Sunshine Coast

[Deleted]

Hey, me and my mom thinking about going to Powell River. I have question about Powell river side of the sunshine coast. Things to do including Texada Island and Lund? Can buy we one ticket for Horseshoe Bay-Langdale, Earls Cove-Saltery Bay and Little River-Westview? If, yes to the second questions, how long does it last? How should we do nights, camping or hotal?

[Deleted]

Hey cheese,

The Circle pac (the single ticket you're thinking of) doesn't exist anymore, but the experience card provides virtually the same discount. You only pay at Horseshoe Bay and Saltery Bay. However, on route 17, fares are collected on the Little River side and Westview side.

If you have a decent camera, I would definitly suggest you go and capture a sunset at Shelter Point on Texada Island. There's a regional district campground there as well. It's equipped with all the services.

It's been awhile since i've been to Lund, but I recall the buildings have quite of bit of history & heritage. It's worth checking out.

[lmtengs]

Jul 15, 2012 17:45:00 GMT -8 @cheese12345678 said:

Hey, me and my mom thinking about going to Powell River. I have question about Powell river side of the sunshine coast. Things to do including Texada Island and Lund? Can buy we one ticket for Horseshoe Bay-Langdale, Earls Cove-Saltery Bay and Little River-Westview? If, yes to the second questions, how long does it last? How should we do nights, camping or hotal?

Me and my mother camped at Okeover Arm Provincial Park in 2009, and we loved it. Google it, it's about twenty minutes out of Powell River, near Lund.

Lund is a fun little place, shouldn't take more than forty minutes to explore if you're slow at it. All in all, Powell River doesn't have too much to see... I haven't been to Texada, I don't know what you'd find there... Comox isn't too great, but there are some okay beaches around. You could go up Mount Washington and see if there's any snow left.

[lmtengs]

Jul 15, 2012 20:27:33 GMT -8 @4roads said:

Jul 15, 2012 18:34:09 GMT -8 @lmtengs said:

Me and my mother camped at Okeover Arm Provincial Park in 2009, and we loved it. Google it, it's about twenty minutes out of Powell River, near Lund.

Lund is a fun little place, shouldn't take more than forty minutes to explore if you're slow at it. All in all, Powell River doesn't have too much to see... I haven't been to Texada, I don't know what you'd find there... Comox isn't too great, but there are some okay beaches around. You could go up Mount Washington and see if there's any snow left.

and as for Comox, watch the critical comment there fella. The area has alot to offer. You obviously haven't been to Kye Bay or Kitty Coleman Beach. Obvously haven't been out on the boat fishin for Baynes Sound ling cod or Red Snaps.

Depends on what ya want. If ya want outdoor adventure, it's all around there. if you want to just skateboard downtown, you can do that on Laity Street in Maple Ridge.

Well he didn't exactly specify what he's in to... I could direct him to the farmers' market or craft fair, but would a teenager appreciate that? Probably not...

[lmtengs]

Jul 15, 2012 21:01:19 GMT -8 @4roads said:

When I was a teenager, I was in Comox each summer, fishin, and enjoying the beaches and exploring. Enjoying the region, plus going to Quadra Island to the cottage at Village Lake, a sail aboard the Uchuck to Friendly Cove on Nootka Island, crawling around 120 ton logging trucks. Piloting our boat.

But unlike one particular person, there was no tresspass or trying to sweet talk getting into places I wasn't authorised to be in.

I'm not saying Comox isn't a nice place, my grandmother lives there and I've seen quite a few beautiful spots, from the Little River beach, to the causeway out to HMCS Quadra, and Mount Washington just up the road. The airport is fun to watch planes come and go from, and I've thoroughly enjoyed doing so from outside the perimeters of the security fences there.

And I've camped at Kitty Coleman Park. Nice place.

Not much touristy stuff to do though, besides run down to the govt dock to see what seafoods are for sale...

[SolDuc]

This summer I might be spending about a week on the sunshine coast (camping of course). I will probably be coming from HSB and leaving via Powell River. What are some nice things to do (my family is more outdoors than city) and some nice places to camp (in term of provincial parks)?

Thanks!

[Deleted]

Jan 29, 2013 22:08:13 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

This summer I might be spending about a week on the sunshine coast (camping of course). I will probably be coming from HSB and leaving via Powell River. What are some nice things to do (my family is more outdoors than city) and some nice places to camp (in term of provincial parks)?

Thanks!

Hey, my mom is actually thinking the same as your family this year. I hate camping some times!

[Balfour]

Jan 29, 2013 22:08:13 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

This summer I might be spending about a week on the sunshine coast (camping of course). I will probably be coming from HSB and leaving via Powell River. What are some nice things to do (my family is more outdoors than city) and some nice places to camp (in term of provincial parks)?

Thanks!

There are loads of outdoors adventures to do on the Sunshine Coast. Kayaking is a lot of fun and there are lots of places that rent Kayaks. Also, if you get a chance, check out Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park. The turnoff is just south of Earls Cove.

[Mike C]

Jan 29, 2013 22:08:13 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

This summer I might be spending about a week on the sunshine coast (camping of course). I will probably be coming from HSB and leaving via Powell River. What are some nice things to do (my family is more outdoors than city) and some nice places to camp (in term of provincial parks)?

I would say, in addition to the above, that if you are staying in Powell River, and interested in taking a round-trip on a ferry, make sure you check out the Burnaby sailing to Comox (a lovely town if you ever get the chance) and the North Island Princess sailing to Texada Island.  Both are vintage ferries, and both are slated for retirement within the next five years.

I am x2 with Jordan on kayaking, it is the cat's pajamas.  As well, Saltery Bay Provincial Park is another nice park in addition to Skookumchuck.

Lots of great things on the Sunshine Coast to do, that do not require extended periods of driving.

[Deleted]

As a Sunshine Coaster myself, i'll fill you in on "what the locals like to do in their spare time".

Be sure to stop by at the Hopkins Landing Wharf to get nice photos of the Queens of Surrey and Coquitlam. For best lighting, go in the morning or late afternoon. Just a note, the sun sets earlier in Howe Sound than in the strait (about 8:30pm in July).  

As mentioned, Skookumchuck Narrows is an awesome outdoor attraction on The Coast that residents & tourists enjoy. About 3km before Earls Cove, turn right on Egmont Road. Follow the road for 6km and you'll see the parking lot on your right. Park there, and walk down the dirt road as there's no public parking at the trailhead. There's a little bakery on the dirt road with good food. If you have time, defenitely stop by (bring some cash if you do). The walk to the Narrows from the Parking Lot is about takes about an hour, so allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the round trip. For maximum viewing experience, check the skookumchuck tides before you go [http://secheltvisitorcentre.com/pdf_files/Skookumchuck_Tides_2013.pdf]. Personally, I like to go when it's a Large or Xtra Large tide. 
There's lots of places to kayak on the coast... For sheltered waters, I reccommend renting kayaks from the alpha adventures shack at the Porpoise Bay Wharf and you can enjoy a paddle in the Sechelt Inlet. Beware that while the waters are generally calmer then in the Strait of Georgia, they do occasionally kick up and can be just as bad as in the Strait.
You could also kayak from the Gibsons wharf, as it's a nice paddle and you can even go out in The Strait and see the Route 2 Ferries go by. Again, check the Marine Forecast at the marina office before heading out.

There's the Sechelt 'night' market (should be called the evening market) on Thursday nights in the summer. It's not really a teen event, but your family might like it. There's live music, food, and the stores are open until 7:30-8pm.

For camping, I reccommend Porpoise Bay Provincial Park. It's expensive, but you have all the services for free, a nice beach on the Sechelt Inlet and a large grassy area/park. The campsites are, as I remember it, spacious. Even if they rob $15 from you for making a reservation, I strongly reccommend making one because the sites can become full in the summer. If you are spending a few days on the Lower Sunshine Coast (the Upper Sunshine Coast being Powell River), I would reccommend making this park your base. Note: The sun sets earlier in the Sechlet Inlet (again about 8:30pm in July)

For a more rural experience, go check check out Pender Harbour/Madeira Park. There's only two campgrounds up there, with one having very small campsites (Katherine Lake) and the other being literally in the bush (Klein Lake). You have to drive down a rough dirt road to get there, and there are no services except for tap water and outhouses. No reservations are taken at theses campgrounds. Despite being a crowded campground, Katherine Lake is a good base for visiting in Pender Harbour, because you are very close to the Outdoor activities here. (when it's sunny).

I would reccommend camping at Porpoise Bay, and making a day trip or two to Pender Harbour/Garden Bay. It's about a 45 minute drive. Sechelt is about a 1 hour drive to Earls Cove, but it can vary between 50min-1hr10 due to Summer traffic. 

If you can, arrive early if you're taking a mid-day sailing on route 7, as this route is first come first served only. 

Send me a PM or reply here if you have any other questions.  

[Curtis]

Powell River is definitely a great place to be. For camping Willingdon Beach Park and Campground is the most central as you're within 30 minutes from everything North and South of town, but it's also the busiest being in the heart of town on the bright side though it's 1 KM from the Westview Ferry Terminal so you can watch the Burnaby and North Island Princess pass each other at different times of the day from the beach. There's also the Willingdon Beach Trail which is a nice scenic walk and features a lot of vintage logging vehicles and equipment along the way. Across the road from the beach is Putters Mini Golf. The course is approved by Moi   and their ice cream is the best in town! There's also a Sea Wall just south of the Westview Terminal which gives you another vantage point for taking pictures of the Ferries. You can actually combine the Beach Trail and Sea Wall by walking along Willingdon Avenue from the Beach to the Ferry and beyond to the Sea Walk.



Now aside from Ferry viewing points  Saltery Bay Provincial Park is a good spot and is not far from the Ferry of course but take note you'll be 25 KM from town. There's also Haywire Bay Park and Campground which is accessed by a Dirt Road North of Town on Powell Lake. Inland Lake Provincial Park is also in this area and has a 13 KM trail around the lake which is great for riding bikes. Northwest of town is Lund Harbour which I recommend not missing. It's a nice touristy location which is home to the Historic Lund Hotel, Nancy's Bakery, the Water Taxi to Savary Island, and is Mile 0 of Highway 101. There's also Okeover Arm Provincial Park not far from here which is a good place for Kayaking, Fishing, Swimming, and Camping. There's also a very nice Seafood Restaurant there called the Laughing Oyster.


Also I agree, get in a round-trip on the North Island Princess, heck, I'd even go as far as spending a day on Texada. Having lived there I know it's a great place to drive around for a day. Maybe even stay the night cause Shelter Point Park is a great oceanside camping spot with a nice nature trail. Don't miss a visit to the Ravenous Raven in Gillies Bay, best restaurant on Texada, guaranteed. (I believe MileagePhoto gives it a 3 Quinsam Rating ) If you like swimming, there's a great spot between the Blubber Bay Ferry and Van Anda known by locals as Heisholt Lake. It's an old Quarry site that's filled with water and warms up quickly in Summer because of its size. It's one of the best swimming holes anywhere. As for Van Anda, there's not a lot to see but it's a nice place to look around. There is a monument at the Wharf for the Union Steamship Cheslakee which Capsized 100 Years ago on January 6th, 1913 and was later salvaged, lengthened and renamed Cheakamus.

That should cover most of the Powell River area, maybe a little more than I should have.

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2013 16:42:42 GMT -8 Curtis said:

Powell River is definitely a great place to be. For camping Willingdon Beach Park and Campground is the most central as you're within 30 minutes from everything North and South of town, but it's also the busiest being in the heart of town on the bright side though it's 1 KM from the Westview Ferry Terminal so you can watch the Burnaby and North Island Princess pass each other at different times of the day from the beach. There's also the Willingdon Beach Trail which is a nice scenic walk and features a lot of vintage logging vehicles and equipment along the way. Across the road from the beach is Putters Mini Golf. The course is approved by Moi   and their ice cream is the best in town! There's also a Sea Wall just south of the Westview Terminal which gives you another vantage point for taking pictures of the Ferries. You can actually combine the Beach Trail and Sea Wall by walking along Willingdon Avenue from the Beach to the Ferry and beyond to the Sea Walk.



Now aside from Ferry viewing points  Saltery Bay Provincial Park is a good spot and is not far from the Ferry of course but take note you'll be 25 KM from town. There's also Haywire Bay Park and Campground which is accessed by a Dirt Road North of Town on Powell Lake. Inland Lake Provincial Park is also in this area and has a 13 KM trail around the lake which is great for riding bikes. Northwest of town is Lund Harbour which I recommend not missing. It's a nice touristy location which is home to the Historic Lund Hotel, Nancy's Bakery, the Water Taxi to Savary Island, and is Mile 0 of Highway 101. There's also Okeover Arm Provincial Park not far from here which is a good place for Kayaking, Fishing, Swimming, and Camping. There's also a very nice Seafood Restaurant there called the Laughing Oyster.


Also I agree, get in a round-trip on the North Island Princess, heck, I'd even go as far as spending a day on Texada. Having lived there I know it's a great place to drive around for a day. Maybe even stay the night cause Shelter Point Park is a great oceanside camping spot with a nice nature trail. Don't miss a visit to the Ravenous Raven in Gillies Bay, best restaurant on Texada, guaranteed. (I believe MileagePhoto gives it a 3 Quinsam Rating ) If you like swimming, there's a great spot between the Blubber Bay Ferry and Van Anda known by locals as Heisholt Lake. It's an old Quarry site that's filled with water and warms up quickly in Summer because of its size. It's one of the best swimming holes anywhere. As for Van Anda, there's not a lot to see but it's a nice place to look around. There is a monument at the Wharf for the Union Steamship Cheslakee which Capsized 100 Years ago on January 6th, 1913 and was later salvaged, lengthened and renamed Cheakamus.

That should cover most of the Powell River area, maybe a little more than I should have.

Powell River was great vacotion. If go to Lund do not got at 5:00 pm go from 10:00 am 2:00 pm because when we went their it was waste of my time. 

[Deleted]

Oh, yeah do not forget your cemera like me on that trip. Whoops.  

[Mike C]

Jan 30, 2013 17:17:43 GMT -8 @cheese12345678 said:

Oh, yeah do not forget your cemera like me on that trip. Whoops.  

I always try to pack my camera, but I forget my cemera every single time.  Whoops indeed.

[SolDuc]

So, update here as well:
-Thanks !!
-And here is travel plan:
Day 1: Afternoon drive to HSB and ferry to Langdale
Day 2: South Sunshine Coast
Day 3: South Sunshine Coast
Day 4: Island Sky to Saltery bay in morning - North Sunshine Coast in afternoon
Day 5: North Sunshine Coast
Day 6: Morning ferry to Taxada, afternoon @ Texada
Day 7: Morning ferries to Powell River and then Little River, drive down Vancouver Island for upcoming Sunshine Gulf Islands trip

And here is another question: I plan on leaving the Seattle area on a Friday evening, around 4PM. Regular time to get to HSB is 3 hours, but I do not know traffic trends in Vancouver at that time, nor if I should cross Burrard Inlet via HW99 or HW1. What seems to be the right amount of safety time that I should have (assuming that I would make a reservation)?

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2013 18:40:38 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

So, update here as well:
-Thanks !!
-And here is travel plan:
Day 1: Afternoon drive to HSB and ferry to Langdale
Day 2: South Sunshine Coast
Day 3: South Sunshine Coast
Day 4: Island Sky to Saltery bay in morning - North Sunshine Coast in afternoon
Day 5: North Sunshine Coast
Day 6: Morning ferry to Taxada, afternoon @ Texada
Day 7: Morning ferries to Powell River and then Little River, drive down Vancouver Island for upcoming Sunshine Gulf Islands trip

And here is another question: I plan on leaving the Seattle area on a Friday evening, around 4PM. Regular time to get to HSB is 3 hours, but I do not know traffic trends in Vancouver at that time, nor if I should cross Burrard Inlet via HW99 or HW1. What seems to be the right amount of safety time that I should have (assuming that I would make a reservation)?

I would take the Sumas or Aldergrove border crossing and take highway 1 if you don't care about the $3.00 toll for the Port Mann Bridge. If you do not pay the toll take highway 17 exit do not know what exit number on highway 1, take the Pattullo Bridge and then head back to highway 1, Trans Canada highway, and just fellow the Freeway unlit exit 1, the exit that says to the Ferry Terminal. If you do take the Port Mann Bridge exclude the highway 17,  Pattullo Bridge and the head back to highway 1 steps. The best way is the Port Mann Bridge because it is quicker and it has an HOV lane.

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[SolDuc]

Jan 30, 2013 19:21:01 GMT -8 @cheese12345678 said:

And here is another question: I plan on leaving the Seattle area on a Friday evening, around 4PM. Regular time to get to HSB is 3 hours, but I do not know traffic trends in Vancouver at that time, nor if I should cross Burrard Inlet via HW99 or HW1. What seems to be the right amount of safety time that I should have (assuming that I would make a reservation)?

I would take the Sumas or Aldergrove border crossing and take highway 1 if you don't care about the $3.00 toll for the Port Mann Bridge. If you do not pay the toll take highway 17 exit do not know what exit number on highway 1, take the Pattullo Bridge and then head back to highway 1, Trans Canada highway, and just fellow the Freeway unlit exit 1, the exit that says to the Ferry Terminal. If you do take the Port Mann Bridge exclude the highway 17,  Pattullo Bridge and the head back to highway 1 steps. The best way is the Port Mann Bridge because it is quicker and it has an HOV lane.

Ok thanks for where to cross, but I would also like to know how much extra time I should plan for traffic.

And by the way, on the SC, are Halfmoon Bay and Sargeant Bay PP worth it?

[SolDuc]

And also, would not the crossing via Hw 15/543 be as quick as passing by Aldergrove?

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2013 19:39:15 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

And also, would not the crossing via Hw 15/543 be as quick as passing by Aldergrove?

No for the border wait time.

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2013 19:35:44 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

Jan 30, 2013 19:21:01 GMT -8 @cheese12345678 said:

I would take the Sumas or Aldergrove border crossing and take highway 1 if you don't care about the $3.00 toll for the Port Mann Bridge. If you do not pay the toll take highway 17 exit do not know what exit number on highway 1, take the Pattullo Bridge and then head back to highway 1, Trans Canada highway, and just fellow the Freeway unlit exit 1, the exit that says to the Ferry Terminal. If you do take the Port Mann Bridge exclude the highway 17,  Pattullo Bridge and the head back to highway 1 steps. The best way is the Port Mann Bridge because it is quicker and it has an HOV lane.

Ok thanks for where to cross, but I would also like to know how much extra time I should plan for traffic.

No extra time, if you take the Port Mann Bridge.

[Mike]

Jan 30, 2013 19:35:44 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

And by the way, on the SC, are Halfmoon Bay and Sargeant Bay PP worth it?

Yes, both are definitely worth a stop.

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2013 19:54:16 GMT -8 Mike said:

Jan 30, 2013 19:35:44 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

And by the way, on the SC, are Halfmoon Bay and Sargeant Bay PP worth it?

Yes, both are definitely worth a stop.

Haha, both HFMB and Sargeant Bay are the same provincial park. Follow the signs on the highway past Sechelt directing you to Sargeant Bay PP. There's not much there other than a stream with a fish ladder, and a rocky beach in a long bay. 

Unless you're talking about Smugglers Cove PP as well? That's a little further up the highway. It's a nice marine park with a bit of history (a departure point for illegal alcohol exports to the US during prohibition). I reccommend visiting it. It's a good 20 minute drive out of Sechelt. 

I am confused b/c there's no park with the official name "Halfmoon Bay PP".

Enjoy your trip on the Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands!!

[SolDuc]

Jan 30, 2013 16:42:42 GMT -8 Curtis said:

There's also Haywire Bay Park and Campground which is accessed by a Dirt Road North of Town on Powell Lake.

Are the dirt roads to these parks well maintained? I don't have a 4-wheel drive and our car tends to have difficulties in steep slopes.

[Curtis]

Feb 2, 2013 16:07:36 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

Jan 30, 2013 16:42:42 GMT -8 Curtis said:

There's also Haywire Bay Park and Campground which is accessed by a Dirt Road North of Town on Powell Lake.

Are the dirt roads to these parks well maintained? I don't have a 4-wheel drive and our car tends to have difficulties in steep slopes.

The main road to Haywire and Inland is well maintained. There isn't anything that really requires 4-Wheel Drive (as long as you stay on the main road) so your car shouldn't have any trouble getting there and back.

[Blue Bus Fan]

Hey, me and family are thinking about going camping in Inland Lake Provincial Park during the Canada day long weekend. While it busy or not?