It all starts with a visit

I t a l l s tarts
wi th a v isit
P hot o b y : K e l l y F u n k
Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin Nation
Sunshine
Coast
CANADA
Coastal
by
NATURE
P hot o b y : Ke l l y Funk
Ph oto b y: Tri sta n B ellmane
Offering unspoiled wilderness
beauty, endless ocean vistas and
more than 36 lakes
Here you will find friendly locals, unique neighbourhoods and a wide variety of events and art venues to
keep you entertained.
The Historic Townsite represents one of very few
National Historic Districts in Western Canada, each
home or business with stories to tell...
Let Powell River tell its story while you visit... if you
come to love it as much as we do, you might even
find you want to move here. You’ll be sure to be
warmly welcomed to our area, whether as a visitor or
as a new resident. Powell River has the coastal mountains in its backyard and the ocean on its doorstep. With friendly
communities, world-famous hiking and biking trails,
tranquil lakes, vibrant festivals and events, and the
best in education, health care and infrastructure on
offer. All these things and more have drawn many to
Powell River’s shores to vacation and others to build
a new life in a safe and comfortable environment that
offers the best of British Columbia and Canada.
Geography
Geography on the pristine Malaspina Peninsula is
stunning and offers a multitude of quintessential
West Coast activities: multi-lake canoe circuits, long
distance hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing,
lush temperate rainforests, mountain vistas, ocean
fjords, beaches, marine parks, kayaking, sailing,
diving, fishing… you name it.
Population
The City of Powell River has experienced a relatively constant population base for the past 20 years.
Population estimates project continued growth over
the next decade. The most recent estimate, in 2013,
notes that the regional population has grown to
20,493 residents. From the Historic Townsite to the
charming communities of Cranberry and Wildwood,
there are many distinct neighbourhoods in this region that make up the community of Powell River.
Zunga
Great Lakes
noun. a rope tied to a tree branch or attached to
the roof in some indoor swimming pools. Commonly known as a rope swing, people swing on
it and either just jump off into the water or do
tricks or flips off it. The word Zunga originated in a
Powell River backcountry consists of lakes
– and lots of them! From the 50-km-long
Powell Lake to the 8 lakes that make up the
popular canoe route to the local favourite
Inland Lake complete with 13 km accessible
trail, there is plenty of freshwater playground
to explore - 36 named lakes and counting!
little town called Powell River in BC, Canada.
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DISCOVER
P hot o b y : E m ma L e v e z L a ro c q u e
What’s in a Name?
Powell River was named after Dr. Israel Wood Powell, a close associate of Prime Minister Sir John
A. MacDonald and played a instrumental role in bringing BC into Confederation.
Feeling Festive
Powell River is an active community year round - you could say we’re very
good at entertaining ourselves! Join us at these annual events:
May • Shellfish Festival
June • PRISMA , BC Bike Race
July • Sea Fair, Texada Sandcastle Weekend, Diversity Festival
August • Arts Alive in the Park, Blackberry Festival
September • Aurora Festival, Sunshine Music Festival
October • Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
For a full calendar of events go to www.powellriver.info
Ph otos by: Br ian K. Smit h
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CLOSE TO NATURE
The Powell River area is a dream destination for people looking for year-round unforgettable
experiences. With friendly communities, cultural experiences, world-famous hiking and biking
trails, tranquil lakes, vibrant festivals and events, and more beaches than you can imagine, the
endless possibilities are yours to explore.
S uns hi ne C oa s t Tr a i l
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P hot os b y : J e re my Wi l l i a ms
P h o to b y: Da rre n Rob i n so n
Pho t o by: Tr acey E l l i s
P hot o b y : Tr i s t a n Be l l m a n e
Trails, Trails, Trails
Trails in the Powell River area are numerous and varied, from a walk in the park to a walk up the side of a
mountain to take in a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the lakes and sea. Powell River’s forested
backcountry is home to some of the best trails in the world. Built and maintained by dedicated groups of
local volunteers, there is something for everybody to enjoy. From hiking to biking to ATV and horse-friendly
trails, as well as wheelchair accessible - Powell River has it all.
Sunshine Coast Trail
The 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail is Powell River’s
crown jewel, offering the longest hut-to-hut hiking
experience in Canada. The SC Trail can be explored
in smaller sections for shorter day hikes, or via one
extraordinary multi-day hiking vacation! 13 shelters
(free to all visitors, no reservations required) now dot
the trail at stunning locations showcasing incredible
vistas of fresh water lakes and the Salish Sea. Inland Lake
Inland Lake, established as a Provincial Park in 1997,
has a 13 km multi-use trail which incorporates a series of boardwalks, bridges, and a crushed limestone
path that loops around the entire lake and is fully
wheelchair-accessible. There are drive-in and walk-in
campsites available at this park, as well as opportunities for swimming, cycling, fishing, canoeing and
boating.
Duck Lake Trails
The Duck Lake Protected area is home to a vast
network of well-maintained, multi-use trails popular
with hikers, bikers and horse riders. The area boasts
incredible wood bridges and boardwalks, waterfalls
and lakes. Powell River also hosts one of the stages
of the world-famous BC Bike Race offering the
ultimate single-track mountain biking experience.
Ph oto b y: Da rre n Robinso n
Willingdon Beach Trail
This well-maintained beachfront trail right in the
heart of the city offers a relaxing level walk through
a forested park setting. Along the trail there are
interesting flora and fauna finds as well as turnof-the-century logging equipment with interpretive
signage of the area’s industrial history.
P hot o b y : Ke l l y Funk
Rock Climbing
Powell River challenges climbers
with dozens of diverse rock faces
that cover the entire spectrum of
disciplines in the remote, but accessible, Eldred Valley – not to mention,
great alpine rock and ice routes.
One of the hidden gems south of the
City of Powell River, Stillwater Bluffs
is just a short walk through a grove
of second-growth forest that opens
up to a dramatic and scenic stretch
of rocky coastline.
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WATER WONDERFUL
Cast Off
Pristine waters, countless islands, private coves and harbours,
abundant wildlife; what more could a boater want in a destination? With several of the world’s most stunning Marine Parks
in the immediate area, including Desolation Sound, Harmony
Islands, Copeland Islands, and Teakerne Arm, your boating
adventure on the Sunshine Coast might just change your
whole outlook on life.
Dive In
Jacques Cousteau reportedly rated
Powell River’s diving as second only to
the Red Sea in terms of abundant, colourful marine life. Giant octopus, wolf
eels, rockfish, shipwrecks, even
a sunken bronze mermaid - divers
from around the globe return to Powell
River’s waters time and again.
If fresh water recreation is more your style, 50-km-long Powell
Lake is a boater’s dream come true, complete with endless
opportunities for exploration and discovery.
P hot o b y : Tri s t a n B e l l ma n e
P h o t o b y: K e l l y Fu n k
Paddles Up
For ocean kayakers, Powell River is a world-class experience. Some of the premiere spots include Desolation
Sound, the Copeland Islands, Mitlenatch Island, Savary
Island and Texada Island. Not only does the natural
setting feature rugged mountains and glittering ocean waters, but it’s also well-sheltered from the elements thanks
to the bulk of Vancouver Island and nearby Texada Island.
Ever wanted to touch the side of a WWII ship? Kayak to
the Hulks, 10 ferro-concrete ships that now comprise the
world’s largest floating breakwater.
Powell River presents easy access to more than 30 lakes
including the world-famous Powell Forest Canoe Route a semi-circle of eight major lakes and portages. The best
time of year to go is between June and October.
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P hot o b y :Tr i s t a n Be l l m a ne
Hooked on Fishing
Welcome to the cutthroat trout capital of Canada!
From fly-fishing our countless freshwater lakes and
rivers or angling in saltwater, fishing is a year-round
pastime here on the upper Sunshine Coast. Coho
Point and Blubber Bay on Texada Island and the
waters around Harwood Island are some of the best
spots for salmon. Or, hire a charter and fish the pristine waters while you take in the sights of world-famous Desolation Sound Marine Park. Bottom fish for
lingcod, snapper or chicken halibut around Powell
River, or drop a trap for prawns or crabs. Hit the
beaches for clamming or pick oysters!
P h o t o b y : Ke l l y Fu n k
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Dine among friends
Local restaurants present cuisine from all nations and
culinary desires. Pair your meal with a local craft beer or
see what’s on tap at the local brewery. Powell River chefs
take pride in supplying fresh, local ingredients prepared
with flair. Or pick up your rod and reel and catch your own
dinner. From salmon and trout to harvesting oysters and
clams; all you need is a license and patience - Remember, it’s called fishing, not catching! Cook your own catch
on the barbecue at a local beach and watch the sunsets
Powell River is famous for.
Our food and fields are very much a part of our everyday
culture here on the Sunshine Coast. Powell River’s Open
Air Market is an old-fashioned, country-style market selling fresh, locally grown farm and garden produce, home
baking, honey, soap, woodcrafts, jewellery, and a variety
of original items hand-crafted by local artisans.
Pho t o by: Impact D ig it al Pho t o g r a p hy
P hot o b y :Tr i s t a n Be l l m a ne
Shellfish Festival
Lund is the place to be for one special
weekend every May as we throw a party
for sea-foodies. Oysters and prawns top
the list of culinary favourites at this party
where fresh-cooked seafood takes centre
stage. Listen to local musical talents, take
a tour, watch a cooking demonstration
and buy live shellfish or shop at local craft
booths. The fun begins with the Chowder
Challenge competition where local restaurants vie to be named best in the land!
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Sleep On It
Accommodations range from a
campsite to pitch a tent to a chalet
in the woods. A cabin by the sea,
or in the forest - it’s your choice to
make, or select from any number
of hospitable B&Bs. Hop on and off
the Sunshine Coast Trail and stay in
one of our hotels or even our hostel
guesthouse to freshen up. From
heritage accommodations in the
Historic Townsite to family-friendly
beachside hotel/motel - Powell River
offers it all.
P hot o b y : K e l l y F u n k
STAY AND PLAY
P hot o b y : E m m a Le v e z La rocq u e
Night skies filled with stars and the sighing of the breeze through the trees and
the hiss of the surf on the shore sum up your good night’s sleep in Powell River
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MAKE THE MOVE
Build a life you don’t need to take a vacation from
Once you’ve had the Powell River experience, you may
want to call it home! Whether it’s heritage, modern,
waterfront or farm, Powell River offers a wide range of
housing options at a very affordable price. With an average selling price of a single-family home at approximately
$260,000 – the price is right. But be aware – it may be
hard to find a home without at least a partial view of the
ocean, so be ready to take in those stunning sunsets
from your deck!
Education
The youth of Powell River are treated to an extensive array of options when it comes to education. There are six
elementary schools (grades K-7), one secondary school
(grades 8-12), as well as various alternate schools and
distributed learning programs to support home school
initiatives.
Local ongoing education institutions are dedicated to
excellence while providing access to a wide range of
university and college programs designed for regional,
national and international students.
We actually fell in love with the community and then
we fell in love with this house, and it became less
about recreational property and a lot more about
actually moving up here and becoming part of the
community. The people drew us here.
Chris & Uli
“
“
Powell River has also established itself as a leader with
innovative approaches to learning. Through partnerships
with private-sector companies, Powell River offers unique
and innovative programs for students, which helps to
solidify long-term employment in the region.
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Community Profile
Powell River extends a warm welcome to all who come for a visit and
to those who decide to move to our
community. From Saltery Bay to
Lund and Texada to Savary Island,
Powell River residents are proud to
call the area home.
A Community Profile is available and
is intended to provide new business
investors with an overview of the
state of the economy and quality of
life in the City of Powell River. Additional market studies, reports and
documents are also available. Get
your copy online at powellriver.info.
P h o t o b y : B r i a n K . Sm i th
MAKE IT WORK
Entrepreneurs bring new business
Neatly tucked into BC’s coastline and mere hours from
Vancouver by car or minutes by plane, Powell River is
an attractive option for those seeking to capitalize on a
growing community with constantly expanding
opportunities.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
We are supported by our community in terms of
our restaurants and we’re able to support other
small business owners with their businesses it’s awesome.
“
Sarah & Mike
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Costa del Sol
& Coastal Cookery
“
“
“
P hot o b y : Br i a n K. S m i t h
We’re seeing a greater demand
for specialty items for all sorts of
things…
Margot & Nathan
32 Lakes
Coffee Roasters
P h o t o b y : D a rre n Rob i n son
P h o t o b y : Tri sta n Be l l m a n e
P hot o b y :Tr is t a n B e l l ma n e
A CULTURAL CAPITAL
Welcome to the Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin Nation
The Tla’amin people have used and occupied these lands
since time immemorial and their rich culture is celebrated.
Named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004, Powell River
offers a wide and varied range of activities for arts and
culture enthusiasts.
Powell River’s mill town roots are on display in the Historic Townsite. Check out landmark buildings as well as
the nearby Catalyst paper mill and the floating breakwater
of ships’ hulks. The wide and varied collection of historic
items at the nearby Powell River Historical Museum is a
highlight.
Now Showing
Powell River boasts Canada’s oldest continuously operating movie house in the Patricia Theatre. Located in the
heart of the Townsite Heritage District, the Theatre has
been beautifully restored to its former glory, but boasts
the best in audio/video technology. Vaudeville shows and
weddings are hosted in this stunning venue.
Art Scene
With a flourishing local arts scene, connoisseurs can pick
up watercolours, stunning wood art or handmade pottery
and ceramics. Don’t miss the stunning selection of choirs
at International Choral Kathaumixw; PRISMA, which
offers orchestra training complete with performances that
appeal to a broad, worldwide audience; the Blackberry
Festival with fireworks and foodie fun; or the Sunshine
Music Festival with blues and worldbeat artists.
Canadian Culture
Here, like other parts of Canada, hockey is king and Powell River is home ice to the Powell River Kings, a Junior-A
level British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and the
Powell River Regals - Canadian senior hockey.
Exercise your mind and body at the Powell River Recreation Complex. Indoor facilties present performance
space along with conference facilities as well as two
ice rinks, a 25m/82ft swimming pool and a world-class
skateboard/bike park.
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BUCKET LIST
Explore new horizons along the Salish Sea
and discover why we are Coastal by Nature
P h o t o b y:Tri sta n Be l l m a n e
Sunshine Coast Trail Saltery Bay Provincial Park Stillwater Bluffs Lang Bay Fish Hatchery Eldred Valley
Emma Lake Powell Forest Canoe Route Duck Lake Protected Area Inland Lake Provincial Park Haywire Bay
Regional Park & Campground Powell River Forestry Museum Powell River Historical Museum Shelter Point
Campground Townsite National Historic District Hulks Breakwater Sliammon Fish Hatchery Savary Island
Okeover Arm Provincial Park Lund Copeland Islands Provincial Marine Park Desolation Sound Texada Island
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BEACH BUCKET LIST
Shelter Point
Regional Park
Shelter Point Regional Park –
On Texada Island with mixed pebble
and sand beaches. Beach-front picnic areas, campsites, boat launch,
food concession, showers and nature trail with old-growth forest just
up the hill from the park.
Heisholt Lake
Heisholt Lake – aka ‘the quarries’
are located on Texada Island. An
abandoned mine just south of the
Ferry terminal that offers emerald
green, warm swimming waters with
limited clay-based beach. A favourite swimming hole for locals.
P h o t o b y : Ke l l y Fu n k
Beautiful beach vistas
from Saltery Bay to Savary Island
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park –
Located alongside Highway 101 across
from Maris Road. Use beach access
trail. Rocky beachcombers beach with
some swimming opportunities with the
right tide.
Donkersley Beach
Donkersley Beach – Located 16 km
south of Powell River just off Highway 101 on Donkersley Road. A
lovely stretch of white, sandy beach
with pebbles above the high-tide
mark. A favourite for swimmers,
beachcombers, families and dog
walkers.
P hot o b y : Ke l l y Funk
Saltery Bay Mermaid Cove Provincial Park – A provincial campground with a beautiful nature trail. A pathway leads to a small island ideal
for swimmers at high tide and beachcombers at low tide. Also offers an
excellent shore dive to a 9-foot bronze sculpture.
Palm Beach Regional Park – Located in Lang Bay, featuring a sand
and pebble beach with large playing field, public washrooms, playground
and covered picnic/barbecue area.
Willingdon Beach City Park – Located in the heart of Powell River,
Willingdon Beach features sandy beach areas, a water park, playground,
fishing pier, picnic areas and a fish bearing creek.
Mowat Bay City Park – Located on Powell Lake in the Cranberry
neighbourhood. Sandy beach with freshwater swimming for families. Also
with boat launch, playground, washroom facilities.
Gibson’s Beach Regional Park – Located 2 km north of city centre
down a 1 km gravel road. Grassy picnic area above a rocky/sandy beach
overlooking Malaspina Strait and Harwood Island. Boat launch available.
Savary Island – Located a 20-minute water taxi ride from Lund. The
island is all sandy beaches and summer fun with the warmest ocean swimming waters in the Pacific Northwest.
Pho t o by: Kelly F unk
Haywire Bay – Located at the Haywire Bay campsite on Powell Lake.
Take Haslam Street and follow the signage to get to this sandy lakeside
beach.
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The City of Powell River lies along the shores of the
Georgia Strait at the heart of the Malaspina Peninsula. A
deep inlet separates the area from the rest of the British
Columbia mainland, resulting in a rare unspoiled natural
beauty. From Vancouver follow the Sunshine Coast route
for 145km/90miles. Complete your journey with a 50-min-
ute ferry ride between Saltery Bay and Earl’s Cove. The
road, which runs along the coast from Saltery Bay in the
south to Lund in the north, is the northernmost portion of
Highway 101, the world’s longest highway, which begins
14,880 miles/24,000 km to Quellon at the south end in
Chile.
GETTING HERE
By Ferry:
BC Ferries offers sailings directly to
Powell River from the Little River ferry
terminal in Comox on Vancouver Island, and from Earl’s Cove to Saltery
Bay (south of Powell River city limits)
on the Lower Sunshine Coast.
P h o t o b y: E m m a L e ve z La rocque
By Air:
The Powell River Airport (YPW) is
centrally located within city limits.
Pacific Coastal Airlines offers daily
flights to Powell River. By Bus:
Malaspina Coach Lines offers daily
transportation between the towns of the
Sunshine Coast through to Vancouver
and the Vancouver International Airport.
By Car:
Powell River is on Highway 101, about
4-5 hours north of Vancouver. Although
the city is on the mainland and there are
roads in the area, it is not connected to
the Provincial Highway network and will
require a couple of ferry rides from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and
Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay – note, you only
have to pay once on the way up and once
on the return) or a single ferry if coming
from Courtenay/Comox to get there.
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P hot o b y :Tr i s t a n Be l l m a ne
By Boat:
For saltwater boaters, Powell River is the
gateway to the spectacular Desolation Sound
Marine Park, encompassing a paradise of
oceanic playground from Texada Island at the
south to Bute Inlet and the Discovery Islands
to the North. Marinas, government wharves,
ocean resorts and a number of marine parks
create a delightful archipelago of stops for the
leisure boater. Boat launches are numerous,
both public and private, with many smaller
launches for cartoppers.
For more information
www.powellriver.info
Coordinates
49.8356° N, 124.5244° W
Powell River,
British Columbia,
Canada
Tla’amin
Nation
Lund
Saltery Bay
WHISTLER
Earls Cove
COMOX
TEXADA ISLAND
SECHELT
Langdale
Ajoomixw
The land is the heart
of our identity and the
traditional source of our
wealth and wellbeing.
Our spirituality and our
traditional economy
and laws come from
our relationship to these
lands.
We welcome you to our
beautiful Territory and
ask that you be respectful and mindful of
the natural and archeological resources within
and help us to protect
them.
Gibsons
Horseshoe Bay
VANCOUVER
NANAIMO
RICHMOND
VANCOUVER ISLAND
SALT SPRING ISLAND
VICTORIA
M a p : Tri s t a n B e l l ma n e
Pho t o by:D ar ren R o bin s on
Ph o t o b y: Tr i s ta n Be l l ma ne
Powell River Firsts
• First dial telephones in B.C.
• First Sick Benefit Society in B.C.
• First wheelchair accessible lake w/ trail – Inland Lake
• Oldest continuously operating
movie theatre in B.C.
• Second shortest river in the world at 5/8ths of a mile
• First Credit Union in B.C.
• First Radio-Telephone in B.C.
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C o m e f or a v i s i t – s ta y fo r a li fet i me – Po well River is
a fo u r- s ea son h a v en fo r vi si t o rs – a nd resi dent s.
Co a st al
by
N ATU RE
Photo by: Kelly Funk
To u r i sm Powel l Ri v er Vi s i t or C en tre
4760 Joyce Aven ue
P o w ell River, BC V8A 3B 6
Te lephon e: 60 4.4 85 . 4701
To ll Free: 1.8 77 .81 7. 8669
E m ail: in f o@discov e r p ow e llr iv e r. c om
C it y o f P o w e ll R ive r
Ec o n o m ic D e ve lo p m e n t
6 9 1 0 D u n c a n St re e t
Po we l l Ri v e r, BC V 8 A 1 V 4
Ph o n e : 6 0 4 . 4 8 5 . 8 6 5 3
E m a i l : c o a s t a l @ c d p r. bc . c a
coastal by nature