Sechelt Peninsula

Although I've been to Sunshine Coast many times, I only checked out the major towns accessible by public transit. The less populated areas on the Sechelt Peninsula of Sunshine Coast, including the impressive Skookumchuck Narrows, are not reachable by public transport. I decided to rent a car to check out this natural wonder and some other interesting hiking trails this hot weekend.

Jun 27, 2021
Skookumchuck Narrows - Pender Hill - Smuggler Cove

Since I'm a member of the car-sharing company Modo, I can use Coast Car Co-op's cars on Sunshine Coast as well (roaming service). BC Transit has regular service between Langdale Ferry Terminal and Sechelt's Trail Bay Mall. Lucily, Coast Car Co-op has a car right at Trail Bay Mall. It takes one hour to drive to the trail head at Skookumchuck Narrows. I was going to see the extra large whirlpools so the right viewpoint is North Point (the other viewpoint, Roland Point, is for rapids). The hike into the viewpoint took less than one hour. Interestingly, I arrived at North Point exactly at the best viewing time of 1:18 pm (though there is a one hour window around the best time). The whirlpools were indeed impressive. 

On my way back, I checked out two interesting hiking trails, Pender Hill and Smuggler Cove. Pender Hill is a short but exhausting climb of 175 meters, but the view around the top of the hill is worth the climb. There are superb views of Hotel Lake and the Strait of Georgia.

Smuggler Cove is an easy 1-1.5 hour hike, partially through a bog. The view of the Strait of Georgia is not as impressive as the one on top of Pender Hill, but the view of Smuggler Cove is interesting.

Overview

Skookumchuck Narrows is a natural wonders on Sunshine Coast that shouldn't be missed. Time your visit to extra large whirlpools or rapids (I still need another visit to see the extra large rapids). Pender Hill is a good side trip about 30 minute drive from Skookumchuck Narrows. It's a 30 minute climb but the view on the top is worth the effort. Smuggler Cove is another 30 minute drive from Pender Hill (20 minute drive from Sechelt). The multiple viewpoints there are nice but not as great as the one on top of Pender Hill so this trail can be optional.