'''Powell River''' is in the Sunshine Coast region of British Columbia.
Get in
By car
Powell River is on '''Highway 101''', about 4-5 hours north-west of Vancouver. Although the city is on the mainland and there are roads in the area, it will require a couple of ferry rides (Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay) to get to it because it is not directly linked with the rest of the provincial road network.
By boat
BC Ferries [http://www.bcferries.com] runs a ferry service between Comox on Vancouver Island and Powell River. The ferry runs four times daily and takes 80 minutes. Cost is $11 per person and $34 for a normal passenger vehicle.
By air
There is a small airfield which has regular scheduled flights to and from Vancouver. Private chartered flights are also available.
Get around
A car is the best way to get around. The city sprawls out along Highway 101 and the local bus transit is fairly limited and taxis aren't cheap. Alternatively, you could walk or hitchhike to get around.
See
The mountains of Vancouver Island towering over Georgia Strait in the winter
Do
Powell River is a nature lovers paradise with a variety of hiking, scuba, snowshoeing and swimming oppotunities.
* The '''Powell River Canoe Route''' links at least 5 lakes in succession with minimal portaging.
* The '''Sunshine Coast Trail''' is a hiking trail that runs the length of Powell River regional district.
* '''Rock climbing''' can be found up the Eldred Valley behind Powell River, or overlooking the ocean at Stillwater.
A tour of the '''Historic Townsite''' and the Pulp and Paper Mill will fill an afternoon, or just gazing at the Hulks- a giant breakwater consisting of retired war ships.
Buy
Flower Rock earrings from Texada Island
Eat
Chiang Mai. 463 Marine Ave. 604) 485-0883. Thai food.
Eagle's Landing Bistro. 929 Twin Eagles Rd. outh of town. 604) 487-1050.
Garden Court Restaurant. 660 Joyce Ave. t the Town Centre Hotel. 604) 485-3000.
Gourmet Canton. -7030 Glacier St. 604) 485-2885. Chinese food.
La Casita. 578 Marine Avenue. 604) 485-7720. Mexican food.
Manzanita. 243 Walnut Street. ownsite, in the Old Courthouse Inn. 604) 483-2228. ttp://www.manzanita.ca.
Minato Sushi Restaurant. 746 Joyce Ave. 604) 485-6118. Japanese food.
Thaidal Zone. -4454 Willingdon Ave. 604) 485-5171. Thai food.
Drink
.
TC's Pub. 660 Joyce Ave. n the Town Centre Hotel. 604) 485-3000. Popular bar for pre-drinks.
Westview Pub. 463 Marine. n the Westview Hotel. 604) 485-5025. Popular spot among locals (who affectionately nicknamed it 'The Zoo') that boasts live cover bands on the weekends and karaoke during the week.
White Jag Pub. 251 Yew St. n the Rodmay Heritage Hotel. 604) 483-7717. Nice bar to play pool and relax.
Sleep
There are a limited number of small hotels in Powell River plus some bed and breakfasts.
Beacon Bed and Breakfast. 750 Marine Avenue. -877-485-5563 (toll-free) or +1 604-485-5563. tay@beaconbb.com. ttp://www.beaconbb.com. 110-$120 ($10 cheaper mid-Oct thru April). Clean, well-furnished rooms with terrific views over the water to Vancouver Island. There is also a library of DVD films that you can watch if you are bored with the numerous cable channels!
Powell River Harbour Guesthouse. 454 Willingdon Ave. t the Westview Ferry Terminal, just behind the Westview Pub. -877-709-7700 (toll-free) or +1 604-485-9803. ttp://www.powellriverhostel.com. The only hostel in town.
Powell River Town Centre Hotel. 660 Joyce Ave. orner Joyce and Barnett. -866-485-3001 (toll-free) or +1 604-485-3000. nfo@prtowncentrehotel.com. ttp://www.prtowncentrehotel.com. Upscale accommodation in the Historic Townsite.
Get out
Lund, a thirty minute drive north of Powell River on Highway 101, is a sleepy harbour town and gateway to Desolation Sound (a popular kayaking destination).
Camping on Powell Lake or Texada Island, or swimming at any lake in the region is good fun.
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