On the Sunshine Coast Trail, you can find peace, tranquility, and amazing views along one of the most beautiful coastlines you’ll ever see. Want to learn a bit more? Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the trail, and how to prepare yourself for a trip along the route.
The Sunshine Coast Trail Is a Unique Experience Within Canada
The Sunshine Coast Trail runs 180 km from Sarah Point, which is north-west of Powell River, and down to Saltery Bay, which is south-east. Along gorgeous coastline, through old-growth forest, over mountains and through valleys, the trail winds through an amazing sample of BC’s wilderness, and has many huts along the way that hikers can sleep in. With many entry points to the trail all along its length—including near Powell River—it’s possible to hop right on the trail and enjoy a hike whenever you like. Not a bad way to spend a day while studying at tourism college!
Go to the Powell River Visitor Centre During Your Dual Credential Tourism Program
Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced one, it would be a great idea for you to go to the Powell River Visitor Centre before hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail. Ask for wildlife safety tips, or see if you can get recommendations for must-see landmarks. The staff will be happy to help!
This can also be a great chance to see how a visitor centre runs. Take mental notes of how the staff interacts with you and others in answering questions or offering assistance—you could gain valuable insight into how you could offer great service yourself if you take a career in a visitor centre after you graduate.
A Prepared Hiker Is a Happy Hiker, so Make Sure You Pack the Right Things
While doing a day on the trail, you’ll have a much better time if you make sure to bring a few important supplies. Enough water to last your whole hike, or a bottle and a water filter to help you collect more as you go, is essential for any hiking trip. On top of that, you should bring some energizing meals and snacks—nuts, fruit, and energy bars are good examples—and a basic first aid kit that can help you take care of tiny nicks, scrapes, or blisters you might develop on the trail.
If you go hiking with friends from your dual credential tourism program, don’t be tempted to skimp on the necessities and think that you can borrow from others. If everyone takes care of their own needs, you’ll all be able to enjoy your hike, worry-free.
Want an Adventure? Plan a Thru-Hike Before or After Your Dual Credential Tourism Program
Students of travel and tourism tend to be adventurous people, and if that’s true of you, you might want to challenge yourself to a thru-hike of the Sunshine Coast Trail. That means hiking from one end to the other, all in one go, which takes about 10 or 12 days.
You’ll need to be well-prepared with a sleeping bag, large backpack, comfortable trail shoes, and a variety of other supplies to ensure you’ve got everything you need the whole way through, and you’ll also need to be prepared to walk for hours every day. Accomplish the goal of doing a thru-hike, though, and you’ll have a story that will impress colleagues and clients alike, no matter where in the world your tourism career takes you.
Do you want to get your travel and tourism diploma in Powell River?
Contact Eton College to learn more about getting started!
