Skookumchuck Bakery & Cafe (Egmont)

The journey to Sunshine Coast trail from Vancouver BC requires a ferry across the Howe Sound, a drive north up the squirrely Sunshine highway past Ruby & Sakinaw Lake, and then a second (more glorious) ferry into Jarvis Inlet, the frosty peaks of the Vancouver Island Ranges to the west.

Before launching off from Earls Cove, it's essential to stop at Skookumchuck Bakery & Cafe. What I loved about this cafe right away is that you have to walk there (unless you're a resident). Park on the road or at the quaint museum (where a man busked to no one) and stroll five minutes along a creek to get to the bakery. What that means is that you don't have to risk your life battling vehicular traffic to get inside, or smell exhaust fumes, or hear car horns honking while you sip your espresso. Just sit on the porch, stare at the trees, listen to the creek, and enjoy.

The good: the location is perfect. It's a cabin-cafe in the forest. It just doesn't get any better. The service was super friendly. The pastries were simply amazing. Only downside was the avocado toast was a little light on the ... avocado. But the breakfast sandwich popped with flavor, the cinnamon roll was gooey and chewy, and the muffin was dense and berry-full. Also the merchandise was low-key and tasteful.

The not-so-good: The major downside of this place is there's no bathroom. There's a porta-potty outside. I can't wrap my head around this. I mean, part of me wants to say, "It's fine," because of its rural location, but it's not literally a cabin in the woods. They should have a real bathroom.

Overall: the perfect place to load up on delicious treats and caffeine before boarding the ferry and backpacking into the wilderness (where treats are tragically limited). Also, there were several friendly dogs roaming the area — some literally roaming, with neither leash nor owner in sight. Somehow in tiny towns this is endearing (in the city, less endearing).

4.5 /5