Smuggler Cove, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada

I’ve been over to the Sunshine Coast a few times now, but one spot I’d never been to until this trip was Smuggler Cove.

And holy shit, what a spot. It’s some of the most insane water I’ve ever seen.

Apparently it was a secret spot they would hide back in the 1800’s when they were smuggling Chinese workers into the United States, and then again during the prohibition when they were moving alcohol from Texada Island… So it’s a wild spot that has a lot of history and I’m sure stories behind it.

I was there around the middle of June, and there was a few boats anchored in the Cove, but I imagine during peak summer it’s probably a total shit show of people hanging out in there because of how pristine the water is, and protected it is.

At the carpark for the walk in, there was a mini school bus, so I knew I would probs not be alone, and I was right, ha.

So to be honest I spent most of my time there trying to get away from an entire class of rowdy kids, LOL, to find an ounce of peace in such a serene spot. It’s not a super big area, so everywhere I went, there they were… So I kinda just walked around, took a few photos, and then left and hoped they weren’t gonna be right behind me on the walk out, haha.

If you’re ever in the area and especially if it’s nice weather (which would increase your chances of seeing the water properly), I highly recommend taking a walk to check this place out, and take a picnic and go for a swim!

The hike in is pretty chill, the first section is over this really cool swampy area on a boardwalk, and the second part is through the forest over a bunch of rocks and tree roots, but it’s all pretty easy and might only take 30-45 mins each way.