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of BC>Egmont, BC |
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Overview:
Egmont is located on the Sunshine Coast region
of British Columbia, and, not counting the time
spent at the ferry terminal, is within a two
hour drive from Vancouver. The last stop on the
lower Sunshine Coast, Egmont is the gateway to
the beautiful scenery of the Skookumchuck and
Princess Louisa Inlet areas. This area has
unsurpassed water recreational opportunities,
and plenty of ways to take advantage of them.
The Sunshine Coast lives up to its
name- generally winters are mild and wet, and
the summers drier than many other coastal areas.
Temperatures can
ranges from 4 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees
Celsius. Average rainfall is about 240mm; with
the average snowfall is about 57 cm. This
temperate climate has made this a popular area
for retirees and vacationers looking for outdoor
recreational opportunities of all sorts.
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Population:
The combined population of Egmont/Pender Harbour/Madeira
Park is
2374 (Canada Census 2001)
Access:
Egmont is accessed by ferry
terminal and paved road. From the Lower
Mainland, BC Ferries provides service from
Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. From Langdale,
Highway 101 runs to the end of the Sunshine
Coast at Lund. The distance from Vancouver to
Gibsons is 143 kilometers.
The Sunshine Coast
is a popular area for boaters of all sorts.
Moorage is available at one of three marinas in
Egmont, providing all necessary services to the
boating community.
Major Industries:
Forestry, Tourism, Services |
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History:
Egmont is named after the HMS Egmont, a British
ship involved in the Battle of St. Vincent in
1797. It was founded in 1880 by a
half-Scottish, half-Portuguese seaman and
trader, Joseph Silvia Simmonds. He had
previously worked for the Hudson's Bay Company,
and prospected in the Cariboo before arriving in
Egmont area.
Festivals:
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Entering Jervis Inlet |
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Recreation in Egmont:
Water spots are very popular year
round. Egmont provides several docks and marinas
for larger boats and yachts. Many kayakers and
canoers choose Egmont as a starting location for
their trips in and around the Sunshine Coast.
Nearby Skookumchuck Provincial Park and Hotham
Sound are popular destinations.
Egmont was used as the setting for
the TV show Ritters Cove. Fans can wander
the area and look for their favorite spot from
the program.
The newly constructed Egmont
Heritage Centre is located just on the outskirts
of the community. This museum explores the local
history, looking at the rich First Nations
history in the area, the early pioneer settlers
and the emphasis on logging and fishing. |
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Skookumchuck Narrows |
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Nearby Attractions:
The world-famous Skookumchuck Narrows attracts visitors and
extreme kayakers and divers alike. On a
three metre tide change, 200 billion
gallons of water flow through the
Narrows, reaching up to about 14 knots.
During this time, waters are sucked into
swirling whirlpools and whipped into
high standing waves. Only the most
expert kayakers should attempt to kayak
through these rapids. There is an easy
trail to the viewing points, and the
best viewing times are posted at the
beginning of the trail, on BC Ferries
and at Visitor Info Centers along the
Sunshine Coast. |
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For a more sedate journey, sail to one of the many spectacular
inlets and sounds of the region. Boat
tours leave here to sail through Jervis
Inlet to Princess Louisa Marine
Provincial Park and Chatterbox Falls,
recently voted the most scenic natural
anchorage in the world. Another popular
trip is to nearby Hotham Sound, home to
the beautiful Freil Falls and Harmony
Islands
Many boats take off for fishing in the
nearby areas. Please note that all
fishermen must have a valid fishing
license for salt water fishing, or risk
heavy fines. These are readily available
at local marinas.
Scuba diving opportunities are
plentiful in this area. From Egmont,
divers can access sites in Sechelt
Inlet, including the HMCS Chaudiere
off Kunechin Point, as well as off Foley
Head in Jervis Inlet. Expert dive
masters can attempt the dangerous Park
Wall dive at Skookumchuck Narrows.
There are several Provincial Parks in the area, including
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park,
Sechelt Inlet Marine Provincial Park.
Harmony Islands Marine Provincial Park
and Princess Louisa Marine Provincial
Park.
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For More Information:
Egmont
Community Information
History of Egmont Page
Pender
Harbour & District Chamber of Commerce
Provincial Parks
around Egmont |
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