Egmont, BC might be a small community, but it punches far above its weight when it comes to things to do and see. Located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, this charming village is surrounded by wilderness, ocean, and adventure. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, you’ll find no shortage of memorable experiences. Here are the top things to do in Egmont BC that you simply cannot miss.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Hike to Skookumchuck Rapids
This is the number-one attraction in Egmont — and it’s extraordinary. The 4-kilometre trail through old-growth coastal forest leads to the most powerful tidal rapids in Canada. Plan your hike around the tide tables to witness the full spectacle of standing waves, whirlpools, and thundering water. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. It’s a must-do on any Sunshine Coast itinerary.
2. Explore the Forest Trails
Beyond Skookumchuck, the Egmont area offers additional hiking and walking opportunities through magnificent coastal temperate rainforest. The tall Douglas firs, ancient cedars, and lush undergrowth of sword ferns and salal create an immersive forest experience. Keep your eyes open for pileated woodpeckers, black bears (from a safe distance), and the occasional Roosevelt elk.
3. Mountain Biking
The Sunshine Coast Trail and various logging roads in the Egmont area offer mountain biking opportunities for more adventurous visitors. The terrain varies from gentle forest rides to more technical singletrack. Bring your own bike or inquire locally about rentals.
Water Activities
4. Go Fishing
Egmont is surrounded by some of the best fishing waters on the BC coast. Sechelt Inlet and the surrounding marine areas offer outstanding opportunities for chinook and coho salmon, lingcod, rockfish, halibut, and prawns. Charter services operate out of the area, and the Bathgate Marina can point you toward local guides and current fishing conditions.
5. Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The calm waters of Sechelt Inlet provide ideal conditions for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Paddle along dramatic cliff faces, explore hidden coves, and watch for seals and sea lions along the shoreline. Guided kayak tours of the Skookumchuck area are available seasonally and provide an entirely different perspective on the narrows.
6. Boating and Cruising
Egmont is the perfect launching point for boating adventures into Jervis Inlet, Sechelt Inlet, and beyond. The Bathgate Marina offers moorage for transient boaters, with fuel (gas, diesel, propane) and basic supplies. Whether you’re heading into Princess Louisa Inlet or simply exploring the local anchorages, Egmont is an ideal base.
Wildlife & Nature
7. Whale Watching
Humpback whales, orca pods, and Pacific white-sided dolphins frequent the waters around Egmont and the broader Sunshine Coast. Spring and summer offer the best chances for sightings. Even from shore, lucky visitors sometimes spot these magnificent animals in the inlet. Charter whale watching tours operate from the area during peak season.
8. Birdwatching
The Egmont area is exceptional for birdwatching. Bald eagles are year-round residents and seemingly everywhere you look. Great blue herons stalk the shoreline, oystercatchers pipe from the rocks, and the forests ring with the calls of varied thrushes, kinglets, and woodpeckers. Spring migration brings additional species, making April and May particularly rewarding for birders.
9. Tide Pool Exploration
The intertidal zones around Egmont are rich with marine life — sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, limpets, chitons, and more. Low tides reveal a fascinating world just below the surface. Always walk carefully on rocks (which can be slippery) and replace any rocks you move to their original position to protect the habitat.
Local Culture & Community
10. Visit the Bathgate General Store
No visit to Egmont is complete without stopping at the Bathgate General Store — one of the oldest continuously operating general stores on the Sunshine Coast. Family-owned since 1963, the store is fully stocked with groceries, hardware, fishing supplies, snacks, and local knowledge. It’s the heart of the Egmont community and a piece of living local history.
Making the Most of Your Stay
With so much to do in and around Egmont, you’ll want a comfortable base from which to explore. Bathgate Resort’s ocean-view motel rooms offer the perfect combination of comfort and convenience — walk out your door and you’re steps from the marina, the store, and the trailhead. The five rooms feature private balconies, WiFi, and kitchen options, making extended stays comfortable and convenient.
Start planning your Egmont adventure today. Contact us to check availability or ask about local activities — we’re always happy to share our favourite spots and insider tips.
