Nice easy hike that is safe for dogs. However, this hike does have some rocky sections. There's…read morelots of wide open spaces, bodies of water, and some wild life.

Beautiful waters here! Short hike, easy access, be prepared to swim…read more PARKING It's a small parking lot, maybe 10 spots, with overflow on the road around it. I've been here in the afternoon on a weekday in July and midday in a weekday in August. Both times we were lucky and one spot was open. Generally there's turnover since it's a short hike and you can get a spot. AMENITIES There is a bathroom at the trailhead, no water. There are tons of educational signage about the wildlife and plants in the area. DIFFICULTY & TIME Short hike, very little elevation change. You can get to the actual Smuggler Cove in about 30-40 minutes with a 4 and a 6 year old in tow (this is right before the loop starts). I've done the entire full lollipop loop in exactly one hour with only adults. SHADE The hike is 95% shaded. RECEPTION I had 5G reception for most of the hike (T-mobile). CROWDS It was busy but not too crowded both times I went. It was more empty when I went in the afternoon (July 2023). There were many more swimmers during my midday visit in August 2024, but still easy to get your own little private small cove to swim in. SWIMMING In August, we went swimming in the cove. It's not tropical, but it's not nearly as cold as other parts of the ocean. Lots of people were swimming, and a lot of people brought inflatable stand up paddleboards or kayaks.

We stayed at this campground for $29 per night, with an additional fee for a second vehicle,…read morebringing the total to $41, which we put into an envelope and deposited at the site. We chose a double site, which was ideal, and appreciated that it operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Many people book online but often do not cancel if they are no-shows. Although the website showed no availability, there were plenty of empty sites when we arrived. The bathrooms are clean and spacious, which was a plus. However, the amenities need improvement. The power outlets did not work, the taps only provided cold water, and the showers never got truly hot. The water was lukewarm at best. Since it was cold and rainy during our stay, a hot shower would have made a big difference. The showers operate on a push-button system, delivering water in short 10-second bursts, which was frustrating. The windows are left open, making the bathroom area uncomfortably cold. Toilet seat was like a sheet of ice in the morning. On the positive side, the campground has a large number of sites and is conveniently close to the beach.

A nice, well maintained provincial park for camping, with a busy day-use area…read more This beautiful nature setting is just minutes out of Sechelt. The campsites are a good size, with newly painted picnic tables that are in excellent shape. I expected the camping area to be busier, so we made reservations, however, it wasn't even half full when we arrived for weekend camping. We had to share the communal fire pit (with convenient benches in place around the outside) the first evening, but had it to ourselves the second evening. We didn't have any problems with sharing, since the clean air bylaw is the reason, plus the park provides the wood. I was shocked (and then happy I hadn't bought any in town) when we realized the wood was brought over each day by the PFOs (Park Facility Operators). The PFOs were friendly, and helped us to avoid an extra car fee but letting us know the other vehicle could just park across the road from the park on the highway. Score. We had a double site, which was super awesome for our needs, but you definitely wouldn't want to be in one if you didn't know the people on the other side. This campground is suitable for camping wusses, since there are showers and real flush toilets available. Otherwise, use the outhouses and the cold water. The water from the taps available around the site is wonderful. There is no need to boil it or to buy water. The park is on the municipal system. Those wanting to go down to the water should realize that the day-use area does get very busy, and seems to be a popular destination for families and gatherings with ankle-biters. Our attempts to find non-tarp covered shelter from the rain at the covered tables were thwarted by a child's birthday party. A sunny day following meant the beach was also packed, and tour groups with kayaks were setting up. There is a nice, short trail through the trees and over a creek to get to the estuary. This area is peaceful, and if you look closely you can see salmon fry seeking shelter in the back eddies of the river. The beach seems to be a favourite for clam diggers, as well. I had a quick chat with a friendly BC Parks ranger on my way out of the day-use area.

In an area of the Sunshine Coast where summertime accommodations are constantly booked out, this…read moreplace may fill a good gap in the area. Still being prepped for the season, I got the grand tour of the various "furnished camping" sites: a yurt of sorts, a cabin, A trailer, and soon to be deluxe tents that you don't need to bring. Perfect for people coming to the area wanting to travel light. What appeals to me is the variety of options,.. not everyone wants a trailer but a through cyclist can use a tent knowing their next stop may be in Powell river and they didn't want to carry so much just for the middle part of their trip (as was the case for me). I see the potential of this place expanding and the small touches are evident an on the way. For example at night there is plenty of solar powered LED lighting to make it a bit magical as they line the access trails and hand off the outhouses.

The owners of Tiny Secrets have done a fantastic job of offering a variety of accommodations, all…read morereasonably priced for folks wanting to escape their busy lives in the city and enjoy nature and all the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Some guests come for longer periods and the majority of their listings offer wifi, so it's a great spot for those who can work remotely. Every season, they add at least one new listing. 2 years ago, it was 4 fully furnished campsites, complete with all the camping gear, tent on platform, picnic table, etc. In the spring of 2024, they launched their very cool and unique micro A-Frame, with an opening wall, really blending the indoor and outdoor space. Tiny Secrets is all about offering Tiny, yet very functional and unique listings on their 10-acre oceanview property. The more time you spend here, the more secrets you'll discover. They are also located only 20 minutes from Sechelt and 12 minutes from Madeira Park, so they are very central. You can even come multiple times and stay in a different place each time. Check out their ocean view tiny house schoolie.

We stayed at Strongwater our very first night in British Colombia after a long day of driving and…read moreferrying from the Vancouver airport. This place has so much charm and character. First, let me say that leading up to our visit, my communications with the owner/operator were pretty lax and informal. I didn't get an official confirmation of my booking other than an informal back and forth inquiry email that later served as my confirmation. This same relaxed feel continued when we arrived. The property has 11 campsites and 7 cabins. We booked a cabin, which was very reasonably priced. When we arrived, we made our way up some stairs to the "office" having to side step at least six or seven chickens that were just hanging out on the stairs. Hilarious. There was a note on the door that said check-in at the Skookumbus (an old painted bus that serves as a little roadside food stand - cute!). There we found Cheyenne and a few friends and family all hanging out around a picnic table. She was very friendly (and as expected extremely casual and informal). We made our way to our cabin encountering all manner of farm animals - chickens, roosters and baby ducklings - cute! Once we saw our little cabin we fell in love! We were in No. 4 (see map), which was one of the most secluded. I will say that none of the sites (both campgrounds and cabins) are particularly secluded and a few of them are pretty much right on top of others. I think the understanding, though, is if you're staying here, you're doing it for the charm, the price-point and the community feel of it all, which Strongwater has in spades. We had a restful night sleep in our adorable little cabin, though the described King Bed was just two twin beds pushed together. There were a few moments of being stuck in the crack, but otherwise we stayed warm and really enjoyed the whole feel of it. Checkout was, once again, extremely informal. We approached Cheyenne the night before we were scheduled to leave (as we were getting up really early the next morning) and found her around a campfire up at the Skookumbus hanging out with family and friends (pretty much right where we left her, haha!). I essentially just handed her the cash for the room, which she then directed at some other responsible person in the circle that I hadn't previously met. We thanked everyone for the great time and that was it. Even though we were there for less than 24 hours, we really enjoyed our stay. Personally, I would have liked a bit more of an organized structure to the payment system and the check-in and check-out process, as well as a little less nonchalance towards their guests, but it didn't bother me too much! I just interpreted it as that laid back B.C. vibe. Definitely put this on your B.C. checklist!

If you are coming to visit or surf Skookumchuck - THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!! Beautiful campground!…read moreWonderful people! And a location that is outstanding! An unforgettable vacation with Strongwater Campground being at the center of it.

I've been coming here for 10+ years we come back every year! Rain or shine. The sunshine coast is…read morethe best, and a big part of my joy is this campground. It's close to everything. You can get groceries, get a tan, swim, or go to a nearby restaurant for some yummy food. This is SUPER convenient especially if you're unfit to drive and/or wanna enjoy the environment. It's nice to have all this within walking distance. ADDITIONALLY, if you are too shy to swim at the beautiful nearby beach then you could enjoy the campground's pool :) it's kid friendly and convenient to have nearby your campsite. The staff is awesome! Everyone has always been super nice and friendly. They are very lighthearted and make you feel at home. This is exactly the camping environment I'd like to be in (all summer long)! The campsites vary in size, which appeases different type of campers. Whether you're with your family, or taking it easy with just one gal pal, you can book a variety of campsites. You can book a smaller scenic campsite, if you're just staying over for one night. OR, you could book a bigger campsite, if you and your big family wanna stay for 5+ days. I've always camped here for 5+ days, so I've booked the bigger campsites with my family. It's nice having those options :) The campsites are beea-uti-fulll! So scenic, and depending on what site you book you can hear the relaxing melody of the stream. It's super helpful if you struggle to sleep at night, as it distracts you and reminds you of the beauty of nature. Overall, it's a beautiful experience. Cheers!

The Creekside Campground & RV Park offers everything you need for a joyful get-away and camping…read moretrip. You check in at the office, where you can also buy wood for your fireplace. Next to the office is a laundry room for cleaning your clothes. The Campsite even offers a Pool! (Open from 9am - 9pm) The area itself is not too big, but big enough that you will have enough privacy on your reserved spot. There are some RV places with outlets and some more tent-sites where you can park your car, pop up your tent and enjoy yourself and a nice BBQ on your fireplace. When we were there, a ice cream truck came by in the evening which was a really nice thing. The Creek marks one side of the campground, but because of the salmon coming back to reproduce it's not allowed to step in/ wade/ bath/ play in it. But that's okay, I mean the "big water" is not far and you can go swimming in one of the many bays this region has to offer (or the pool ;) ). They have a designated security person for emergencies and patrols at night, so you can feel safe all the time. I really enjoyed how friendly everyone was, that there are so many big trees on site and you have everything you need for a nice stay. This is definitely a place to come back to.

This park consists of two locations close together along the Upper Sunshine Coast highway. The…read morefirst location is the campground actually at Mermaid Coved named after the mermaid statue sunk in the cove for diving. This campground is beautiful with a wonderful rainforest landscape. There is lots of privacy between sites so that you can enjoy your time camping. This site seems to be pretty empty even when it is beautiful outside as well as we had few neighbors over a 4 day span. The caretakers are super friendly and make sure that you are well looked after. As long as you are respectful of your neighbors they are not super pushy with the rules with quite time like some of the Fraser Valley camps that basically have a lights out policy. There is a pretty but rocky beach area here but nothing really all that good for swimming. This park has no power and only pit toilets. The second location in this park is down the road a little ways and is the day use area. This portion of the park is in Saltery Bay proper and has a nice beach for swimming and just enjoying your day at the beach. Like everything on the Sunshine Coast it is really laid back here and everyone is really friendly!

Lovely camp site in forested location with adequate shower and water facilities. The people running…read morethe camp site are super super nice and even offered us some firewood for free. The location is great, a little out of town but quite walkable for fit people...why not walk to Lucky's Smokehouse for food! In the other direction is the amazing Porpoise Park which on a quiet sunny day in Spring is quite magnificent. Again, this is eminently walkable if you like walking. Without a doubt, the best place in Sechelt to camp.

Booked for 2 nights in late May but ended up staying for 4 nights. Beautiful spacious and secluded…read morecampsites with the full range of services. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff and yet assertive when needed. Manager is available 24 hrs per day. High occupancy this early in the season during non weekend days says more than anything I can add.

Top five RV parks we have ever visited. Really nice people that have thought of everything. Do not…read moremiss a chance to visit this wonderful facility. It takes a lot to breach the top of hundreds of places we have visited.

I stayed at Seal Bay on a busy, long weekend Friday night and I LOVED IT. Even though the place was…read morepacked to the rafters, (with more RV's than I have ever seen in my life) it was quiet, peaceful and restful. The campground is very well laid out - there was a lot of space for tenting, and one of my favorite things ever - each tenting spot had a raised square that was leveled off so that the tenter was not sleeping on an incline, or rocks or the like. Also, each tenting site had its own running water! There were also showers and really, the loveliest bathrooms I have ever seen at a campsite. Clean, not smelly, and attached to a gorgeous wooden hall that had *two* built in fireplaces, and ample space for a party, if one were in the mood for that. This campground also has laundry facilities, wood for purchase for burning in the fire pits, (I suppose most campgrounds have that, but anyway, it gets *delivered* to your site!) and wonderfully friendly staff. It is situated on about 60 acres of privately owned land, 20 acres of which are dedicated to camping, in a relatively quiet area near a winery ;) I think we were exceptionally lucky to get a couple of tenting spots there on a long weekend, as it was very full, but mostly of rv's. I suspect it is booked much in advance, so I would recommend making reservations. I would not hesitate to go back to this place.