For a watery adventure, pick up a vessel at Sunshine Kayaking in Gibsons and drive 20km north to the Sechelt Inlet, from which you can paddle out to one of the off-shore islands, such as Poise Island. The combination of clear water, deep-green forests and crisp air are a perfect reward for the workout, and Poise Island’s sandy and rocky beaches make it an ideal place for a picnic. Even the more exposed Straight of Georgia – the Pacific arm that stretches along the Sunshine Coast – offers family-friendly kayaking and canoeing; sheltered by Vancouver Island, much of the wind is kept at bay.