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The following information is a brief overview of the activities available in the region of Powell River. Please click on the links either in the menu bar or within the text to read more specific and detailed information.
Many people choose to kayak with Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. simply because of Powell River itself! What does this mean?
It means that vacation destinations are often planned around more than one activity. Powell River has a great deal to offer beyond it's wonderful sea kayaking opportunities. As much as we at Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. would like to take credit for luring vast vacationers into this area because of our superb sea kayaking product, we must give this region due credit when it comes to providing an unbeatable, over-all vacation experience.
What does the region of Powell River have to offer vacationers?
Without going into vast amounts of hyperbole, we have culled the options
down to a very real list.
Natural Experiences
This is perhaps the areas strongest attribute - and yes, sea kayaking is a major part of this. However, there are many, many more options for having an awesome experience in nature in the Powell River area. Powell RIver is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the towering mountains of the Coast Mountain Range. Amongst these two borders are vast wilderness tracts, meandering water ways and dozens of lakes. Despite a small population Powell River has an amazing group of outdoor enthusiasts who donate their time to building trails, bridges, backcountry cabins and developing portage routes and climbing routes for all to enjoy.
Whether you are looking for soft adventure or something more hard-core
or whether you are an angler or a wildlife photographer, the following list
has something for you. Please click on the text below for more information.
Hiking
- Sunshine Coast Trail
- Sarah Point (Desolation Sound) to Saltery Bay
- approximately 180 km's long
- can be done in stages and covers many of the trails not listed here
- lakes, ocean, views, old growth forest - it has it all!
- Willingdon Beach Trail
- historical walk through old growth forest
- fascinating displays of refurbished old logging equipment
- excellent informational signs
- Tin Hat Mountain
- Elevation to approximately 5000 feet
- Panoramic views include right across to Vancouver Island, the glaciers of the Coast Mountain Range and the myriad of lakes and ocean waterways below
- Emma Lake Cabin
- Alpine cabin build by forest service
- excellent base and access for alpine hiking
- Inland Lake (Loon Lake)
- 15 Km level trail around beautifully forested lake
- completely wheelchair accessible
Rock Climbing
Word is finally getting out - the climbing around Powell River rocks! Local climbers have known for years that Powell River has amazing rock for climbing. Not until a major climbing magazine was invited to do a story on the local rock that it started to become known well beyond Powell Rivers isolated borders.
There is some nice climbing close to the town of Powell River: Higgy Land,
Stillwater and the Bluffs, but for those into serious climbing, a trip into the
Eldred River Valley is a must! Following one of the main logging road arteries for about an hours drive behind Powell River, the Eldred River Valley boasts the kind of scenery climbers love to see: gleaming granite walls shooting straight up for thousands of feet (or so). What can we say? Ask around and you'll be sure to find a climber who has heard of this new and upcoming climbing area.
For more information, a local climber has published a book on the routes of this area. It is sold at the Powell River Visitors Bureau. You can also give us a shout and we may or may not be able to provide the information you are seeking. If not, we know who to contact if we can't directly help you.
Mountain Biking
The trails behind Powell River provide excellent mountain biking opportunities. Whether you're looking for fast single track or just a relaxed day on the trails with the family, there are developed mountain biking trails to suit you. Please contact the Powell River Visitors Bureau for more information.
Canoeing
With well over a dozen lakes behind Powell River, freshwater canoeing is some of the best! The Powell Forest Canoe Route provides excellent portages, beautiful views of mountains and lush forest. Many additional lakes that are not part of the route are also excellent for canoeists (or kayakers) looking to get out for the day or as an overnight trip. Haslam lake, for example, is a quick drive from Powell River and offers a beautiful day paddle to the end of the lake where there is excellent island camping. Duck Lake also provides excellent access and it's marshy reeds provide a safe haven for interesting bird life. Contact the Powell River Visitors Bureau for more information or to request a map of the lakes of Powell River.
Freshwater Fishing
With so many lakes and connecting waterways behind Powell River,
and with relatively few local freshwater fishermen (believe or not), it is no
wonder the lakes are teeming with fish! Whether you prefer to kick back
and troll your Willow Leaf, cast a spoon or match your fly to the local
bugs and drop it on the fishes nose, you'll be sure to land a trophy.
Even if you were skunked, the beautiful scenery alone would be worth
the trip! This is doubtful though, as the local lakes offer plenty of hungry
Cutthroat and Rainbow trout as well as Kokanee salmon.
The best option for more information would be to contact one of the
local sporting good stores. Feel free to give us a shout as well and
if we can't help you out we know who can.
Music, Arts and Festivals
Powell River was named the Cultural Capital of Canada for 2004!
Perhaps this says it all! Powell River is a community teeming with culture and certainly worthy of such an honourable distinction.
The isolated community of Powell River has a uniquely amazing way of nurturing and supporting music and the arts. This fact has allowed the local scene to not only flourish from within but also attracts talent from around the world.
In addition, tireless (seemingly) volunteers give many hours of their time to organize many awesome festivals that portray the true heart and feel of Powell River.
Local artisans are also abundant. This can be seen throughout the region in gallery's, pottery shops and more eclectic stores and markets peddling a variety of locally made wares.
The following is a brief list of some of the festivals, concerts and browsing opportunities that are regularly available. For more information, please go to the Festivals and Events page on this website or contact the Powell River Visitors Bureau.
- International Choral Kathaumixw
- Powell River Academy of Music Concert Series
- Sunshine Music Festival
- Blackberry Festival
- Powell River Sea Fair
- Powell River Fall Fair
- Open Air Market
- Cranberry Pottery
- The Shops of Marine Ave.
- Tug Ghum Gallery
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