It's always a treat to stumble into an unexpected gem. Smuggler Cove, just north of Halfmoon Bay off the Sunshine Coast Highway, is one such treat. You'll find an incredible trail, a gorgeous shoreline pocketed with tiny coves, sailboat and kayak visitors from just about everywhere, along with some poignant history to spice things up. A highlight is the remarkable ~4km trail in to Smuggler Cove, much of it built over an expanding, other-worldly wetlands within the surrounding Provincial Park. I rode in, but it's really a hiking trail, mostly flat and well groomed, with several short rougher stretches. For those interested in waterfowl or wetland ecosystems, the park has lots to offer. In day
I was blessed by perfect summer weather on a recent cycling tour down the Sunshine Coast. After taking the always stunning ferry from Saltery Bay to Earl's Cove, I decided I was long overdue to pay a visit to Skookumchuck Narrows. Skookumchuck is a Chinook name meaning turbulent water or rapid torrent. Looking back towards Saltery Bay from the BC ferry to Earl's Cove, through glorious Jervis Inlet About a km south from Earl's Cove, one branches east at the Egmont turnoff. Continue on the paved, winding road past North & Waugh lakes for 6kms to the Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park Trailhead on your right. Everything is well signed. There is ample parking, with overflow extending along the
There's an amazing new trail that extends the Vancouver Island Trans Canada Trail (TCT - aka the Great Trail) south almost all the way to Victoria. You can now avoid having to ride the heavily trafficked 'Malahat' hill on the Big Island Highway. The Trail traverses rugged terrain, much of it natural wildlife habitat, spanning rivers, open areas and sheltered woodlands. You'll find yourself atop hills, with some sweeping vistas (see pic below), particularly along the north portions. Looking east over Finlayson Arm & far beyond to the mainland The Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail is 13 unpaved kms. If you include a new trail section added at the north by the Malahat First Nation to connect to the
