The Egmont area on BC’s Sunshine Coast is a hiker’s dream. Surrounded by coastal temperate rainforest, dramatic fjords, and wild shorelines, Egmont offers hiking experiences that range from easy family-friendly walks to demanding backcountry adventures with epic panoramic views. Whether you’re lacing up for your first trail or looking for a challenging multi-hour trek, the hiking near Egmont BC delivers natural beauty and wilderness immersion that’s hard to match anywhere in the province.
Skookumchuck Narrows Trail
The flagship hike near Egmont, the Skookumchuck Narrows trail is accessible, rewarding, and utterly unforgettable. The trail runs 4 kilometres one way through a magnificent coastal rainforest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce, leading to viewpoints overlooking North America’s most powerful tidal rapids.
Trail Details
The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most hikers including families with children. The trail surface can be muddy in wet weather, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Allow 1–1.5 hours each way at a comfortable pace. The two main viewpoints — Roland Point and Skookumchuck Point — both offer dramatic views of the churning narrows. Time your visit around tidal exchange for the most spectacular water action (check Canadian tide tables for Sechelt Inlet).
What to Watch For
The forest along the trail is rich with wildlife. Watch for bald eagles overhead, black bears (in berry season), black-tailed deer, and a diversity of forest birds including varied thrushes, Steller’s jays, and pileated woodpeckers. The mossy old-growth forest along the trail is beautiful in any season — misty on cool mornings, dappled with light on sunny afternoons.
Sunshine Coast Trail
The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of British Columbia’s great long-distance hiking trails — a 180-kilometre route running from Saltery Bay in the south to Sarah Point at the tip of the Malaspina Peninsula near Lund. The trail passes through some of the most spectacular coastal wilderness in the province, with sections close to Egmont offering excellent day-hiking options.
Egmont Area Sections
Several sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail are accessible from the Egmont area, passing through old-growth forest, along ridgelines with panoramic views of the Strait of Georgia and coastal mountains, and down to secluded coves and beaches. The trail system connects to hut camping facilities for multi-day adventures. Even a short section hike reveals spectacular scenery and a genuine wilderness atmosphere that feels remote despite being accessible from Egmont.
Hiking the SCT with Epic Views
For those seeking elevation and views, certain sections of the trail climb steeply to exposed ridgelines and peaks where 360-degree panoramas of the coastal mountains, fjords, and ocean spread out in every direction. These sections require more fitness and preparation, but the rewards are extraordinary. Cloud-capped peaks, shimmering inlets far below, and the silence of the high country make these summit hikes among the best experiences on the entire Sunshine Coast.
Other Local Trails and Walks
Shoreline and Forest Walks
Beyond the major trails, the Egmont area offers a network of informal forest paths, logging roads, and shoreline walks that reward exploration. Short walks from the village lead through mossy forest to quiet viewpoints, hidden beaches, and rocky shorelines rich with intertidal life. These gentler options are perfect for mornings and evenings when you want to stretch your legs without committing to a full day hike.
Nearby Provincial Parks
The broader Sunshine Coast has an outstanding network of provincial parks with additional hiking. Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park is the primary park in the Egmont area, but Smugglers Cove Marine Provincial Park, Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, and sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail all offer excellent day hikes within reasonable driving distance.
Hiking Tips for the Egmont Area
The Sunshine Coast has a maritime climate — be prepared for rain at any time of year. A good waterproof jacket is essential. The trails can be slippery when wet, especially on roots and moss-covered rocks near the water. Wear boots with good ankle support and grip for anything beyond easy walks. Cell coverage is limited in the Egmont area — download offline maps (like Alltrails or Gaia GPS) before your hike, and let someone know your plans if heading into backcountry terrain.
What to Pack for Day Hikes
For day hikes in the Egmont area, pack: at least 2 litres of water per person, snacks and a light lunch, a waterproof jacket and spare layer, first aid kit, map (offline) and compass, sun protection, and bear spray if heading into the backcountry. The Bathgate General Store in Egmont is an excellent last stop for supplies before hitting the trail — pick up water, snacks, and any gear you may have forgotten.
Your Hiking Base in Egmont
For hikers, Egmont is the ideal base. Bathgate Resort’s comfortable motel rooms are just minutes from the Skookumchuck trailhead and within easy reach of Sunshine Coast Trail access points. The ocean-view rooms with private balconies are perfect for recovering after a long day on the trail — sore legs, a cold drink, and a view of the inlet is a combination that can’t be beaten.
Start planning your hiking adventure in Egmont today. Reserve your room at Bathgate Resort or contact us for trail recommendations and local hiking knowledge.
