Powell River places to stay

Situated on Canada’s Sunshine Coast, the city of Powell River is surrounded by mountains, dense temperate rainforest, and an undeveloped coastline that runs along the sheltered Malaspina Strait. This may be part of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia, but Powell River is accessible only by plane or boat, maintaining its natural splendor.

The whale-dotted waters of Desolation Sound are just an hour north, while Inland Lake Provincial Park, with its boardwalk that appears to float on water, is only 20 minutes away. The city has its own charms, with a historic district that preserves the original early-20th-century logging towns. The rest of Powell River is brimming with bistros and bakeries, as well as an award-winning brewery where you can unwind after a day’s outdoor adventures.

Thanks to its temperate rainforest location, Powell River has a wet season and a dry season. The dry season lasts from April to September and peaks in July. This is the best time to book your Powell River cabin rentals and explore the natural wonders surrounding the city. Summer is also festival season. The Blackberry Festival is a local favorite, drawing crowds for a week in August for food and outdoor festivities that end with fireworks. Winter in Powell River is mild compared to the rest of Canada. The forests turn green, and waterfalls are at their fullest and most impressive. For a more traditional Canadian winter, head to one of the many mountains surrounding the city with skis or snowshoes for fun surrounded by pristine snow-covered forest.

Inland Lake Provincial Park

Twenty minutes from Powell River, this provincial park has an eight-mile-long flat wooden boardwalk that wraps around Inland Lake. Bridges and a crushed limestone path complete the wheelchair-accessible loop, which features a collection of totem poles from local Tla’amin First Nations artists. The lake is warm and great for taking a refreshing dip after cycling or running the trail.

Historic District

The National Historic District of Powell River is an official Canadian historic site that can be explored through self-guided walking tours or via a guide from the Townsite Heritage Society. The town was designed as a community around the first paper and pulp mill in the early 20th century. More than 400 buildings and homes, including the doctor’s house and the original hospital, have been restored and maintained to commemorate the city’s early years. The Powell River Historical Museum & Archives on Marine Avenue houses a collection of logging artifacts and pieces created by Tla’amin artists.

Desolation Sound

Located northwest of Powell River on the northern end of the Salish Sea, the deep Desolation Sound offers incredible views for kayakers and boaters. You can explore the coves and islands on calm waters as you paddle past tree-covered cliffs and white-capped mountains. At any point, resident orcas and seals may break the surface of the water to complete the West Coast experience.