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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Two viewpoints to observe the Skookumchuck rapids are worth the detour.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Breathtaking view of the bay
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
We are not alone in this forest, bird lovers, be on the lookout!
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The Skookumchuck Rapids, and their giant whirlpools, are a unique natural phenomenon not to be missed.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
A memorable walk in the heart of the tropical forest
1/5
It’s obvious: British Columbia in general, and the Sunshine Coast in particular, is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with no less than 180 km of excursions to do in the region. For a more modest journey, three suggestions: Smuggler Cove (from Halfmoon Bay, about twenty minutes of walking in the forest, to reach a breathtaking view of the bay, mountains and steep shores included); Pender Hill (departure further north via the village of Egmont), this more demanding and rocky walk (allow a good hour round trip), all uphill, once again offers a truly spectacular finale; finally, and this was the highlight of our stay, hiking in Skookumchuck Provincial Park (still in the Egmont area), in the heart of a tropical forest. This 4 km wetland walk ends on the Skookumchuck rapids (and offers two distinct viewpoints, both are worth a look), a unique and spectacular natural phenomenon: depending on the tides, the current changes here direction, causing big whirlpools, which are the delight of ducks, but also kayakers, and, if you are lucky… seals! Allow a good two hours to get there, appreciate the phenomenon, then return to square one.