You’ve checked out the entire lower Sunshine Coast. From Gibsons to Egmont; you’re an expert. But there’s more to explore; the upper Sunshine Coast boasts adventure from Powell River to Lund. So, hop on the Earls Cove ferry and arrive in Saltery Bay, your gateway to the upper Sunshine Coast.
PLAY IN POWELL RIVER
The traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation and home to about 14,000 residents, Powell River offers both culture and nature. A smattering of locally-owned shops, food and drink—including Townsite Brewing—to satisfy the palate, and ocean- and lake-side campgrounds, beaches, and trails to get you outside.
Hiking Adventures: the Sunshine Coast Trail
If you like hiking, the Upper Sunshine Coast is home to the Sunshine Coast Trail: 180 kilometres of trails stretching from Saltery Bay to Sarah Point in Desolation Sound. It’s Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trek, but you don’t have to be a hardcore, overnight backpacker to enjoy it; the trail has many access points that allow for shorter hikes. Trails wind their way along coastal shorelines, creeks, and lakes, through old-growth forests, and up to mountaintop vistas.
Short hikes in Powell River include:
Inland Lake: This 12-kilometre route is a flat, easy loop that takes you around the entirety of peaceful Inland Lake.
Trinket Trail: Especially fun for families. Keep an eye out for trinkets that hang from trees or mossy stumps, and join the fun by leaving or taking one. Don’t miss “Troll Alley”, a quirky section with your favourite 90s-era funky-haired dolls hiding in the flora.
Wednesday Lake: This trail is at the northernmost point of the Sunshine Coast Trail in Lund. It’s an easy, two hour hike through a quiet old growth forest
TEXADA ISLAND
You might as well pop over to Texada Island when you’re in Powell River. Leaving ten times a day, a 35-minute ferry journey takes travellers from Powell River’s Westview Terminal to Texada’s Blubber Bay.
The largest of the Gulf Islands, Texada is an inviting destination for tranquil kayaking and canoeing, with ten lakes and numerous small coves and beaches. Set up your base camp at Shelter Point or Shingle Beach and head out to explore the island’s trails and beaches. You might even find sea agates and fossilized ocean creatures along the shoreline.
LAST STOP: LUND
This oceanside village is literally the end of the road; Lund lands you at Mile 0 of Highway 101. Visiting Lund isn’t complete without stopping into Nancy’s Bakery for blackberry cinnamon buns, picking out a wool sweater that will outlive you from Pollens Sweaters, and fueling up with some tasty fare at 101 Bar & Grill, part of Lund Resort at Klah Ah Men.
A BOATER’S DREAM: DESOLATION SOUND
Have boat, will travel. From Lund, head out to Desolation Sound Marine Park, a boater’s dream with over 6,350 acres of shoreline and calm ocean to explore. Three main anchorages can mark your journey: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay, and Grace Harbour, though you’ll find many safe anchorages throughout.
Desolation Sound offers topography that will leave you in awe – from low, rugged coastline to heights like the Unwin Range, which rises over 1,300 metres behind Prideaux Haven. Pitch your tent at various walk-in wilderness camping spots, and dive into warm waters, perfect for swimming and scuba diving. Fishing enthusiasts visit for saltwater and freshwater fishing, while following local licensing and regulations.
