Time slows down a little on the Sunshine Coast and the need to make use of local ferries to pass through the area means that it’s impossible to rush. The best way to spend time here is to pause in the quaint little towns, browse the shops and galleries and chat to the locals; stop to enjoy a walk amongst the trees or along the windswept shore; and take a moment to soak up the coastal views.

There are a number of places from which to rent kayaks, canoes and even paddle boats, either in the towns such a Gibsons and Halfmoon Bay or at the larger resorts along the coast, such as Painted Boat and West Coast Wilderness Lodge; your host will be able to recommend somewhere close by. They can also give you some advice on local walks, as several provincial parks in the area offer interesting hikes through beautiful rainforest.

For the famous Sunshine Coast arts and craft scene it is possible to take a self-guided, behind the scenes tour as many artists regularly open their studios for visitors to wander in and watch them at work. Purple banner flags indicate ‘we’re open!’ and dropping in to a couple can make a nice addition to any self-drive journey through the region.