At Coastal Rides, we love partnering with local businesses and passionate community members who bring something unique to the Sunshine Coast. One of our valued partners is Douglas Bevans, the founder of Sunshine Coast Art Tours and a key part of our expanding transportation network.
Today, we’re excited to share a guest post from Douglas himself. In this post, he shares his journey and how his partnership with Coastal Rides is making local travel even easier.
Over to you, Douglas!
A New Chapter: Partnering with Coastal Rides
I’m thrilled to share the story behind Sunshine Coast Art Tours’ partnership with Coastal Rides—a collaboration that officially began in October 2023. Coastal Rides has built a strong reputation as a trusted local transportation service, and their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the level of service I’ve always aimed to provide.
Expanding Transportation on the Coast
Through this partnership, my 14-passenger bus is now part of the Coastal Rides fleet, providing more flexibility and convenience for those looking to explore the Sunshine Coast. Whether you’re booking a Brewery Shuttle, arranging Wedding Transport, or joining an Art Studio Visit tour, getting around the Coast has never been easier.
How It All Started
Seven years ago, I made the leap from East Vancouver to Davis Bay. Before that, I spent 15 years running Nomad Travel, a student education travel company that organized large-scale tours across Alberta, BC, Ontario, and Quebec, helping international students experience Canada.
When my primary student travel provider went bankrupt, I found myself at a crossroads. Around the same time, my co-parenting partner had the opportunity to buy a home in Davis Bay, right next to where she grew up. She asked if I’d consider relocating—and after some thought, I decided to take the plunge.
Once I arrived, I was immediately drawn to the Sunshine Coast’s thriving arts community. The culture, heritage, and creative energy here were undeniable, and the idea for Sunshine Coast Art Tours quickly took shape.
Finding Inspiration on the Coast
When I’m not working, you’ll find me creating art, hiking, or mountain biking with family and friends. The rugged landscape and untamed beauty of the Coast provide endless inspiration—not just for me, but for so many artists in this region.
Before moving here, I had a general sense of the Coast’s artistic reputation—pottery, carving, textiles—but I quickly discovered something deeper. There’s a raw, bohemian energy here, reminiscent of Big Sur, where artists push boundaries, blending wild nature with creative expression in ways that continue to amaze me.
The Road to Coastal Rides
Starting a business often means focusing intensely on one goal, but launching Sunshine Coast Art Tours at the start of the pandemic forced me to pivot. I expanded into brewery tours, event transportation, and custom charters, gradually shaping a service that went beyond just art tours.
That’s when I met Ryan Staley of Coastal Rides. We initially teamed up to provide safe rides for local events, and over time, we realized that a deeper partnership made sense.
By October 2023, our collaboration became official. My 14-passenger bus joined the Coastal Rides fleet, and I took on the role of Charter Services Manager, helping expand transportation options for both locals and visitors. Now, it’s easier than ever to experience the Sunshine Coast’s incredible arts, culture, and events.
I’m excited for what’s ahead—continuing to grow, evolve, and showcase the best of the Sunshine Coast through both art and transportation.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast looking to explore the Sunshine Coast’s creative scene or need reliable transportation for a special event, there are now more options than ever.
Book an unforgettable tour with Douglas through Sunshine Coast Art Tours or arrange a custom charter with Coastal Rides to experience the Coast with ease. However you choose to travel, we’re here to get you where you need to go—seamlessly and stress-free. Book your next adventure today!
