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During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
About This Park

The difference in water levels between one side of the rapids and the other sometimes exceeds 2 metres in height. Current speeds can exceed 30km/hr. The rapids are famous for their spectacular whirlpools and whitewater.
There are opportunities to view tidal rapids, waterfowl and abundant marine life at various tidal levels. Brown Lake provides further waterfowl viewing opportunities.
Consult with the tide tables for this area to get a schedule of the best viewing times of the rapids:
Canadian Tide Tables – BC.
Sunshine Coast Tidal Reports available on the Sechelt Visitor Centre website
Established Date: August 25, 1957
Park Size: 123 hectares
Know Before You Go
When using these waters, know the tides and cross the narrows at high or low slack tide. Only very experienced paddlers should attempt the rapids at high tide.
Private land adjoins the access road to the park, your respect of these lands is appreciated. Please, no trespassing over private property.
Private land adjoins the access road to the park, your respect of these lands is appreciated. Please, no trespassing over private property.
Location
Nature and Culture
- History: “Skookumchuck” is a Chinook name meaning turbulent water or rapid torrent. The park was originally included as part of the Sechelt Provincial forest in 1934 and remained provincial forest until the 1950’s when the Department of Recreation and Conservation studied the recreational and tourism potential of the site. As a result, the outstanding scenic and interesting features of the rapids (covering 40.5 ha) were removed from the provincial forest and established as a Class A park. Over the years, more area has been added to the park, to bring it to its current size of 123 hectares.
- Conservation: This park protects south coast inlet shoreline, small islets, a small lake, maturing second growth hemlock and the phenomenal rapids.
- Wildlife: Birds, ground squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, sea stars, urchin, anemone, chiton, flounder, red snapper, ling and rock cod, salmon species, crab, oysters, clams and mussels can all be found in the park.
An abundance of marine life is found in the ocean area around the park. At low tide you can often find tidal pools that harbour urchins, star fish, small fish, and small crabs. Please do not disturb their habitat. At Brown Lake you can view many types of water fowl.
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF 18.15KB] for Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park is available in pdf format.
Activities Available at this Park

Fishing
Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
This park has a fairly flat and easy 4 km (approximately 1 hour) hiking/walking trail leading from the parking lot at Egmont to the prime viewing area for the tidal phenomenon at Roland Point.

Pets on Leash
Due to the dangerous conditions of the rapids, dogs should not be allowed to enter the water. Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Scuba Diving
There are scuba diving or snorkelling opportunities in this park.

Wildlife Viewing
There are opportunities
to view tidal rapids, waterfowl and abundant marine life at various tidal
levels. Brown Lake provides ruther waterfowl viewing opportunities.
Facilities Available at this Park

Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets.