Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park

This park was established in 1957. Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park provides trails and viewing areas for visitors who wish to experience the awesome power of incredibly turbulent tidal rapids. On a 3 metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt and Jervis Inlet.

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

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.

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Location Map

Following Highway 101 past Sechelt and Madeira Park take Egmont Road for approximately 6 km to the parking lot. Egmont Road is one km before Earl’s Cove ferry terminal. To reach the rapids, you will need to walk an easy 4km trail past Brown Lake.

• 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 Information
• Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF 18.15KB] for Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park is available in pdf format.

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Scuba Diving

Wildlife Viewing

Pit or Flush Toilets