Pacific Coast Rainforest Experience

A June 2006 trip to British Columbia by nrf

Quote: Progress forced many coastal towns to adapt from reliance on forest industries to a new economy. Preservation, not exploitation, became the guiding force.

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Pacific Coast Rainforest Experience

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Overview

Quote:

Powell River, a mainland coastal community 85 miles north of Vancouver, once was home to the world’s largest pulp and paper mill. Forestry gave lifeblood and coastal old growth timber allowed rich living. For more than 4 decades from 1910, Powell River was a company town and the mill owners provided housing, shopping, recreation, and employment. Community and business were mutually dependent but, at heart, respectful and loyal to each other.Over time, easily taken woodland resources declined, technology advanced and the mill owners moved on, replaced by a succession of faceless aliens with loyalty to none. Consolidation and downsizing were orders of the day. Jobs in Powell River dwindled ste...Read More

Powell River, a mainland coastal community 85 miles north of Vancouver, once was home to the world’s largest pulp and paper mill. Forestry gave lifeblood and coastal old growth timber allowed rich living. For more than 4 decades from 1910, Powell River was a company town and the mill owners provided housing, shopping, recreation, and employment. Community and business were mutually dependent but, at heart, respectful and loyal to each other.

Over time, easily taken woodland resources declined, technology advanced and the mill owners moved on, replaced by a succession of faceless aliens with loyalty to none. Consolidation and downsizing were orders of the day. Jobs in Powell River dwindled steadily. Today, fewer than 1,000 pulp and paper mill jobs remain, about 1/3 of the number during heydays.

The new generations had to find ways to earn their livings in Powell River. Attention turned to small enterprise, particularly visitor services for outdoor recreation.

Quick Tips:

Summer months are warm and reasonably dry but this is the rainforest so be prepared with appropriate clothing. Weather here is similar to the Pacific Northwest, not unlike Vancouver and Seattle.

Insects are a very minor inconvenience cured by good repellent.

You can find hotels, motels and B&Bs or stay in formal campgrounds or rough-it in the back country.

Roads in the communities are first rate and driving in the back country is generally decent. Check first to determine if forest operations are active before you go into rural lands. The last thing you want to meet on a narrow gravel road is a fully loaded logging truck.

Many Powell River residents are active boaters and the town has numerous boat charter opportunities. Ask around one of the marinas or boat supply businesses.

Best Way To Get Around:

Powell River is a relatively short distance north of Vancouver but two ferry trips of about 45 minutes each are needed to cross coastal inlets. To residents, the ferry trips become unremarkable parts of the scenery. To visitors, they are exciting cruises through sheltered channels rich with wildlife.

Many visitors take the 5-hour drive to Powell River then cross to Vancouver Island for a return trip to Vancouver from Nanaimo or Victoria. Read Less

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Powell Forest Canoe Route

Attraction

Quote:

The Powell Forest Canoe Route is a jewel involving 12 back country lakes connected by short portage trails. Paddlers doing the entire course may spend a week or more on the water; others will choose shorter routes or do single day trips. Hikers can enjoy trails with regular rest areas.

Most people depart from Lois Lake, accessed by Dixon Road from Lang Bay. This is 10 miles north of Saltery Bay.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 20, 2006

Powell Forest Canoe Route
111 - 4871 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, British Columbia V8A 5P4
877-817-8669

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Sunshine Coast Trail

Attraction

Quote:

The Sunshine Coast Trail offers a challenging activity for outdoor enthusiasts. It extends 180km from Saltery Bay near Powell River, north to Desolation Sound, British Columbia’s largest marine park. Almost every segment of this magnificent area is isolated from modern civilization. A few segments of the rainforest are old growth but the remainder, logged in the 20th century, is successfully reforested.

Some portions of the Sunshine Coast trail are physically difficult but extensive information is available to help plan a journey.

http://www.sunshinecoast-trail.com/

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 20, 2006

Sunshine Coast Trail
Saltery Bay North To Desolation Sound
Powell River, British Columbia

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First Nations Canoe Adventure

Attraction

Quote:

An extraordinary program is available that interprets Coast Salish culture of the Sliammon people. Visitors can arrange to stay overnight in an elder’s lodge, hike to examine archaeological sites, and travel by ocean canoe to Á7geyksn (Harwood Island). There, First Nation guides offer instruction in native crafts and technologies. Locally gathered food including a traditional salmon BBQ is enjoyed on the beach while storytellers relate legends of the Sliammon people. Participants return to Powell River the following day.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 20, 2006

First Nations Canoe Adventure

Powell River, British Columbia

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Inland Lake Provincial Park

Attraction

Quote:

Inland Lake Provincial Park, offers an 8-mile trail that is wheelchair accessible with specially equipped shelters. Walking is easy with prepared trails and minor grades. This is second growth forest with typical wildlife.The park has good campsites (first come - first served) near the lake edge for tenters and small RVs. Visitors can hike, swim, cycle or paddle. Boats with engines under 10hp are allowed but power boaters might prefer the ocean.The park is a few miles north of Powell River's old mill town site. Paddlers seeking greater physical challenge should consider the Powell Lake - Lois Lake route with Powell Forest Canoe Route. This traverses a number of lake and streams with ab...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 20, 2006

Inland Lake Provincial Park
Cranberry
Powell River, BC Canada

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About the Writer

nrf
North Vancouver, British Columbia

"My wife and I enjoy history-rich places, particularly France and Italy. We prefer B&Bs and small inn..."
12 journals
134 photos
35 reviews

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