Coverage area
From Gibsons to Jervis Inlet, shore to summit.
We cover the entire lower Sunshine Coast Regional District — a vast and varied landscape of rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, alpine terrain, and remote inlets.
Our jurisdiction
3,773 km² of the lower Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast SAR is responsible for the land, inland lakes and shorelines of the lower Sunshine Coast Regional District. Our area of operation spans from the marine edges of Howe Sound right up to the alpine peaks of the Tantalus and Tetrahedron ranges. We respond across dense temperate rainforest, steep river drainages, challenging coastal terrain, and everything in between.
The upper Sunshine Coast (north of Egmont and Saltery Bay) is covered by Powell River SAR. Areas to the north and east of our boundary are covered by Squamish SAR and Lions Bay SAR. (Note: Marine rescues on the open water are handled by the Canadian Coast Guard and RCM-SAR).
Notable areas in our region
What we cover.
Tetrahedron Provincial Park
A remote backcountry park accessed from Sechelt. Heavy snowfall, steep terrain, and limited cell coverage make it one of our more technically demanding response areas. Popular with snowshoers, backcountry skiers, and hikers year-round.
Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area
A groomed cross-country ski area above Sechelt with access to significant backcountry terrain. Operated by the SCRD. Cold temperatures and avalanche terrain above the groomed trails.
Jervis Inlet and Princess Louisa
Our northern extent, stretching from Egmont up Jervis Inlet to Chatterbox Falls and Mount Victoria. Remote, accessible only by water or helicopter, and well outside cell coverage.
Gambier and Keats Islands
Gulf Islands at the south end of Howe Sound. Marine-accessed communities with significant trail networks. Response requires watercraft coordination.
Spipiyus Provincial Park
A large wilderness park adjacent to Tetrahedron. Rarely visited, limited trails, technical terrain. Any response here involves significant planning and resources.
Tantalus Range (western edge)
Some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in southwestern BC. Our eastern boundary touches the western edge of Tantalus Provincial Park — glacier travel, technical rock, and significant elevation.
Our neighbours
Regional SAR teams.
Search and rescue teams across BC work together when incidents cross boundaries or require additional resources.