Sunshine Coast Trail Huts Guide: The Best Places to Stay

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of Canada’s best long-distance hiking paths. Located in British Columbia, the trail features 13 free-to-use huts.

Used for sleeping, lunch breaks or simply a place to cook dinner, the huts are a real focal point of this beautifully varied trail.

This post will share all the details you need to know about the Sunshine Coast Trail huts, including location, nearest water sources, facilities, available tent space and more.

The information will help narrow down potential overnight destinations and an overall hiking itinerary.

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of our favourite backpacking adventures. We have visited all of the huts, staying overnight at all but a few. We therefore have plenty of personal knowledge to share!

For more on the actual trail itself, check out this detailed Sunshine Coast Trail guide. The SCT is situated on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, one of the tribes of the northern Coast Salish.

Published April 2024. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Overview

• The Sunshine Coast Trail boasts 13 huts, 1 cabin and 2 shelters (plus 1 additional off-route cabin)
• The huts and shelters are free to use and operate on a first-come, first-serve system. No reservations
• All facilities are shared
• The SCT itself is also free to hike, with no permit required
• The volunteer group that built and maintains the huts, qPAWS, appreciates and welcomes donations (thank you qPAWS members!)

What to expect

The Sunshine Coast Trail huts all have:

• at least one composting outhouse
• an enclosed sleeping loft accessed by a ladder, with space for around 8 people
• a sheltered seating area for cooking and hanging out, with additional counter space
• cleared space nearby for at least one or two tents

The majority of huts have a nearby water source such as a lake, stream, pond or lake.

As of 2024, most also have metal caches for storing food overnight. Huts located in higher elevation areas have pellet stoves for heating.

Please note that the SCT’s shelters and cabins have fewer facilities – I’ll get into that later.

Sunshine Coast Trail huts

Before getting into the specifics of each hut, here’s a quick overview. This list is accurate at the time of writing – I will update as more food caches are added.

Name		Km	Description		Water	Bear cache	Our rating
Sarah Point hut		0	Fully enclosed hut		Seasonal stream	Yes	4.5/5
Bliss Portage hut		8	Fully enclosed hut		Seasonal stream	Yes	4/5
Manzanita Bluff		16	Semi-enclosed hut		None	Yes	4.5/5
Rieveley Pond		33	Semi-enclosed hut		Pond, stream	No	3.5/5
Anthony Island (Inland Lake) Cabin		67	Fully enclosed cabin		Lake	No	1/5
Confederation Lake		74	Fully enclosed- winterised hut		Lake	No	4/5
Fiddlehead Landing		81	Semi-enclosed hut		Lake	Yes	3/5
Tin Hat Mountain		90	Fully enclosed-winterised hut		None	Yes	5/5
Elk Lake		110	Semi-enclosed hut		Lake	Yes	4/5
Walt Hill Emergency Shelter		120.5	Small shelter (no outhouse)		None	No	1/5
Walt Hill		122	Fully enclosed-winterised hut		Creek	Yes	4.5/5
Golden Stanley		145	Semi-enclosed hut		Stream	Yes	4/5
Mount Troubridge		158	Fully enclosed- winterised hut		Pond	Yes	3.5/5
Mount Troubridge Emergency Shelter		159	Small insulated shelter		None	No	3/5
Rainy Day Lake		169	Semi-enclosed		Lake	Yes	4/5
Fairview Bay		173	Fully enclosed		Creek	Yes	5/5

Sarah Point

Location: 0km southbound, 180km northbound
Access: 4X4 road
Description: Fully enclosed hut with cooking area downstairs, sleeping loft upstairs. Covered porch
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic table, food cache, fire pit
Water source: Small stream (may dry up)
Camping area: 4 tent pads
Popularity: Low

Situated at the northern trailhead, Sarah Point is the very first or last hut on the Sunshine Coast Trail, depending on which direction you are hiking. This hut is also the newest on the SCT, being constructed in 2021.

Perched on an open rocky area, the hut’s front porch offers panoramic views of the Salish Sea, Cortes Island, Twin Islands and Hernando Island. Facing west, the sunsets are usually wonderful.

Due to Sarah Point being the starting/finishing point of the SCT, the hut does not see as much use as the others along the route.

We specifically planned a hiking trip to finish here and we were very glad we did. The starry skies, the unobstructed ocean views and the large porch made for a lovely night. We were picked up by Zodiac boat the next morning.

Bliss Portage

Location: 8km southbound, 172km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Fully enclosed hut with sleeping loft upstairs and cooking area downstairs. Large covered porch
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, food cache, fire pit
Water source: Small seasonal stream
Camping area: 3 tent pads
Popularity: Medium

Bliss Portage is another fairly new hut, being added to the SCT in 2020. Situated in a forested area, the hut has a peaceful vibe. A short walk leads to a rocky shoreline with ocean views.

Most SCT hikers stop at the Bliss Portage to eat lunch on the way to Manzanita Bluffs The hut is a convenient destination for anyone getting a late start on the trail (southbound) or hikers with a relaxed itinerary.

The nearby stream tends to dry up quite early in the summer, typically by the start of August. Keep that in mind if you plan to overnight here.

Manzanita Bluffs

Location: 16km southbound, 164km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Semi-enclosed hut, with partially walled cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, food cache, fire pit
Water source: None
Camping area: 2-3 tent spots (potentially more for very small tents)
Popularity: High

Sitting high on a rocky ridge overlooking the Salish Sea, Manzanita Bluffs is one of the most scenic SCT huts. The cooking area features large glass windows so you can take in the beauty of the location while making meals.

A comfortable day’s hike from Sarah Point, this hut is very popular. In addition to the view, another highlight is the beautiful arbutus trees scattered across the bluffs.

The downside of the Manzanita Bluffs hut is the lack of a water source. When hiking northbound, collect water at Thulin Springs (500m from the hut). Southbound, stop at Wednesday Creek (around the 12.2km mark).

Rieveley Pond

Location: 33km southbound, 147km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Semi-enclosed hut, with partially walled cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, fire pit (no bear cache yet)
Water access: Pond, stream
Camping area: 4 tents (potentially more)
Popularity: Medium

The Rieveley Pond hut is surrounded by forest, but the cleared area is reasonably large. For that reason, it has a more spacious and brighter feeling than some of the other nearby forest campgrounds.

Taking its name from the nearby pond, this tranquil spot is best known for its soothing chorus of frogs.

This hut is a popular overnight destination when hiking between Manzanita Bluffs and the Shinglemill Pub (Townsite) as it is situated roughly halfway.

Please note that while the pond is lovely for ambience, it is a bit muddy for swimming.

Anthony Island (Inland Lake) cabin

Location: 67km southbound, 113km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Small rustic one-level log cabin
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, fire pit (no bear cache yet)
Water access: Lake
Camping area: 4-5 spots
Popularity: Medium (for camping)

Part of Inland Lake Provincial Park, Anthony Island hut was not built by qPAWs. The access trail is wheelchair accessible and hence visitors with mobility issues have priority for use.

The traditional style log cabin is one level only and is quite small. Old, dark and very rustic, SCT hikers usually only use this hut for emergency shelter if needed. Most people choose to camp instead, either around the hut or closer to the lake.

There is a $5 fee to use the hut or camp around it, payable to the Park Facility Operator (who does not visit every day).

There is another, apparently very similar, cabin located on the west side of Inland Lake. It is located off the main trail and is therefore seldom used by SCT hikers.

Confederation Lake

Location: 74km southbound, 106km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Fully enclosed winterised hut with cooking area downstairs, sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Pellet stove, outhouse, picnic table, fire pit (no bear cache yet)
Water access: Lake
Camping area: 2-3 spots
Popularity: High

Confederation Lake is a peaceful spot, with the hut perched very close to the water’s edge. One of the windows in the loft has a great view of the lake.

The hut is backdropped by forest, with ferns providing ground cover at the front. There are a few good (but small) cleared areas for tents.

The lake is great for swimming, a real selling point since both north and south approaches involve an uphill climb.

Fiddlehead Landing

Location: 81km southbound, 100km northbound
Access: Trail and lake
Description: Open cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, fire pit, two food caches
Water access: Lake
Camping area: 1-2 spots
Popularity: Medium/high

The Fiddlehead Landing hut looks out from a steep hillside to Powell Lake. It is located approximately 700m from the main path and connects the Sunshine Coast Trail to the Powell Forest Canoe Route.

The forest surrounding the hut is wonderfully mossy but does leave the area feeling quite dark. An elevated wharf leads onto the lake, which is the best way to get some sun.

The hut has an unusual design (for the SCT), with the lower area being completely open. For this reason, it’s not the best shelter for inclement weather.

While Fiddlehead Landing is conveniently close to Tin Hat Mountain, I would recommend SCT hikers to stay at Confederation Lake instead.

Tin Hat Mountain

Location: 90km southbound, 90km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Fully enclosed winterised hut with cooking area downstairs, sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Pellet stove, two outhouses, picnic tables, fire pit, two food caches
Water access: None
Camping area: 3 tent pads plus a couple of flat spots for small tents
Popularity: High

Tin Hat Mountain is the Sunshine Coast Trail’s most scenic hut. The 1193m high summit offers incredible 360-degree views of surrounding mountains and lakes. On a clear day, it is truly breathtaking.

With this in mind, Tin Hat is a very popular destination for overnight hikers as well as thru-hikers. It was certainly one of the highlights of our own Sunshine Coast Trail hike.

Depending on the year, the trail leading to the Tin Hat Mountain hut can be covered in snow until mid-May.

The one big downside of staying at Tin Hat is the lack of a water source. When hiking southbound, there is a stream at the 83km mark and a less reliable one at 87km. Lewis Lake is the best place to gather water when travelling northbound.

Elk Lake

Location: 110km, 70km
Access: Trail only
Description: Semi-enclosed hut, with partially walled cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, food cache, fire pit, log wharf
Water access: Lake
Camping area: 1-2 spots
Popularity: High

Hiding in the trees next to Elk Lake, this hut feels remarkably remote. It is a peaceful spot to be, especially after a long hike from Tin Hat Mountain.

There is a long log wharf on the lake, the perfect launching point for a swim.

I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about this hut. Some hikers don’t like the lack of views. Others enjoy the swimming opportunities. We found it scenic enough and the location convenient.

Walt Hill

Location: 122km southbound, 58km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Fully enclosed winterised hut with cooking area downstairs, sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Pellet stove, outhouse, picnic tables, food cache, fire pit
Water access: Walt Creek, located north of the hut
Camping area: 2-3 spots
Popularity: High

Situated at 1082m elevation, the hut at Walt Hill is almost as high as the one at Tin Hat! A short walk from the hut reveals stunning views of the nearby mountains and lakes.

The rocky terrain surrounding the hut isn’t the best for tents but there are a couple of potential sites.

Please note that there is no water source at the Walt Hill hut itself. Hikers need to walk 15-20 minutes north and slightly off trail to the signed creek.

In late summer, consider collecting water before arriving at the hut (Coyote Lake southbound, Lois Lake northbound).

There is a very small emergency shelter located close to Walt Hill, at kilometre 120.5 (southbound).

Golden Stanley

Location: 145km southbound, 35km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Semi-enclosed hut, with partially walled cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs. Large covered porch
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic table, food cache, fire pit
Water access: Stream 100m uphill from the hut
Camping area: 2-3 spots
Popularity: Medium

Perched on the side of a steep hill, the Golden Stanley hut enjoys peek-through views of forested mountains.

While not expansive, the cleared area has a somewhat cosy vibe. The hut itself looks a little less finished than the others – I heard that some additional funding is needed.

We liked the Golden Stanley Hut far more than expected and we were glad to have stopped there instead of Mount Troubridge. The covered porch is a nice touch, especially in rainy weather.

When arriving southbound during late summer, consider collecting water at Lois Lake before heading up the final hill to Golden Stanley.

Mount Troubridge

Location: 158km southbound, 22km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Fully enclosed winterised hut with cooking area downstairs, sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Pellet stove, outhouse, picnic table, food cache, fire pit
Water access: Pond
Camping area: 2-3 spots
Popularity: Medium

Mount Troubridge is the highest point of the Sunshine Coast Trail (1300m). The hut sits in a forested pond area just below the summit.

For some hikers, the Mount Troubridge hut is a little anti-climatic as it doesn’t offer any impressive views. The best vistas are found beyond the hut, around kilometre 158.8km.

Please note that the best pond for water is found on the other side of the outhouse (not the pond you pass on the way to the hut). Some people swim in this deeper pool.

Mount Troubridge Emergency Shelter

Location: 159km southbound, 21km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Small A-frame insulated emergency shelter
Facilities: Outhouse, fire pit (no food cache)
Water access: None
Camping area: 1-2 spots
Popularity: Low

While the Mount Troubridge Emergency Shelter is quite basic, it does offer the best mountain views in this section of the SCT. It is most used during the winter months, primarily by snowshoers.

There is space for around 3-4 people to sleep on the floor of the shelter.

Rainy Day Lake

Location: 169km southbound, 11km northbound
Access: 15 minute walk from 4×4 road
Description: Semi-enclosed hut, with partially walled cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic table, bear cache, fire pit, log wharf
Water access: Lake
Camping area: 5-6 tents
Popularity: High

The Rainy Day Lake hut is situated 300m downhill from the main Sunshine Coast Trail route. It sits on a bluff above the deep lake, with partially obstructed views across the water.

We loved the large windows around the downstairs cooking area. They certainly helped to brighten up the hut, which is surrounded by forest. Hikers planning to camp will appreciate the spacious flat areas located just before the hut.

Access to Rainy Day Lake itself is another 200m downhill from the hut. It is a great place for swimming, with a log wharf for jumping in.

Fairview Bay

Location: 173km southbound, 7km northbound
Access: Trail only
Description: Fully enclosed hut with cooking area downstairs, enclosed sleeping loft upstairs. Covered porch
Facilities: Outhouse, picnic table, bear cache, fire pit, log wharf
Water access: Signed creek 500m north of the hut
Camping area: 5-6 spots
Popularity: High

Fairview Bay is one of the very few SCT huts we have not stayed in, but how I wish we had!

The setting is just beautiful, with the hut looking out towards the ocean. Thanks to some extra large windows, the downstairs cooking area even has water views.

There is a lovely rocky point with a bench looking out towards the mountains on the other side of the water. We could have spent hours here, watching wildlife, the passing boats and the ocean.

There are many potential camp spots here, some close to the hut and others a short walk away through the forest.

Sunshine Coast Trail huts: Essential info

This section will help prepare you for visiting the Sunshine Coast huts, with etiquette info, general tips and item recommendations.

Etiquette

The huts and free campgrounds along the SCT are for shared use. Please make other hikers feel welcome. Help keep the huts tidy and clean for everyone.

According to the Sunshine Coast Trail website, thru-hikers should be given priority for hut use.

The official website also suggests that large groups (8 or more) should consider camping rather than using huts.

When camping outside the huts, look for areas that have obviously been used for camping before. This avoids further damage to the land.

Where there is no outhouse or composting toilet, use the cat hole method. Leave No Trace has a great guide on how to do this properly.

PACK OUT EVERYTHING YOU PACK IN! That includes fuel canisters, leftover food and trash.

Don’t store food in the huts. Mice have become a problem at some of the huts due to this.

As of 2024, most of the huts have metal food caches. If there is no cache or it is already full, hang your food. The bag should be 4 metres off the ground and at least 3 meters away from tree trunks (check out this guide for more details).

Some of the huts don’t have a great choice of large trees, so be sure to look for a place to hang your food bag before dark!

Important to know

• Don’t rely on streams as water sources during late summer – many dry up. Lakes and ponds are the best and most reliable water sources.
• Mice and other small creatures do visit the huts. Some huts have more issues than others and some hiking seasons are worse than others. We’ve only had problems in one hut and chose to sleep in our tent instead.
• The Sunshine Coast Trail’s huts and campgrounds are always busier on weekends, especially holiday weekends. The trail is a lot quieter on weekdays.
• The lower elevation sections of the SCT are ideal to hike in spring when so many other local trails are still under snow. The trail is usually a little busier in spring due to this
• Tin Hat Mountain is one of the most popular SCT huts. It takes around one hour to hike there from the nearest access point.
• Winterized huts have a pellet stove, which may look like a traditional wood stove but work more like a furnace. They are a bit tricky to start and require constant attention. Bring your own pellets to guarantee supply.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed outside the huts as long as there is no provincial ban (check first).

Use pre-existing fire rings, keep fires small and only burn dead wood.

Be sure that the fire is completely out (the coals should be cool to the touch) before going to bed.

Don’t rely on a campfire for cooking food – bring a stove. The Sunshine Coast can be very wet in spring and fall. Fire bans are likely between June and September.

Recommended items

As well as the 10 Essentials and all of your regular backpacking equipment, I’d recommend the following items when camping during the main hiking season on the Sunshine Coast Trail:

• As mentioned above, SCT campers should be prepared to hang food. The simplest bear hang system uses a waterproof roll-top dry bag and 15m of paracord-style rope. A carabiner can be handy too.
• Bring a tent or lightweight tarp to sleep under in case the huts are full. This was the case during our May hike from Sarah Point to the Shingle Mill.
• Don’t expect any outhouses to have toilet paper. Bring your own, with some alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Planning to stay at a location without an outhouse? Bring a camping trowel and follow Leave No Trace principles for proper disposal of waste
• If you don’t have a freestanding tent and want to use the wooden tent pads at some of the hut locations, consider bringing some extra paracord
• Elk, coyotes, cougars, bears and other animals live along the SCT. Always make noise, be alert and carry bear spray in an easily accessible holster (and know how to use it!)
• Insect repellent is a must have, especially since most of the SCT’s huts and campgrounds are located in the forest.
• Treat water from lakes, streams and rivers. We alternate between the BeFree filter and MSR Thru-Link In-Line Microfilter, with Aquatabs as a lightweight backup

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