Powell River

The city of Powell River, British Columbia, is located on the Upper Sunshine Coast, near the northern end of Highway 101. Only Lund is further north on Hwy. 101, the world’s longest highway, which stretches down to South America. BC Ferries sails to Powell River from Comox on Vancouver Island, and from Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver, via the Langdale and Earl’s Cove ferry terminals. This hillside community was once home to the world’s largest pulp and paper mill, and the mill still remains an important part of the local economy. The original townsite centered around the waterfront mill became a National Historic District in 1995. There are over four hundred original buildings in the Historic Townsite, including the oldest continuously operating movie theatre in Canada, the Patricia theatre, built in 1928. Powell River’s natural surroundings are a major part of the reason why people love to visit here. Desolation Sound Marine Park is BC’s biggest marine park, with more than 60 km of shoreline, islands, small bays and snug coves. Ocean kayaking and any kind of boating near Powell River offers beautiful surroundings, wildlife sightings and endless vistas. Another favorite destination is Copeland Island, while Mitlenatch Island is home to the Strait of Georgia’s largest population of seabirds. Powell River cold water scuba diving is second only to the Red Sea according to Jacques Cousteau, in terms of abundant, colorful marine life. A well known landmark, or is that watermark, is the statue of the Emerald Princess in Mermaid Cove, near the Saltery Bay ferry terminal. Near the world’s largest floating breakwater in the historic townsite you will find the wreck of the rumrunner Malahat. For canoeing in the Powell River area, there is the famous Powell Forest Canoe Route to explore. The route provides a total of 80 km of canoeing and 10.7 km of portaging, with numerous lakes. Hiking or mountainbiking enthusiasts will enjoy the 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail, which runs from Sarah Point to Saltery Bay.The Inland Lake Trail is 13 km long and is the only wheelchair accessible wilderness trail in the world. Named the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004, Powell River has also become known for its many arts festivals such as Choral Kathaumixw and Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific. August is the time of the famous Powell River Blackberry Festival. Your Powell River Bed & Breakfast hosts are your best resource for discovering all the many attractions of this area, while providing you with fabulous accommodation in Powell River.