Stage 5 of the Sunshine Coast Trail covers 11.7 km from Inland Lake to Confederation Lake, with 758 m of ascent and 242 m of descent. The highest point is 685 m. Allow about 5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Free fully enclosed, winterized cabin for 10 with a pellet stove on the shore of Confederation Lake (km 74), after a steep climb through old growth. Outhouse, picnic table and fire pit; bring your own pellets.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap, on the trail website or in tourism listings but could not be checked on their own current page. The trail huts are free, cannot be booked and fill up first come, first served, with one night per hut, so carry a tent. No permit or fee is needed; qPAWS asks for a $5 donation per person per night.
Emergency: call 911. Signal is patchy: carry a satellite messenger. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.