Powell River

Inland Lake Provincial Park near Powell River, British Columbia
Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Powell River is the only city in the qathet Regional District, with a population of 13,942 at the 2021 census.
It sits on the east side of the Strait of Georgia, about 133 km northwest of Vancouver.
The community began in 1912 as a company town built around a pulp and paper mill, and forestry remains part of the local economy.

Neighbourhoods

The city includes Westview, Cranberry, Wildwood and the original Townsite.
The Townsite was designated a National Historic District in 1995, and many of its early company houses have been restored.

Things to do

  • Walk the 13 km wheelchair-accessible boardwalk at Inland Lake.
  • Mountain bike at Duck Lake or hike Tin Hat Mountain.
  • Dive at Mermaid Cove, where an underwater statue marks the site.
  • See the Hulks, concrete ships that form a breakwater at the Townsite.
  • Catch a film at the Patricia Theatre, home of the Powell River Film Festival.
  • Visit Townsite Brewing, a stop on the BC Ale Trail.

Trail and business details change, so confirm hours and conditions before you go.
See also the Sunshine Coast Trail and how to get here.