Northwood Trail - Enchanted Hill Viewpoint

Northwood Trail to Enchanted Hill Viewpoint is a solid Halfmoon Bay classic if you want a moderate grind with a legit payoff. The route runs about 11.9 km out and back with roughly 372 m of elevation gain, topping out around 210 m, so it’s more of a steady cruise than a quad-burner. Most hikers wrap it up in just over three hours, but you’ll want extra time to hang out at the viewpoint.

The trail starts from Redrooffs Road near Sargeant Bay Provincial Park and climbs through classic Sunshine Coast forest above Welcome Beach. Expect a mix of soft duff, roots, and some rocky patches as you wind your way up to Enchanted Hill Viewpoint, where you get wide coastal and forest views that make the effort worthwhile. It’s popular with hikers and mountain bikers, so keep an ear out on the tighter sections.

Northwood Trail is usually in decent shape year-round, but it can get muddy and slick after rain, and roots stay greasy in the shade. Dogs are allowed on leash, and this is a good shoulder-season option when higher-elevation trails are still snowy. Bring bug spray in the warmer months and keep an eye out for wasps toward the end of the route, as they’ve been reported near the viewpoint area in past seasons.