The Inland Sea - Sechelt Inlet

Narrows Inlet

Courtesy of Art Giroux, Tzoonie Adventures

With the exception of some local residents, our “Inland Sea” is a well- kept secret. This spectacular mountain, sea  and rainforest wonderland was gouged out by an 1800 meter high mass of ice during the Pleistocene era. It is mainly the same today as it was more than 10,000 years ago. This largely pristine ecosystem can best be described as an isolated gigantic marine park comprised of three major fiords with more than 350 kilometers of mostly uninhabited mountain sheltered coastline.

The fiords are named Sechelt, Salmon and Narrows Inlets. The southern reach at Porpoise Bay and Sechelt is blocked from Georgia Strait by the Sechelt Peninsula which is only a kilometer wide at that point. The north end is guarded by the world famous Skookumchuck Tidal Rapids which are considered by many mariners to be the most dangerous on the West Coast. Currents can exceed 16 knots with overfalls and large whirlpools. Several years ago Jacques Cousteau filmed underwater and observed that the habitat was one of the most productive marine sites in the world.

Unless experienced and with proper equipment, boaters are well advised to avoid traveling through the “Chuck” except at slack tides. This obstacle is the main reason the Inland Sea is not “ wall to wall” boats as are most other protected West Coast inlets. It is not unusual to spend hours exploring the “sea” and not see another boat even during the high season.
 
The Inland Sea is gaining much prominence as a marine recreational paradise. The many kilometers of protected foreshore include eight marine parks, most of which offer a few tent sites, toilet facilities and a source of drinking water for the many kayakers, canoeists and small motorboats that explore the shores. Narrows Inlet is considered the “Jewel” of the sea with the Tzoonie Narrows Marine Park a favorite destination for most paddlers. The “Narrows” are well named as the inlet is constricted to less than 15 meters which produces some current and small whirlpools during large tide changes. High cliffs are home to a resident family of mountain goats.

Kayaking is very popular and easy to learn

The many kilometers of shoreline consist of small beaches engulfed in rainforest separated by rocky cliffs with arbutus trees and in some cases Indian pictographs. At low tide many beaches yield a feast of clams, oysters and mussels. A few meters from shore you can catch a feed of  crab.

Canoeing in the fog

In addition to boating, the Sea boasts many fine scuba dive sites. The more prominent ones include the “Chaudiere”, a former Canadian naval destroyer now laying on the ocean floor as an artificial reef and  the Tzoonie Narrows, in Narrows Inlet  by the park, which is very popular as a drift dive to view the many varieties of  marine life including fish and wolf eels. Incredible diving in the Skookumchuck  is possible at certain times with certified responsible diving companies that operate out of Sechelt.

The sea is also a dream come true for photographers and wildlife viewing. Seals, otters, and most marine mammals and birds indigenous to the West Coast are everywhere. Occasionally a few orcas visit but usually only for a day or two.  Eagles frequent the shoreline and can often be observed in nests with their young ones. Land based wildlife include bear, deer, elk and even mountain goat on the cliffs in Narrows Inlet.

Blue Heron, Sechelt Inlet  

Many small streams and rivers flow into the Sea and provide great freshwater trout fishing as well as sea-run cutthroat. Needless to say, saltwater fishing for all species is excellent in usually calm water conditions.

The Inland Sea is often described as “ pristine” because of the absence of any large industrial operations. Current logging impact is minimal. Other industry consists of a few commercial oyster farms and several salmon fish farms located in Sechelt and Salmon Inlets. Water quality is essential to the Aquaculture industry which speaks for the state of the quality of the Inland Sea.

The greatest asset of the Inland Sea is the serenity and peacefulness. Imagine sitting by an evening campfire, on the shore, under a canopy of gigantic cedar and maple trees  feasting on seafood. You hear the squirrels, loons and herons and enjoy the antics of  seals and otters and try to imagine that a million people are scurrying about on the other side of the mountain. So close and yet so far.

Another gorgeous view of the Inland Sea

After dark, under the brilliant stars and moonlight, splash the seawater to experience the awesome phosphorescence referred to as “ fire in the water” by First Nations people. Few locations in the world can boast of this phenomena which might be compared to northern lights in the Arctic skies.

No matter what form of recreation or outdoor adventure you desire, a visit to this special place will not be disappointing and you will return.

Submitted by Art Giroux
Tzoonie Wilderness Resort
Narrows Inlet
www.tzoonie.com

 

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