When you first arrive on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll notice something changes.
Your shoulders relax. Your inhales get deeper. Everything slows down. You’re on island time—but you’re not on an island.
The Sunshine Coast is one of southern BC’s last remaining little-known natural wonders located less than an hour’s ferry ride from West Vancouver. My mom, boyfriend and I road tripped to the north tip of the peninsula for a peaceful escape in the heart of nature at Backeddy Resort & Marina.
During the 1.5-hour drive from Langdale, we stretched our legs on a gorgeous four-kilometre hike to Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park before arriving at Backeddy Resort.
In the quaint reception area under the pub, we received our keys for cabins 3 and 4. Both modern oceanfront cabins offer views of the coastline speckled with purple sea stars, calm grey-blue water and evergreen-dappled islands that stole our breath in audible gasps.
Inside, comfortable blankets and pillows covered a king-size bed with direct views of the ocean. A plate of treats satiated our travelling appetites with Nanaimo bars, macaroons, dried fruit, brie cheese and crackers. Inside the fridge, a bottle of white wine awaited. We indulged in the refreshments, clinking our glasses in a celebratory welcoming toast on the patio before heading for dinner.
Backeddy Pub serves up elevated pub fair with a West Coast vibe. The moist, flaky fish and chips, sprinkled with a dusting of herbs, was delicious, as was the seafood-laden clam chowder soup and lightly seasoned, crispy fish burger. Afterwards, rather than head to bed, we discovered the ocean in a new way with Metta Eco Experience’s Into the Night Kayak Journey.
We met Greg—the owner and guide—and learned some paddling strokes, got fitted into our kayaks, then launched into dusk. The water was an inky black pool; outlines of trees poked against the night sky, showing us where the islands were located, but the rest of our surroundings were cloaked in mystery.
Paddling through the dark, we followed Greg’s blinking red light across the channel. At 10:43 p.m., I saw the magic of the unseen world: bioluminescence.
Twinkling lights danced in the ocean. Waves of incandescence followed my paddling strokes. I dipped my fingers into the water, and the ocean illuminated at my touch.
We paddled through bioluminescent phytoplankton, watching them react at every motion: our paddles, a stick, my fingertips—even fish, swimming through the deep, dark waters, glowed with otherworldly silhouettes beneath the surface. Seals swam beneath our boats, shimmering in the shadows like iridescent mermaids or nautical ghosts.
It was a magical, spiritual, transformative journey. I’d never seen the ocean sparkle before, and it almost seemed unreal—the photos do not do it justice. We docked close to midnight; I could have remained for hours exploring the mystic saltwater stars.
In the morning, we sipped coffee in bed and watched the waves as blue skies peered out from behind fluffy white clouds before embarking on Sunshine Coast Tours’ Princess Louisa Inlet to Chatterbox Falls boat tour.
If yesterday’s experience was about feeling, todays was about seeing. We could finally see the islands that were hidden last night, now bathed in sunlight. The day exposed perched eagles, lazy harbour seals and three black bears meandering along the shoreline.
Captain Kevin safely navigated the vessel up the Jervis Inlet. We travelled about 70 kilometres, listening to fascinating and informative commentary about the history and ecology of the area. We passed by two unique pictographs and a waterfall that frothed with bubbles in the ocean like foaming bath bombs.
When we arrived at Chatterbox Falls, I felt the mist brush against my skin. In awe of the lush forest, rushing white water and protected cove around me, I acknowledged I was seeing a place probably less than one per cent of the world’s population will ever get the chance to visit. It felt untouched and beautiful in a rare way.
After another satisfying dinner, my boyfriend built a fire in the log-burning stove for our last evening at Backeddy Resort.
I cracked open my book and sat on the rug, a blanket draped over my shoulders, in front of the flickering flames. We were warm, cozy and happy after a dreamy, remote, adventurous stay on the secluded Sunshine Coast.
When You Go
All these adventures are accessible from Backeddy Resort & Marina. Alternative accommodations include geodesic glamping domes, vintage cabins and inn rooms.
Use promo code* for 15% off your booking: Explore15
*T&C: Valid for mid-week bookings from Sunday to Thursday. Booking Dates: June 1-Nov 1, 2024; Stay Dates: June 1, 2024 – June 1, 2025
This article was sponsored by Backeddy Resort & Marina
Nestled along a remote shoreline on BC’s Sunshine Coast, the Backeddy Resort and Marina offers connection, adventure and renewal. Each of our twenty rooms has its own special character, from glamping in our geodesic domes to vintage A-frame cabins and waterfront cabins with all the modern amenities. The resort is complete with a full-service marina, oceanfront pub, and rentals and eco-tours that leave right from our dock. Whether you are here to unplug or explore, the Backeddy offers something for all types of adventurers. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of the seasons, reconnect to the spirit of the wilderness and renew yourself to your core.
Use promo code Explore15 for 15% off your next booking
The post Stay in the Heart of Nature on the Sunshine Coast first appeared on Explore Magazine.