road takes them. Others want a plan. This road trip from Vancouver to Texada is just that plan. We have laid out the whole trip including places to camp, things to do and places to eat.

Day 1: Vancouver to Bayside Campground

Leaving from Vancouver take Highway 1 W to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Take the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale ferry. The ferry ride is approximately 40 minutes long and you only pay one way. While onboard you will sail through some of the most scenic waters, passing by Bowen Island, Gambier Island, and Keats Island. You may get the chance to see some incredible wildlife such as seals, otters, or even whales.

Arriving on the Sunshine Coast, follow the Sunshine Coast Highway for approximately twenty minutes until you arrive in Roberts Creek. Here make a stop at Roberts Creek Beach. You will see a giant mandala painted on the cement. Each year the locals paint over the old mandala and everyone gets to fill in their own section. This small beach has incredible white sand that reaches as far as the tide goes out. Cool off in some of the clearest waters in B.C. then get back in your RV and continuing driving towards Davis Bay for lunch.

Across from the pier in Davis Bay is the Wobbly Canoe, a restaurant with a first-class view of the bay from any table. Refuel with locally sourced food at this local favourite.

After lunch, continue on to Bayside Campground and RV Park. Settle in for the rest of the day and enjoy the beach volleyball court, nearby hiking trails, a game of horseshoes, or explore the bay with a kayak or paddleboard rental.

Day 2: Bayside Campground to Texada Island

After packing up camp head to Wheatberries Bakery to grab a quick breakfast or lunch such as muffins, cinnamon buns, soap, sandwiches, or burritos. On to our next leg of our Vancouver to Texada road trip.

Continue along the Sunshine Coast Highway for approximately 50 minutes until you see a sign for Dan Bosch Park. This is the parking lot for Ruby Lake which is another beautiful spot for a relaxing swim. Be sure to bring floaties, kayaks, or paddleboards because this is a large lake with lots of islands to explore.

From Ruby Lake, it is just a short drive to the Earls Cove ferry terminal. The ferry is free going to Saltery Bay and takes about 50 minutes. Be sure to take in the stunning views as you sail through Jarvis Inlet.

Upon arrival continue along the Sunshine Coast Highway until you get to Powell River. Be sure to fill up on gas and any essentials before you leave because there is no gas station on Texada Island. There is a small grocery store and a convenience store if you need to resupply while you are on the island but don’t expect too much.

Proceed to the last ferry from Powell River to Texada Island (Westview to Blubber Bay). The crossing time is 35-40 minutes and you will pay the ferry fee in this direction. Head to Shelter Point Regional Park Campground to set up camp. This spacious campground has both beachfront sites and forested sites, either way, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy the sunset over the beautiful coastline and see seals, oysters, and crabs. Flush toilets, showers, and a small concession are available here.

Day 3/4: Explore Texada Island

Spend your time on the island enjoying the relaxed pace of the locals. Enjoy nature by beachcombing, taking a swim in the ocean, or walking through coastal old-growth forest. The Dr Kay Garner Nature Trail is located at the intersection of Gillies Bay Rd. and Shelter Point Rd.

If you are lucky enough to be there on a Sunday then stop by the local farmers market located at the Gillies Bay Ball Park from 12-2:30. You will find canned goods such as salsas and jams, local art, fresh produce, and friendly faces.

Explore the history of the island and learn about the early 1800’s pioneer settlements at the Texada Heritage Society Museum in Blubber Bay.

Try to time your stay for the Texada Blues & Roots Festival that celebrates local performers from within 100 km. Or possibly go to the much larger Diversity Festival where a diverse audience of all ages are drawn together at the Shingle Beach Forest Service Site to listen to artists, composers, and bands from all over the continent.

If you want to enjoy more of the local art then go on the Texada Island Studio Tour. The artists work with everything from stain glass, jewellery, sculptures, photography, and more. Artists will be there to answer any questions about their work and share their passions.

Day 5: Texada Island to Roberts Creek 

Pack up camp and head back to the ferry to Powell River (Blubber Bay-Westview). Drive to Saltery Bay and take the next ferry to Earls Cove (you will pay the ferry fee travelling in this direction). Continue back along the Sunshine Coast Highway stopping at any point to enjoy one of the inviting lakes along the way. We are almost at the end of our Vancouver to Texada Island road trip.

Arrive back in Roberts Creek for dinner time and grab a table at the Gumboot Restaurant. Tables are available both inside and outside where there is a grassy area for children to play. Service is fast and friendly and the BCCLT burger and the Thai noodle salad are not to be missed.

Spend your last night at the Roberts Creek Provincial Park Campground. Your site will be in the middle of towering cedars, hemlock, and Douglas firs. The cobblestone beach is great for seeing sea creatures such as sea stars, mussels, clams, and crabs.

Day 6: Roberts Creek to Vancouver

Return to Vancouver on the Langdale to Horseshoe Bay ferry, wrapping up your Vancouver to Texada road trip!

*ferry schedules are not guaranteed, so be sure to plan accordingly.

For more information on travelling through BC, check out our article on Beautiful British Columbia.