The World's Most Scenic Anchorage (British Columbia)
Princess Louisa Inlet ranks high on the list of the world’s most scenic anchorages. The entrance is guarded by Malibu Rapids (a tidal stream narrows). But the reward for knowing how to get through the channel is worth the effort. Sheer rock walls rise on all sides. When it rains, water flows over the rim in so many places so as to confuse anyone trying to count the waterfalls. James Bruce Falls, at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet, is the highest waterfall in North America. But it is often missed as the view is dominated by the majesty of Chatterbox Falls, a waterfall so awe inspiring that it can only be called spiritual. Sheer rock cliffs above Chatterbox have a visible relief of over 1525 m (5,000 ft). Compare this to famous El Capitan which is a mere 1160 m (3800 ft) and you get a sense of just how impressive it is!
Sechelt Rapids, at the eastern end of the Skookumchuck Narrows (at Skookumchuk Narrows Provincial Park) has the fastest tidal stream in North America. You can sometimes see extreme kayakers play in standing waves up to 5
m (16 ft) high as water roars through the narrows. The standing waves, whirlpools and boils that form as the current builds in speed are a startling demonstration of nature’s awesome power.
Leave your cares at the dock in Egmont for the day while you tour with Sunshine Coast Tours. All their tour
commentary is designed to “entertain and educate” as they provide factual upto-date information on the industry and agriculture of the region as well as the history and culture of the indigenous First Nations.
They also have a tour to Porpoise Bay, Sechelt. You’ll find it’s a very simple, casual outing for people who want to “get out on the water”. www.sunshinecoasttours.ca
Explore the shoreline from a kayak; visit the Egmont Heritage Centre which tells the story of the Native and early pioneer settlers of the area; scuba dive the 112 metre wreck of the HMCS Chaudière at the mouth of Salmon Inlet; fish for salmon or lingcod, or get your fill of shellfish including prawns, oysters, crab and clams; then pull on your hiking boots and experience the Suncoaster Trail. www.sunshine-coast-trails.com/ suncoaster-trail.
From Vancouver, take the Horseshoe Bay Ferry in West Vancouver to Langdale and drive 85 km (53 mi) to Egmont via Highway 101. In 2017, give yourself the treat-of-a-lifetime tour and experience one of the world’s most scenic anchorages.