It is located on the southern mainland coast, across Georgia Strait (part of the Salish Sea) from Vancouver Island.

The 2016 census reported a total population of 29,970 persons[3] living on a land area of 3,778.17 km2 (1,458.76 sq mi).

The Sunshine Coast is typically accessed via boat or plane; no roads connect the district with the rest of the province.

From Vancouver, ferries run from Horseshoe Bay to Gibsons across Howe Sound.

At the northern end of the peninsula, ferries run from Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay.