Hiking up Soames Hill on the Sunshine Coast, BC

When you get off the ferry at Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast one of the closest hikes is Soames Hill. Hiking is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast and this is a great easy hike with some impressive views.

This 2.6 km loop, located in Shirley Macey Park, gives you great views across to the mainland and of Keats Island. It’s pretty easy to begin with but finishes with a lot of stairs.

The hike up to the top of Soames Hill is pretty similar to hiking Pender Hill in terms of difficulty. But, since they’re at opposite ends of the Lower Sunshine Coast the views are a bit different!

Hiking Soames Hill

There are several different spots for accessing the trail for Soames Hill on the Sunshine Coast and limited Soames Hill parking.

We started at Bridgeman Road where there were a couple of spots for cars to park.

From here, walk past the yellow gate and follow the yellow trail into the forest.

The forest is full of moss and ferns as is typical of the beautiful west coast.

Watch for a sign at a junction and head left onto the green trail. The green trail then heads up some stairs and then turns into switchbacks as you climb up the hillside.

The trail begins to level out and you get to a junction. Turn right and follow the trail for a short while over to a viewpoint. This view looks out towards Keats Island.

It’s a good place to take in the views, but the best is still to come!

Continue back to where you left the main trail withing Soames Hill Park and this time continue going up the steep trail. You’ll soon come to a final viewpoint that looks out towards Keats Island and the town of Gibsons.

Follow the trail back downhill the way you came, being careful as you step on the slippery rock.

Soames Hill hiking stats

• Difficulty: Easy (with some steep sections)
• Distance: 2 km
• Time: 1 hour
• Elevation: 65 m

What to pack for Sunshine Coast hikes

What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.

• Check out my day hike packing list here.
• If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
• Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
• If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
• You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
• You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
• Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.

Other things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Besides Soames Hill Gibsons which is near the ferry terminal for heading back to Vancouver, there are loads of other fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

One of our highlights on the Sunshine Coast is the Skookum Chuck Rapids. These rapids are super impressive and if you time it right with the tides you can see kayaks take on the whitewater.

I also loved Smugglers Cove Marine Park which is beautiful early in the morning, before it gets busy.

If you have time, be sure to head to the northern part of the Sunshine Coast where you’ll find the cute town of Powell River, and the gateway to exploring Desolation Sound; a beautiful area of islands perfect for kayaking and boating.

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Hannah