Elphinstone Summit Trail

Elphinstone Summit Trail above Gibsons is one of the classic big climbs on the Sunshine Coast, and it earns its “difficult” label. You’re looking at about 12.2 km out and back with roughly 1020 m of elevation gain, topping out around 1250 m, so it’s a serious workout that usually takes close to six hours. If you want a steep, leg-burning trail with real summit vibes and fewer crowds than the North Shore, this is it.

The Elphinstone Summit Trail starts in the forest and wastes no time heading uphill, with long, sustained climbs and a few rough, rooty sections. As you gain height above Gibsons, the trees open up to views of Howe Sound, the islands, and the Coast Mountains, and on a clear day the summit gives you big, open panoramas that make the grind worth it. It’s an out-and-back, so every bit of elevation you gain on the way up turns into a long, careful descent on the way down.

Recent hikers in May reported solid snow starting around halfway and up to about two feet of snow near the top in the last kilometre, so expect lingering snow well into late spring and sometimes early summer. Route-finding can get confusing in those upper sections, so download a GPS track, watch for flagging, and don’t push past your comfort level in low visibility. Good boots, traction in shoulder season, and extra layers are smart, and if you want mostly dry trail on Elphinstone Summit Trail, plan for mid to late summer or early fall when the snow is finally off the upper slopes.