The Sunshine Coast is home to some incredible hikes. Whatever your hiking ability and preferences, there is a trail just for you. And, because the coast from Langdale to Egmont can be covered in less than 3 hours by car, you’re perfectly positioned at Stay Wilder to get wherever you want to go.
Here are some of our favorites (from closest to farthest from Stay Wilder)! Don’t hesitate to ask your Wilder Host for more info.
Burnett Falls Park
Burnett Falls Park is one of the shortest “hikes” (not sure it even warrants the word) that you’ll likely make on the Sunshine Coast, but seriously, who doesn’t love a waterfall? Heading north on Sechelt Inlet Road, you’ll turn right onto Burnett Road and it’s all of about 10-15 minutes from where you’ll park your vehicle to the view of the waterfall at the head end of the trail. Plan on giving yourself 30 minutes to hike in and out. Dogs are welcome on leash.
This trail is on the way to or from Stay Wilder if you’re planning to hike in Hidden Grove, and definitely worth a quick stop to take in the creek and waterfall. If you’ve got a sunny day, it doesn’t get any more grounding than seeing the way the light plays in the trees and hearing the sounds of the creek in the forest. If you’re looking for a place to have a picnic lunch, this might also be a great location. There is a bench near the viewing area but the trail can get busy during the summer months (you’ll be able to tell by the number of cars parked on Burnett Road) so you might not find yourself alone for long.
Hidden Grove
The trails at Hidden Grove are some of our favourites for a hike that’s only minutes from Stay Wilder. Nestled in a protected 125 acre forest area, just off of Sechelt Inlet Road, the trails wind through a beautiful forest with old growth cedar and hemlock. Trails are well marked and some are wide enough for wheelchair access.
There is a clear trail map posted near the parking area and coloured trail markers throughout the park to make navigating the trails incredibly easy. This is one of those rare parks where well-behaved off-leash dogs are welcomed and owners are encouraged to “flick” their dog’s waste into the forest to regenerate the soil. If you’re a “bag” person the park stewards ask you to pack out the poop since there is no litter diposal available.
The interwoven trail system means this hike can be as short as a few minutes or you can spend an hour or two exploring the forest. Definitely take your camera on this adventure as the forest views, including the way light filters through the trees, are spectacular.
Mount Daniel
The Mount Daniel trail in Pender Harbour is a mini-Grouse Grind (if you know that reference) for those of us who appreciate an uphill effort for a stellar view. The trail is well marked but you’d benefit from hiking boots or good trail shoes as there are several areas of loose rocks and roots. The incline is moderate but continuous and those same loose rocks will be there to greet you on the way down so if you’re a fan of hiking poles, they’d be a great addition on this trail.
Once you summit the ridge at the top, the view of Pender Harbour cannot be beat. On a clear day you’ll have a spectacular view of the bustling harbour below and a real sense of accomplishment that your climb yielded a worthy reward. We like the trail even on a rainy day although be prepared that the view at the top could be fogged in.
The trail takes a little over 2 hours up and down and we recommend you leave a little extra time for taking in the sights at the top. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Skookumchuk Narrows
The trails to the Skookumchuk Narrows (known locally as “the Skook”) are relatively flat and moderately easy to walk. What makes this trail so unique is that it terminates at two viewpoints that give you a first hand look at the power of Mother Nature when the water running through a narrow passage builds in volume. These unique tidal rapids are world renowned and perform on cue, synced to the tide times. For white water kayakers, this phenomenon takes the guess-work out of trying to catch a wave and you’ll see some very stoked paddlers stacked up and waiting to surf during peak wave times.
All of this means that it is definitely worth checking the tides times before you go since the difference in timing can mean seeing a spectacular standing wave filled with white water kayakers, or a (yawn) beautiful but not-so-fast-moving ocean vista. Do note that if you are hiking the trail when the wave (a flood tide) or the whirlpools (an ebb tide) are likely on display, you won’t be the only ones. The trail gets busy in the summer and while seeing the wave or the whirlpools is spectacular, the forest vistas are equally magnificent and we often hike the trail whether the “timing is right” or not.
We recommend giving yourself an hour each way with a little extra time to stop and admire the view once you’re overlooking the narrows. Plan to add about 30 minute to your hike to cover off walking in and back from the second viewpoint. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Parking for this trail is just off of Egmont road. You’ll find washrooms here and then you’ll walk down the road for about 10 minutes before entering the forest. The trail is very well marked and relatively easy to navigate although we are always big fans of good walking shoes or hiking boots. We’ve seen the occasional tourist walk the trail in flip flops but we wouldn’t recommend it!
As you walk down the road to the trailhead, you’ll pass a local favourite, the Skookumchuk Cafe, renowned for its baked goods. Definitely worth a stop if it is open during your adventure.
And (shameless self-promotion), the Backeddy Pub at the Backeddy Resort and Marina (our “other” resort on the coast) is a great place for pre or post hike food and drink.
