The Skookumchuck Rapids Provincial Park is THE top destination/attraction on the Sunshine Coast, attracting upwards of 50,000 visitors per year. A 4 km trail to get to the rapids viewing point means you must prepare in advance for this hike if you're wanting to see the rapids at their best. Stop in at the Sechelt Visitor Info Center for best viewing times information, and then time your trip to allow for at least an hour of walking each way (make sure you leave enough time to get out before dark or come prepared for walking in dim light; it's a rainforest, so it starts getting dark in the woods much earlier than if you were out in open areas). The trail is not difficult, just long. The last stretch from the turnoff to the first viewpoint out to Roland Point is more challenging and not for those with mobility issues or anyone who finds more narrow trails winding over tree roots and rocks too challenging. Weekdays are better than weekends for those looking for a more peaceful hike - the trade-off is that the whitewater kayakers tend to be out playing in the waves at Roland Point on weekends. If you want to see them (and they are spectacular, check out the photos in this gallery) you'll have to accept the numbers of people on the trail and sharing the views.

Kayaking here is for EXPERIENCED WHITEWATER KAYAKERS only. It is graded Class 3, but the only reason it doesn't have a higher grade - which goes up to 6 - is that there aren't the underwater hazards of trees and rocks that many rivers give kayakers to deal with on top of the water conditions. But don't let that fool you, these are dangerous currents and hikers are to keep away from the water's edge and leave the kayaking up to those with the skills to handle it. Check out the Wuss' Guide to the hike at http://www.bigpacific.com/whattodo/hiking.html.