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Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park

Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park near Sechelt, BC

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This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

4 kms
2hours
easy
Hiking
Spring, Winter, Fall, Summer
Sechelt, BC

sechelt

LARGER MAP

One of the most spectacular features of the British Columbia coast occurs at Skookumchuck Provincial Marine Park. “Skookumchuck” is an old Native name meaning “strong waters.”

LENGTH/TIME: 4km/1 hour (each way)

HIGHLIGHTs: Tide water is forced through the narrows and forms the Sechelt Rapids. The difference in water levels between one side of the rapids and the other sometimes exceeds 2 meters in height. Current speeds can exceed 30 km/hr. The rapids are famous for their spectacular whirlpools and whitewater.

ACCESS: To reach the park, drive northwest on Highway 101 past Sechelt and Madeira Park until you reach the Egmont turn-off. This turn-off is one kilometer before Earl’s Cove Ferry Terminal. Drive along the Egmont Road until you reach a roadside parking lot sign marked “Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park” (approximately one hour of easy driving from Sechelt).

To reach the rapids, you walk on a 4km trail past Brown Lake and through a lush coastal forest. The trail is a well-developed bark mulch trail. There is a minimal elevation change and hiking time will be about one hour for most groups (easy walking).

There are directional signs and public bathrooms (dry toilets). There are three viewing points to enjoy the rapids – perfect spots for picnics.

To view an ebb tide proceed to the North Point viewing area; to view a flood tide proceed to the Roland point viewing area.

For those who have agility or mobility difficulties, please be aware that the Roland Point route has many exposed roots and portions of the trail may pose a challenge. Roland Point also has views of sea life such as starfish, sea anemone etc. The North Point route is a direct route and is shorter than the Roland Point route.

Open fires are prohibited. Overnight camping is prohibited. When using these waters, know the tides and cross the narrows at high or low slack tide.

Please come to the Sechelt Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Information Centre for additional information, maps, and best viewing times.

We are located in Trail Bay Centre in Sechelt. Our telephone numbers are (604) 885-0662, 1-877-663-2963. Our email address is visitorinfo@dccnet.com, our website is www.secheltchamber.bc.ca

By Posted By: Adam+Laura - Fri Aug 07 13:51:36 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside I loved this place, we wished we had a kayak to go in the waves. Comment Perfect side stop for families and couples

By Posted By: Rufff - Tue Aug 21 18:35:47 EDT 2007 Upside If you've never seen a tidal surge grab the kids and camera and head to the Narrows. Downside I know, I know, it rain a bit here Comment BC has some of the best provincial parks I've ever seen.