Boats in the harbour.
Destination BC/Local Wanderer Egmont

Egmont

sḵwelawt

Egmont (sk̲welawt) sits on the Sechelt Inlet, a 1.5 hour drive up the Sunshine Coast from the Langdale ferry terminal, or a quick 10 minutes from the Earls Cove ferry terminal. Egmont is located on the traditional territory of the shíshálh Nation, and is where you’ll find a range of waterfront accommodations and restaurants, along with hiking opportunities and unforgettable kayaking and boat tours.

Video: Pender Harbour & Egmont

Click on the “play” button below to get a glimpse of life in Pender Harbour and Egmont.

Things to Do

One of the top attractions in Egmont and the entire Sunshine Coast is Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park. The park is home to the world famous Skookumchuck Narrows (also known as the Sechelt Rapids). The word “Skookumchuck” roughly translates from Chinook jargon to “strong water”, and the name is accurate; twice daily as the tide changes through this narrow ocean passage, the flow of saltwater switches, reversing direction. The resulting currents create incredibly powerful, turbulent rapids. On the flood current, the rapids build to a breathtaking standing wave, which attracts expert paddlers from around the world. On the ebb current, the eddys, bubbles, and boiling waters swirl back in a mesmerizing display.

Visitors wishing to view the Skookumchuck can hike in through the Provincial Park, winding their way through lush, old growth forest on a moderate hiking trail. The trail leads to two viewpoints, ideal for viewing the rapids from the safety of shore. Another hiking option is the Egmont leg of the Suncoaster Trail, which is a good trail for hikers as well as mountain bikers. 

In addition to Skookumchuck, water recreation opportunities in Egmont are plentiful. Visitors of all skill levels can enjoy the water by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or boat with the help of a number of expert tour guides and equipment rental operators based in Egmont. Egmont is also an excellent jumping off point to explore the surrounding destinations such as Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls, the Harmony Islands and Freil (Harmony) Falls in Hotham Sound, and the network of waterways including Sechelt, Narrows, and Salmon Inlets. Swimmers can enjoy one of the many lakes in this area of the Sunshine Coast—or even try the 10 Lake Challenge, taking a dip in 10 nearby lakes all in the same day.

History aficionados can stop by the Egmont Heritage Centre, a local museum that tells the story of the Indigenous peoples and early pioneers of the area, with an emphasis on logging and fishing. The museum’s gift shop features locally made goods, and even a few provisions for anyone needing to fuel up on the go.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Egmont range from glamping experiences to luxurious lodge resorts and short-term rentals. 

Campsites in Egmont are mostly geared towards vehicle camping for RVs and trailers. There is also moorage available for boats at some of the resorts in the area.

Food & Drink

Egmont may be small, but there are some great dining options to fuel your adventures. You can grab a drink and some food and catch a show at the Backeddy Pub, sit down to a meal with a great view at Inlets, the restaurant in West Coast Wilderness Lodge, or get some sourdough pizza, a smoothie, or a sandwich from the Skookumchuck Bakery. You will also find provisions at the well-stocked Bathgate General Store in addition to some food options at the Earls Cove ferry terminal.

Events

Live music happens at least once a week at the Backeddy Pub, and sometimes at the other eateries in the area. 

Annual events you can look forward to include the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl in the fall, which has artists all across the Sunshine Coast open up their studios to the public, and Egmont Days in the summer, a family fair featuring a kids fishing derby, food vendors, and a parade.

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