Top 10 Reasons to Visit Powell River this Spring

Today is the first day of Spring and I'm headed for my favourite place on earth, Powell River, BC. Spring break is coming and people are heading for vacation spots. Here are 10 reasons you should make Powell River your spring travel destination.

10. An exciting ferry ride to get here. BC Ferries serves Powell River. You can easily turn your visit to Powell River into a Circle Route vacation. Check out the CirclePac and Experience Card for extra savings. On the Vancouver to Powell River route you will travel through majestic fjords and pass towering snow-capped peaks. It's an E-ticket ride for sure.

9. Friendly people. One of the first things we noticed about Powell River was that everyone was friendly and welcoming. Stop at the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre in the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre next to Quality Foods on Mondays through Fridays 9:00-5:00. Pick up a free Powell River Living magazine or Powell River PEAK to see what's happening around town.

8. Great places to stay. In the middle of town is the Town Centre Hotel, check into the Harbour Guesthouse hostel, lounge on the beach at the Oceanside Resort and Cabins, or immerse yourself in history at the Townsite's Old Courthouse Inn. There's a place for everyone. We have a special place in our hearts for the Willingdon Beach Campsite. That's where we stayed when we first discovered Powell River.

7. Tasty restaurants. From everyday to fancy, we have it all. The Vancouver Island University and Brooks Culinary Arts Program restaurant is open for lunch. Start the day with coffee and a cinnamon bun at Rocky Mountain Pizza, get a fantastic omelet at Starvin' Marvins, or grab lunch in the mall at Moose n' Eddies. Don't leave town without a brew and steak at the Shinglemill Pub on Powell Lake. Sit and watch boats coming and going from logging sites and float cabins up the lake.

6. Quaint shops on Marine Avenue. Marine Avenue in the Westview section of Powell River is a mix of new and historic buildings. You'll find business as usual (banks, lawyers, hairdressers, restaurants) and specialty shops. Get a tattoo at Ink Fected, a souvenir at the Paperworks Gallery or a book to read at the Hidden Treasures Bookstore. In August, the whole street closes for the annual Blackberry Festival.

5. The Mill and Historic Townsite. Powell River was founded as a mill town for the Powell River Paper Company. The paper mill is now owned by Catalyst, but Powell River is no longer a company town. Homes are now privately owned and the Townsite was designated a National Historic District by Parks and Monuments Canada in 1995. Discover Powell River's history at the Museum.

4. The Open-Air Market. Powell River's farmers market is open April to September. Watch Around Town in the PEAK for opening and special event dates. Come for fresh produce, flowers, home baking, hand crafts and local entertainers on the Open Mic Stage on Saturdays 10:30-12:30 and Sundays 12:30-2:30.

3. Lots of outdoor activities. Whether you favourite activity is boating, hiking, ATVing, winter sports, kayaking or just relaxing, Powell River has it all. We are famous for our scuba diving, Sunshine Coast Trail, Powell River Canoe Route and rock climbing. Forest campgrounds and easy access to the back country make it paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Fabulous sunsets. Powell River is located on the mainland of Coastal BC. The town is built on along the waterfront with sweeping views of the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island. The Seawalk Viewpoint is a great place to take in the view, or add some fantastic food and see it from the Savoury Bight restaurant at the Beach Gardens Resort.

1. Heading up the lake. Powell Lake is a land-locked glacial carved fresh water fjord. I love living in a float cabin up the lake in Hole in the Wall. You can rent a float cabin or houseboat to experience life on the lake for yourself. You can also read about off the grid living on Powell Lake in Up the Lake and Farther Up the Lake by Wayne J. Lutz at www.PowellRiverBooks.com.

Need more reasons to come? Visit Tourism Powell River. I'll see you here! -- Margy