We left Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal at the end to August, bound for Langdale terminal on the Sunshine Coast. We were over height and over the standard 7 ft length, so we reserved our spot on the ferry. The reservation cost $15.00 and the ferry fee was $254.50 payable at the terminal. Sounds like a lot, but the return ferry is free.
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| Loaded up and ready to go |
We stayed at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park on two sites to accommodate the whole family.
Having booked this months in advance and with the high temperatures the province had been experiencing, we expected a warm and sunny week away. What we got was rain and cold temperatures. I definitely didn't pack for the weather we got.
We got out for 2 hikes;
- Smuggler Cove Provincial Park Trail accessed from Hwy 101. Heading north, turn left onto Brooks Rd, 1.4km north of Half-moon Bay. The trailhead is 3.3km from Hwy 101.
The trail is 1.5km and takes about 20 min each way, if you don't stop to play along the way. The forested trail leads to the secluded anchorage of Smugglers Cove and then to a spot with views across to South Thormanby Island and north to Texada Island.
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| Boardwalk over the beaver ponds |
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| Smugglers Cove |
The hike takes one hour each way and you need to plan on being there at the best viewing times which depends on the tides.
Skookumchuck means "Strong Water". Tidewater is forced through Skookumchuck Narrows and forms the Sechelt Rapids. The difference in water levels between one side of the rapid and the other can exceed 2 metres (6.5 ft) in height.
The hike is 4 km with some elevation change. Our "best viewing time" was 6:25pm so we had to hike back in the fading light.
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| Extreme kayaker |
We got out in the kayak once and saw jellyfish, an eagle, seals, and spawning salmon.
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| Jellyfish under the kayak |
