Skookumchuck Narrows
- Richard Parker
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
On June 10, we rode Speedy (the Triumph Speedmaster motorcycle) to Nanaimo to catch the early boat to Horseshoe Bay. We then rode to the Langdale ferry terminal and caught the boat to Gibsons. We met with a very special friend for lunch and then headed to Egmont for two nights in a small cabin at Backeddy Resort and Marina. Thanks Mollie for the wonderful birthday gift of a nights stay at this terrific West coast resort. I've put a map of the total journey below. Why did we go to Egmont?
There is a narrow strait of water which creates a constriction between Jervis and Sechelt Inlets. The rapids are formed as the tide changes and the flow of saltwater switches direction, creating a spectacle of deep whirlpools on the ebb tide and large standing waves on the flood. During times of big tide exchanges (such as during our visit), the currents can reach 16.5 knots. They are viewable from the shore within Skookumchuck Provincial Park after an easy 4km hike from the road. The sound of the rapids is a loud, exciting roar.
The resort has a bar/restaurant and we enjoyed a couple of meals there. One of the meals was outside because the bar was full with a British car club rally. Nearly a dozen cars ranging from a Rolls Royce to a Triumph and a number of MGB and Morris Minor were in attendance.
On our last day, we rode to the Earls Cove ferry terminal and took the boat across to Saltry Bay. We rode to Lund to visit friends we haven't seen for two years. We rode back to Powell River and caught the ferry to Comox back on the Island. It was a little over 2 hours back home. We had a little bit of rain just out of Comox but the roads were mostly dry after that and we made good time. A few pictures below.
The cabin. There are 13 cabins and a lodge. West Coast Rustic would be our description. Everything we needed and super helpful staff at the resort. Free wood/kindling and paper provided each day!
The rapids. We hiked out to see them at the maximum ebb and also the maximum flood. It was about 17km in total and totally worth the trips. On the way, there was a very nice bakery! The cinnamon bun and muffin we saved for breakfast the next day were exceptional!
Whirlpool video (ebb video) and standing wave video (flood current).
The map!
