About 400 houses shape Powell River’s Historic Townsite. This historic place is one of several sides to the city: coastal parks and viewpoints sit alongside trails for hikers and cyclists, as well as cultural and recreational offerings.
The Historic Townsite and Its History
Powell River’s Historic Townsite was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995. It is considered a well-preserved example of a planned single-industry community. The original Townsite plan dates from 1910–1911. About 97 percent of the approximately 400 houses were built before 1940 and remain largely in their original condition.
The history can be discovered not only at a single attraction, but also through the Townsite’s preserved character. Historic walking tours of the area are offered in the summer months. Before your trip, check whether the seasonal tours are available when you plan to visit.
Coastal Views and Greenway Trails
Willingdon Beach Park has beach access, a water playground and a seaside walking path. Spirit Square offers a different view of the coast: the viewpoint is on a pier next to the BC Ferries terminal. From there, you can see across the Salish Sea and observe local marine life.
Millennium Park lies between the Powell River Recreation Complex and Willingdon Beach. Its trail network includes walking, hiking and cycling trails for all ability levels. Large trees and meandering streams shape the natural landscape. For longer hikes or bike rides, there is also the trail network on Penticton Street, known locally as the “Maze,” with almost 30 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails.
Get Active and Experience the Culture
The cycling and roller sports facilities also offer a range of features. The one-hectare Powell River Bike & Skate Park has progressive jumps and ramps for a range of cycling abilities, as well as a concrete pump track. Right next door is the Skate Plaza, with features including a halfpipe and a rail setup.
Culture and water sports round out the offerings at the Powell River Recreation Complex. The Evergreen Theatre is a multipurpose venue with a variety of seating and performance configurations. The Aquatic Centre has a 25-metre main pool with six lanes, a shallow leisure pool and a large hot tub. qathet Museum & Archives offers virtual exhibits about the history of the qathet region, including the history of mountaineering.
Travel Information
Powell River is on the shore of the Strait of Georgia, in the centre of the Malaspina Peninsula. Powell River Airport (YPW) is centrally located within the city limits. To arrive by ferry, one route goes directly to Powell River from the Little River terminal in Comox on Vancouver Island. Another runs from Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay, south of the city limits. Check the ferry schedules before your trip.
The qathet Visitor Centre in Powell River provides maps and directions and can help arrange and book local adventures, tours and accommodations. As opening hours may change, it’s a good idea to check them before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Powell River, Gillies Bay, Lund, Thompson-Nicola, Metro Vancouver, Central Kootenay, Comox-Strathcona, East Kootenay.
For the main travel overview: British Columbia.
