The best outdoorsy things to do in Powell River

Located on the North Coast, Powell River is home to some of the best outdoor adventures the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Read on to discover the very best things to do in Powell River, from kayaking through Desolation Sound to hiking the iconic Sunshine Coast trail.

As we sail through the sheltered inlets that connect Earl’s Cove on the South Coast to Saltery Bay on the North Coast, a sense of serenity washes over me. Around me locals gaze at the familiar scenery that signals they’re almost home. Nearby, a few first timers snap photos on their cameras, filled with excitement for what awaits on the North Coast.

Green and ruggedly beautiful, a trip to the northern Sunshine Coast is a dream for those who crave peaceful solitude. After all, it’s these same striking surroundings that adventurers find so enticing that have kept the area relatively remote, despite its proximity to Vancouver.

Located in the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, Powell River is one of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gems. Its enchanting local culture and countless outdoor activities have turned many visitors into residents.

In this guide, I’m covering the very best outdoor activities and things to do in Powell River. If you love hiking and spending time in nature, a trip to Powell River is a must!

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TLDR: The best things to do in Powell River for nature lovers

There are so many incredible nature-based things to do in Powell River. If you’re struggling to decide what to do, here are the three activities I would prioritise based on my own experience:

Kayaking in Desolation Sound
Hiking Tin Hat Mountain
Day trip to Savary Island

Top wildlife experiences and outdoor activities in Powell River

As someone who loves the outdoors, Powell River is one of my favourite weekend escapes from Vancouver. From kayaking along sheltered coves to hiking the iconic Sunshine Coast Trail, this coastal community is the perfect place to get outside and unwind. Here are my favourite things to do in Powell River:

1. Go kayaking around Desolation Sound

Located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast lies the achingly beautiful Desolation Sound. Framed by the towering Coast Mountains, this secluded provincial park offers some of the most breath-taking views in Canada.

Rent a kayak and spend the day exploring the uninhabited islands and sheltered coves that make up this rugged wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife which are drawn to the area. Seals, bald eagles, and deer are a common sight, and it’s not unusual to spot pods of orcas and humpbacks.

Powell River Sea Kayak offers rentals as well as single and multi-day kayak tours from both Lund and Okeover. We booked a day rental from Okeover Inlet and paddled out to Grace Harbour. While Desolation Sound is fairly sheltered, you are still out on the open water. You’ll need to have previous kayaking experience if opting for a self-guided trip.

2. Explore the Sunshine Coast Trail

Stretching 180 km from Sarah Point in Desolation Sound all the way to Saltery Bay, the Sunshine Coast Trail is Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail. There are 14 huts dotted along the trail where hikers can sleep before continuing their journey. It’s an iconic trail with panoramic mountaintop views, old-growth forests, lakes and coastal shorelines.

Given its proximity to many of the trail heads, hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail is one of the most popular things to do in Powell River. The great thing about the Sunshine Coast Trail is that there really is something for every level of hiker to enjoy.

While a lot of hikers challenge themselves to hike the whole 180 km, there are also several shorter multi-hike routes and day hikes. Sliammon Lake, Haywire Bluff and Inland Lake are great day hikes which are easily accessible from Powell River.

3. Hike to Tin Hat Mountain

Of course, one of the most iconic highlights of the Sunshine Coast Trail is Tin Hat Hut – and for a good reason! This picturesque hut sits on top of Tin Hat Mountain and offers hikers panoramic views over the Coast Mountains and the Strait of Georgia. It’s a popular overnight trip but can also be done as a day hike from Powell River.

After years of dreaming of this hike, I finally managed to do it last summer with two of my friends as a backpacking trip. It was a long journey from Vancouver but watching the sunset over Powell Lake and the surrounding mountains was so special. In the morning, we woke up to our first-ever cloud inversion – having a cup of tea at the top of the summit above the clouds was so surreal!

If you have the time, I highly recommend camping overnight as it really is one of the best things to do in Powell River! I’ve put together a detailed guide about Tin Hat Mountain hike, including how to get there, where to park, as well as the camping options.

4. Explore some local trails

Although the Sunshine Coast Trail takes the lion’s share of visitors and publicity, Powell River boasts a myriad of scenic and picturesque hiking trails. Two popular trails include Willingdon Beach Park Trail and the Seawalk.

Willingdon Beach Park Trail follows the coastline to the Townsite community. It’s a beautiful and easy walk along a wide gravel path which is relatively flat. The trail is about 1.2 km one way and you’ll get to see some remnants of the area’s history along the way, such as the old trestle bridge and a steam donkey. The trailhead is next to Willingdon Beach campground so I suggest parking at the beach.

The Powell River Seawalk is located in Westview and offers unprecedented views of the Salish Sea. The trail is about 2.7 km out-and-back and passes beaches and rocky outcrops, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. There are some benches and picnic areas where you can sit and look for marine life.

If you have time, explore some of the trails in Millennium Park which pass old growth trees and delightful creeks.

5. Relax on Willingdon Beach

If you end up walking the Willingdon Beach Park Trail, make sure you stop by the beach afterwards. Willingdon Beach is a lovely place to relax and is a local hot spot in summer. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and has a sandy shore, a grassy picnic area, and a playground. There are also some volleyball courts, making it a great place for kids and adults alike.

6. Take a day trip to Savary Island

Located at the entrance to Desolation Sound, Savary Island is one of the most picturesque islands in the Strait of Georgia. Due to the southern tide, the island is blessed with the warmest water north of Mexico. Add white sandy beaches and it’s hardly surprising that a day trip to Savary Island is one of the most popular things to do in Powell River.

Once you arrive at the island, you’ll find beach huts and untouched wilderness. Walk along Vancouver Boulevard, the main road that runs through the island, and check out the different shops. Here you’ll find the local pub, Riggers, the General Store and the Sugar Snack. If you want to enjoy the white sandy beach, head to South Beach. This part of the island has the long stretch of white sand and warm water that makes you question if you’re still in Canada!

You can easily visit Savary Island for the day or stay at the local campground if you want to extend your stay. However, if you plan to stay for a couple of days I’d recommend taking a bike so you can explore more.

To get from Powell River to Savary Island make your way north to Lund, the furthest point on Highway 101. You can either drive, taxi, or if you’re travelling on a Tuesday or Friday, bus. Once at Lund, board the passenger-only ferry to Savary Island which takes around 15 minutes and costs $12 per person each way. Both Lund Water Taxi and Savary Island Ferry offer daily sailings but it’s recommended that you reserve your time in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in summer.

Things to do in Powell River - Visit Savary Island

7. Visit Inland Lake Provincial Park

If you’re visiting Powell River for a few days, don’t miss Inland Lake. It’s a beautiful area to explore and offers opportunities to swim, kayak, canoe and cycle. The park is only a short drive from Powell River town centre but it is so quiet and peaceful that it feels much further away. The park has a 13 km loop trail around the lake which you can walk or cycle. This gravel trail is relatively flat and has boardwalks and bridges along the way. You’ll need about two hours to walk the entire loop but if you have a bike then you’ll get around it much quicker!

8. Go to the movies

Okay this isn’t an ‘outdoorsy’ thing but I couldn’t skip the iconic Patricia Theatre when speaking about things to do in Powell River! Built in 1913, the theatre is a key part of Powell River’s history and the cultural hub of the historic Townsite. It’s also Canada’s longest running movie theatre. Although the theatre has stepped into the modern age with a state-of-the-art sound system, it still retains its original charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back to another era. If you get a rainy day in Powell River, catching a movie here is a great way to pass the time!

9. Explore the historic townsite

Designated as a National Historic District in 1995, Powell River’s townsite is remarkably intact. The historic townsite has retained more than 400 original buildings from the 1910 town plan, including the paper mill which was once the largest in the world. Today, it operates as an arm of Catalyst Paper and serves as a reminder of Powell River’s mill town roots.

Visit the Powell River Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s heritage. Here you’ll find a collection of logging equipment as well as art from the Tla’amin First Nations.

10. Sunset at Second Beach

No holiday to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a little beach time. Thanks to its location, Powell River boasts many great beach spots that you can enjoy all year round. Second Beach (or Hulks Beach as the locals call it) is a popular place to cool off in the heat of summer and is accessible via a short hike from Willingdon Beach Trail. It’s also a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. Wrap up warm, grab a blanket, and end your day listening to the waves wash up against the shore.

11. Visit the other coastal towns on the North Coast

Powell River makes a wonderful base for exploring the other Northern coastal towns. If you have time on your trip, try and spend a couple of days in Lund further north of Powell River. This small, picturesque community is known as the “End of the Road” due to its location at the north end of the Sunshine Coast.

Lund is the gateway to beautiful Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park. This area offers spectacular views and calm waters, making it a great place for kayaking, scuba diving and fishing.

Lund on Sunshine Coast — The harbour at Lund (Photo credit: Destination BC/ Andrew Strain)

Where to eat and drink in Powell River

After a day of outdoor adventures, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite! Here are a few of my favourite places to eat in Powell River:

Base Camp Coffee

No trip to Powell River would be complete without stopping by Base Camp Coffee. A staple of the Powell River community, this café and eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a range of delicious takeaway options. Even if you’re just after a coffee, pop into Base Camp to admire the local artwork from talented artists based in Powell River.

Costa Del Sol

Set in a former 1900’s police station, Costa Del Sol serves fresh Mexican and Latin inspired dishes in a vibrant setting. Sip on margaritas as you take in the Mexican masonry and local art and let yourself be transported to Mexico for the night.

Culaccino

Culaccino was recommended to us by several people and after walking by and having a quick glance at the dishes being served, we can see why. Whilst we didn’t have time to eat here, it would be remiss not to include it on this list. If you’re yearning for authentic Italian cuisine, this is the place.

Coastal Cookery

Run by the same owners of Costa Del Sol and Culaccino, Coastal Cookery is another West Coast staple offering some delicious and mouth-watering dishes. If like me you have a serious sweet tooth, you’ll want to eat here for the desserts alone!

The Seasider Bistro + Wine Bar

The Seasider Bistro + Wine Bar is chic yet relaxed restaurant with one of the best patios overlooking the ocean. Sip on a glass of wine or sample one of the delectable cocktails on the patio, and keep cozy by the fireplace whilst you watch the sun go down.

How to get to Powell River

So you now know all the wonderful things to do in Powell River, but how do you get there? Although the Sunshine Coast is part of BC’s mainland, the mountainous terrain means it can only be accessed by air or water from Vancouver or Vancouver Island.

Directions from Vancouver

From Vancouver, you can either drive or fly to Powell River:

By air

If you don’t plan on using a car on the Sunshine Coast, you can fly directly to Powell River from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Not only in this a lot quicker than driving, it’s also a wonderful way to see the Sunshine Coast from a new perspective.

By car

Take a short 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast. Once you arrive in Langdale, enjoy a leisurely drive (1h14) along the scenic Highway 101 to Earls Cove where you’ll board a second ferry to Saltery Bay. From Saltery Bay, it’s a 30-minute drive to Powell River.

2026 Ferry costs (as of April 6, 2026)

Horseshoe Bay to Langdale: $58.45 per vehicle plus $16.45 for each adult one way
Earls Cove to Saltery Bay: $53.80 per vehicle plus $16 per adult return trip (paid on your way back from Saltery Bay at the terminal)

Ferries do get busy especially over long weekends, so I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. You can check the sailing schedule here. While you can reserve the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, you can’t reserve the second ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay. This means that you might end up waiting for the next available ferry.

TRAVEL TIP | Try to get to Earls Cove ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before the departure time to make sure you get on, otherwise you might have a long wait ahead of you for the next one! Come prepared with snacks and things to keep you busy just in case you have to wait a couple of hours like we did. There is a nice restaurant (The Cove Restaurant) at the ferry terminal which serves cold and hot food and a range of beverages.

Directions from Vancouver Island

BC Ferries run daily services between the Little River ferry terminal in Comox to Powell River. It takes just under one hour and 30 minutes. You can check the sailing schedule here.

2026 Ferry costs (as of April 6, 2026)

Comox (Little River) to Powell River (Westview): $51.90 per vehicle plus $16.10 for each adult one way

Where to stay in Powell River

I’ve been to Powell River three times now so if you need some ideas on where to stay during your trip to Powell River, here are my top picks:

The Old Courthouse Inn

Built in 1939, this highly rated boutique hotel was once home to Powell River Courts, Police Station, and even the Jail. Beautifully refurbished whilst retaining its history, the hotel’s 8 rooms have antique décor reminiscent of the Tudor era. Double rooms from $130 CAD a night. To check prices and availability, click here.

Beach Gardens Resort and Marina

As the name would suggest, this hotel has a private beach area and a full-service marina. The rooms are clean and simple, and whilst they aren’t particularly special in terms of design, most have beautiful sea views and private balconies when you can watch the sunset. Double rooms with a sea view start at $130 CAD per night. Check prices and availability here.

Blitz Beach House Oceanside Suite

Located between Powell River and Lund, this oceanfront studio is one of my favourites. The studio is beautifully designed with high ceilings, natural wood interiors, and a private balcony. The views are truly wonderful and it’s a great place for storm watching in the off season if you want to experience the west coast at its wildest. Prices start from $143 CAD in the off season and require a 3 night minimum stay. Check prices and availability here.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Powell River

Whether you choose to stay for a week or just an afternoon, there are so many lovely things to do in Powell River. There’s a lot of information in this guide so don’t forget to save it so you can read it again later. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them.