Richardson's Cove Loop

Richardson’s Cove Loop on Gambier Island, accessed from Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast, is a short, easy forest wander that feels a lot more remote than its stats suggest. The loop is about 3.4 km with only 108 m of gain, usually wrapped up in under an hour, so it’s a mellow option if you’re already heading out toward Camp Fircom or spending time around Howe Sound.

The route starts near the public dock by Camp Fircom and quickly trades the waterfront for quiet woods, alder groves, and soft forest floor. You’ll follow an old non-motorized road, cross a few small bridges, then pick up blue and orange flagging that leads into thicker cedar and hemlock forest, with a web of signed side trails like Stone Circle and Forest Gate that loop back toward Howe Sound Road. There are no big summit views here; it’s more about mossy trees, birdsong, and the calm, off-grid feel of Richardson’s Cove Loop.

This trail crosses close to private property owned by Camp Fircom and local residents, so stay on the flagged route, respect signs, and don’t wander into yards, lawns, or toward houses and cisterns without permission. The loop is low elevation, so it’s usually hikeable most of the year, though it can be slick and muddy after heavy rain, and roots stay greasy in the shade. Give yourself time to navigate the junctions, watch for the flagging tape, and download a map before you leave Gibsons, since cell service on Gambier Island can be spotty.