Canada’s Friendly Sunshine Coast City Is An Outdoor Playground Perfect For Hiking And Paddling
British Columbia has some 18,000 miles of coastline to explore, but one place in the province not to be missed is the Sunshine Coast, a majestic and artistic coastal district that offers mountains, beaches and endless adventure. Leave the vibrant Canadian city of Vancouver behind and hike to the beautiful destination of Powell River, surrounded by natural beauty including forests and lakes. In fact, you will have to take two ferries to reach this isolated town.
Powell River is a welcoming place with friendly locals. Powell River Realty notes the “strong sense of community” here, and 2% Realty Pacific Coast describes the town as “friendly and close-knit,” with festivals and events helping newbies connect with locals. One Reddit user says of the area: “If you’re open and friendly, people will return the favor. » Whether you’re considering moving here or are just visiting, you’ll likely find a warm welcome in Powell River.
Besides its friendly residents, Powell River has a range of other attractions, such as a top-notch microbrewery and interesting historic sites, such as the Powell River townsite, which is home to 400 original buildings; including the Patricia Theater, the oldest operating movie theater in Canada. Of course, the real highlights here are the outdoor adventures and recreational activities available. Hiking, boating, scuba diving and rock climbing are all popular. To top it all off, you might even spot some interesting wildlife like sea lions, seals, and orcas.
Read more: 5 RV Essentials You Need for Cold Weather Camping
Where to Hike in Powell River, British Columbia
Tin Hat Hut surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes on the Sunshine Coast Trail – Edb3_16/Getty Images
Powell River is the ideal base camp for hiking adventures around the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 112-mile, multi-day trail that runs from Saltery Bay to Sarah Point. This is the longest hut-to-hut hiking trail in Canada. If you don’t have time to do it all, the most popular section near Powell River is the Tin Hat Mountain hike. This segment can be done as a shortened 6-mile round-trip hike that takes about three hours, although you can stay overnight in the cabin, which is free and does not require a permit. Keep in mind that it can get busy during peak season and it’s basically first come, first served.
There are many other hiking trails around Powell River. Try the Willingdon Beach Trail, an easily accessible 2.5-mile trail that tells plenty of local stories along the way, including information about the old logging industry. Walk the 1.7-mile Sea Walk for the best chance of spotting wildlife like sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, humpback whales and dolphins. Inland Lake offers an 8-mile circular gravel trail around the lake, while Gallagher Hill is a moderate 3.8-mile route with great views at the end. No matter which route you choose, hikers will love exploring the great outdoors around Powell River.
Water sports in and around Powell River
Trees on the shoreline and forest of Inland Lake, near Powell River, British Columbia, Canada – Andrea C. Miller/Shutterstock
Boating is another fun activity in Powell River. You can get out on the water and go kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Rentals are available from Mitchell’s, located south of town on the Sunshine Coast Highway. Experienced adventurers can try the Qathet Canoe Route, a 35-mile route that takes an average of five days and crosses eight lakes via five portages. If you prefer not to portage, opt for the multi-day Lake Powell Loop, which circles Goat Island. Powell and Inland Lakes are also great places to paddle if you’re only visiting for the day.
Some of Powell River’s most interesting attractions are actually underwater. It’s a scuba diving hotspot, with 19 dive sites dotted around the area. Near Willingdon Beach is YOGN-82, a former military ship sunk to create an artificial reef. Divers will also want to check out the Emerald Princess, a 575-pound mermaid statue located 60 feet underwater.
Powell River isn’t the easiest place to get to, but it’s worth the trip. The nearest major airport is Vancouver International Airport, ranked as North America’s No. 1 airport in 2025. The trip from Vancouver is about a four-hour drive and requires two ferries: Horseshoe Bay Ferry from West Vancouver to Langdale and Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay. Having a vehicle is essential for visiting Powell River, and keep in mind that weather disruptions may affect ferry service.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as your favorite research source to access the world’s best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article about the islands.
