Things to Do in Pender Harbour & Egmont Areas
Hiking & Biking
Pender Harbour & Egmont have some of the most scenic hikes and mountain biking trails in the Sunshine Coast, ranging from simple lakeside strolls to challenging mountain paths
Pender Harbour Hikes
IN MADEIRA PARK AREA
FRANCIS POINT MARINE PARK – Moderate
Only a 5 minute drive from Madeira Park on Francis Peninsula Road, you will find Merrill Road and the parking lot for this beautiful marine park. Hike a few steps in to find the cliff overlooking the ocean. If you go right, you will reach the 42 steps that take you up to a lookout with breathtaking views. If you go left, you can hike for 30 minutes right on the edge of the water to a light beacon.
WETLANDS – Easy
For a more leisurely stroll, take a walk along the boardwalk of the Iris Griffith Wetlands Park, situated behind the fire hall by the church and the post office at the end of Gonzales Rd in Madeira Park. There are seats and interpretive signage creating a quiet and fascinating place for residents and visitors to spend time.
TYNER PARK – Easy
Located on the south side of Lily Lake in Madeira Park, this 2.5 km walking trail borders the lake where there is a conservation effort to save Western Painted Turtles. Look for the turtles sunbathing on the rocks and logs. One trailhead is located next to the entrance to Lily Lake Place, and the other across from the Pender Harbour Clinic on Francis Peninsula Road where you can park your car.
IN GARDEN BAY AREA
Mount Daniel – Challenging
is only a 15 minute drive north of Madeira Park. The trailhead is off Garden Bay Road and it is a challenging one-hour hike up to the top where a 360 degree spectacular view awaits intrepid hikers.
Pender Hill – Challenging
is a steep 1.5 km hiking trail that takes 30 minutes to climb up. Turn into Garden Bay Road, off Highway 101 and follow this road for approximatley 8.6 kms to Lee Road. At Lee Road turn right and proceed 1.1 kms to where the trail head begins. Challenging hike but are well worth the effort for the views.
Daniel Point Park – Challenging
is a fairly steep hike down to the water, but the views of the Strait of Georgia are magnificent. Take Garden Bay Road to Irvine’s Landing Road. Turn right onto Lee Rd at 800 m turn left onto Orca Rd. The access to the park is on Orca Road. Undeveloped beach access, 2.5 km trail. Approximately 1 hour up hill.
Egmont Hikes
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park – Easy 4km
The Skookumchuck Rapids are located in this provincial park in Egmont, and the rapids are the #1 attraction in the Sunshine Coast! This is an easy one-hour long hike to the rapids and the whirlpools. A must for anyone who loves hiking and who also wants to appreciate the power of nature and ocean tides. Check the tide tables to ensure you’re visiting at extra-large tides for the best viewing of the rapids where you might catch kayakers surfing. See Tide Schedule Here.
Suncoaster Trail – Challenging
The trail head with outhouse, picnic tables and free parking is located at the corner of Sunshine Coast Highway (Hwy 101) and Egmont Road, a mile south of the Earls Cove BC Ferries terminal. This trail currently terminates at the intersection of Hwy 101 and the Homesite Creek Forest Service Road in Halfmoon Bay.
Area: Approximately 37 km
Mountain Biking
The Sunshine Coast has 385 km of mountain bike trails spread throughout the Sechelt Peninsula. You will find tight and twisty cross-country trails, wide-open descents, rock rolls and wooden ladders. Or rolling paths that are heavy on scenery and less on skill. Enjoy! Read more here.
SUNSHINE COAST BIKE RACES
In July, the BC Bike Race club holds a week-long race through the circle route course that includes a stage from Earls Cove to Sechelt.
Mountain biking emerging as Pender Harbour and Egmont’s newest attraction – This Harbour Spiel article is loaded with info on trails and a great map of McNeil Lake Trail.