Top 10 Reasons to Visit Powell River this Fall

It's fall and here are 10 reasons you should make Powell River, BC your fall travel destination.

10. An exciting ferry ride to get here. No matter what time of year, the ride on BC Ferries to Powell River in an E-ticket ride. You can easily turn your visit into a Circle Route vacation. Check out the CirclePac and Experience Card for extra savings. The maples are turning and snow is starting to cap the towering peaks. Sit back, relax and take in the view.

9. Locals know. Talk to some locals on your ferry ride. They'll gladly share some of the history and highlights of our unique region. 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. Cozy retreats and homey B&Bs. Up and down the Sunshine Coast you will find signs directing you to great out-of-the-way places to stay. South of Powell River look for Kent's Beach or Garnet Rock if you have an RV. Pull off at the seaside Suncatcher B&B or the Oceanside Resort and Cabins, or immerse yourself in history at the Townsite's Old Courthouse Inn. If you are headed north of town to Okeover Inlet, stay in your own cabin in the woods at the Desolation Sound Resort and grab one of their fall specials.

7. Romantic restaurants. Powell River is well known for its many excellent restaurants. The atmosphere may be casual, but the settings are romantic and food is excellent. The Laughing Oyster on Okeover Inlet is well worth the drive. Make reservations for a sunset dinner at the Eagles Landing Bistro or the Savoury Bight. And there's nothing better than a table at the Shinglemill Pub ovelooking spectacular Powell Lake.

6. Writers and artists abound. You will find lots of talent in Powell River. Read all about us in books like Desolation Sound by Heather Harbord, Hulks: The Breakwater Ships of Powell River by John A. Campbell, or Coastal BC Stories by Wayne J. Lutz. Come join us at the Fall Writer's Conference with guest speaker Sylvia Taylor on October 17.

5. The Historic Townsite. Powell River was founded as a mill town for the Powell River Paper Company. The 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 near Willingdon Beach and stop by the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre for a walking tour guide of the old homes and other historic buildings.

4. Events and Festivals. There's lots to do around here in the fall. Check out the community calendar at PowelRiverDirect.com. The Fall Fair is September 26-27 at the fairgrounds. Catch wonderful art films at the historic Patricia Theatre in October and the Festival of Trees in December. Watch Around Town in the PEAK for opening and special event dates.

3. Lots of year-round outdoor activities. Whether your favourite activity is boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, ATVing, winter sports, kayaking or just relaxing, Powell River has it all. Popular Desolation Sound anchorages and forest campgrounds are almost empty for the hardy outdoor enthusiast. But be careful, you might come for a weekend, but stay for a lifetime like we have.

2. Golden sunsets and hillsides. The maple trees in are turning and the hillsides have golden mantles. They are only outdone by the magnificent fall sunsets. Powell River is built along the waterfront with sweeping views of the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island. The Seawalk is a great place to take in the view. Maybe you'll run into Wendy taking some of her excellent photographs.

1. Heading up the lake. Powell Lake is my home. Wayne and I live up the lake in all seasons, but fall is one of our favourites. You can rent a float cabin like this one 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 available at www.PowellRiverBooks.com.

Need more reasons to come? Visit Tourism Powell River. -- Margy