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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Sechelt Inlet from top of Caren Range
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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Chatterbox Falls
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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Pender Hill
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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Sailboating
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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Princess Louisa Inlet
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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Seaplane at Chatterbox Falls
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Courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Sunshine Coast Tours
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
By Perry Mack, photos courtesy Sunshine Coast Tours
Egmont is the home of world famous Skookumchuk Narrows and Princess Louisa Inlet. It could be the best treat you’ll ever give yourself and one that you’ll want to share with everyone you know. And the best way to experience the region is with Sunshine Coast Tours.
Princess Louisa Inlet ranks high on the list of the world's most scenic anchorages. The entrance is guarded by Malibu Rapids (a tidal stream narrows). But the reward for knowing how to get through the channel is worth the effort. Sheer rock walls rise on all sides. When it rains, water flows over the rim in so many places so as to confuse anyone trying to count the waterfalls. James Bruce Falls, at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet, is the highest waterfall in North America. But it is often missed as the view is dominated by the majesty of Chatterbox Falls, a waterfall so awe inspiring that it can only be called spiritual. Sheer rock cliffs above Chatterbox have a visible relief of over 1525 m (5,000 ft). Compare this to famous El Capitan which is a mere 1160 m (3800 ft) and you get a sense of just how impressive it is!
Sechelt Rapids, at the eastern end of the Skookumchuck Narrows (at Skookumchuk Narrows Provincial Park) has the fastest tidal stream in North America. You can sometimes see extreme kayakers play in standing waves up to 5 m (16 ft) high as water roars through the narrows. The standing waves, whirlpools and boils that form as the current builds in speed are a startling demonstration of nature's awesome power.
For people trying to plan a visit to view the fast current, check the current tables, not tide tables. They are often confused as being the same thing. Publications showing best viewing times are generally based on current tables. The most reliable ones usually show a flow rate as well as time. It’s important to plan well ahead if viewing fast current is your goal. You can also access the Sunshine Coast Tours tour schedule as their Skookumchuck Narrows tours are scheduled to see currents in excess of 10 knots.
Once past the rapids, the Inlets (fjords) are very protected compared to the Strait of Georgia or Malaspina Strait. It makes them a perfect cruising destination.
Leave your boat at the dock in Egmont for the day while you tour with Sunshine Coast Tours. You’ll enjoy a less stressful day as they look after the details of running the boat. The price of a tour ticket to Princess Louisa Inlet is less than the cost of fuel for most boaters and their commentary insures a more enjoyable and memorable day. The Skookumchuck Narrows tour gives boaters an opportunity to get in to the fast water flows.
All their tour commentary is designed to "entertain and educate" as they provide factual up-to-date information on industry and agriculture of the region as well as the history and culture of the indigenous First Nations.
They also have a tour to Porpoise Bay, Sechelt as well. You’ll find it’s a very simple, casual outing for people who want to "get out on the water". www.sunshinecoasttours.ca
After you take a cruise with Sunshine Coast Tours, they encourage boaters to recommend the tour to friends, family and clubs, so they to can share in the experience. Start them with a visual stroll through the online photo gallery to illustrate the area and then stay in touch through Sunshine Coast Tours’ social media.
There’s lots more to do in Egmont including a visit to the Backeddy Resort and Marina, which has a store, liquor store, cabins, rooms and seven campsites on the waterfront. Hail them on VHS 66 for moorage and docking assistance - 49°45′27″ N 123°56′22″ W
Explore the shoreline from a kayak; visit the Egmont Heritage Centre which tells the story of the Native and early pioneer settlers of the area; scuba dive the 112 metre wreck of the HMCS Chaudière at the mouth of Salmon Inlet; fish for salmon or lingcod, or get your fill of shellfish including prawns, oysters, crab and clams; then pull on your hiking boots and experience the Suncoaster Trail . www.sunshine-coast-trails.com/suncoaster-trail.
In 2016, give yourself the treat-of-a-lifetime tour and experience one of the world’s most scenic anchorages, then share it with the people who matter most.