The Labour Day long weekend is coming soon! Powell Lake is very busy now and there's a cabin here just waiting for you. The water is warm, the sun is shining, and the BBQ in going. Don't miss out on what's left of the summer of a lifetime! There are still a few great properties available. If you have any questions or need us, you know where we'll be. Up the lake of course.
Are you interested in getting a cabin of your own? Here's an updated list of cabins and properties up the lake that are for sale. Some are through real estate agents, so you can get more information via their websites.
From the Powell River PEAK on September 1, 2010: Registered water lease ready for you to add the float cabin of your dreams. Prime location at the mouth of popular Henderson Bay with dramatic views of the Bunster range to the west and snow capped peaks to the north. Just 17 minutes from the Shinglemill Marina with a new breakwater and wind/solar power generation system on shore. Asking $45,000. For more information call 760-218-8938.
Harry Zroback from RE/Max offers a float cabin on the south side of Goat Island just past Dego Point. It is a well appointed 3 bedroom, 2 bath float cabin. You have to take a look at the photos on Harry's website. It has lots of room for family and friends, or plenty of space for just the two of you. It comes with fridge, stove, woodstove, even satellite TV. The 60X60 cedar log float gives you lots of room to enjoy the outdoors and dynamite lake views. The asking price is $169,000. You can reach Harry at 604-483-8333 or harry@powellriverrealestate.com.
From the Powell River PEAK on August 27, 2010: Fully equipped float cabin for year round use. New fridge, stove, generator, composting toilet. Asking $115,000. For more information call 604-483-4293.
From the Powell River PEAK on August 27, 2010: Float Cabin, 2-bedroom plus loft (I love sleeping in our loft!). Propane refrigerator and stove (they work really well for us). Rainbow area. $100,000. 604-485-9374
From the Powell River PEAK on July 23, 2010 and online at ConsignAll.ca: Powell Lake float cabin 5 minutes past Hole-in-the-Wall, mainland side, 1-bedroom downstairs plus loft for additional beds, fully furnished including new propane fridge and stove, large float with lots of deck space and tie-up room, good breakwater and year-round stream, $120,000 firm. Contact Julie at 604-483-4293 or check online at ConsignAll.ca.
Harry Zroback and Mandy Brown from RE/Max have a cute freehold cabin on Powell Lake. It comes with about half an acre of treed property about 15 minutes from the Shinglemill Marina. The 900 sq ft cabin has two bedrooms and one bath, and a cozy woodstove. It comes with canoe, linens, kitchen utensils, everything to get you started on the best summer you've ever had. All this for only $259,000. For more information, click here. You can reach Mandy at 604-485-2741 or mandybrown@remax.net. You can reach Harry at 604-483-8333 or harry@powellriverrealestate.com.
From the Powell River PEAK on September 1, 2010: Warren Behan from Coast Realty lists a large float cabin on a large float now further reduced from $149,900 to $129,000. It is located in a scenic spot near the inlet of the Goat River. It comes with all furnishings. It's has a cozy wood stove, kitchen appliances including stove, oven, fridge and freezer, and bathroom with toilet and shower. Click here for more information, click here for a multimedia tour, or contact Warren at 604-483-8173 or warrenbehan@shaw.ca.
Don Mcleod from RE/Max list a spacious boat access only float home in a beautiful and peaceful setting on Powell Lake's east side past the log dump and Dego Point now reduced from $84,000 to $79,000. It has a large deck, 3 bedrooms, wood stove in a spacious kitchen/living area plus a large loft. The listing says it has loads of room but needs finishing. Click here for more information or contact Don at 604-485-2741, by e-mail at don@mycoast.ca or his website www.mycoast.ca.
Don Mcleod from RE/Max also has a land cabin on Powell Lake was listed for $140,000 but now it has been drastically reduced to only $79,900. The cabin is on it's own island (currently leased from the Crown/BC government) in picturesque Three Mile Bay, just three miles up the lake from the Shinglemill Marina by boat. It's an older cabin with a large kitchen and living room area. The floats do need work. What a perfect summer (or year-round) retreat great for swimming, fishing and just getting away. Large kitchen and living room area. Click here for more information about this great recreational property or contact Don at 604-485-2741, by e-mail at don@mycoast.ca or his website www.mycoast.ca.
Interested in an 8.35 acre land holding for a remote retreat or ecotourism resort? The Powell Lake Lodge is for sale and Jason Zroback of LandQuest can help you out. The land has ten years left on a thirty-year Crown (government) lease. The improvements include five cabins, several outbuildings, water, septic and dock. It's been vacant for a while and would need some work, but the price is right at $299,000 for everything. It's water access from Powell River but there's road access to the ocean at Theodosia Inlet. Give Jason a call at 604-414-5577 or jason@landquest.com.
Want a real estate agent that really knows float cabins? That's Harry Zroback (our man Harry who helped us get our cabin) from RE/MAX. Harry owns a cabin himself, so he's an excellent person to contact for all your "up the lake" real estate needs at 604-483-8333 or harry@powellriverrealestate.com.
If you have any questions about Powell River, Powell Lake or cabin living, I'd be glad to help out. Just leave a comment or use the e-mail link in my profile to send me a message. -- Margy
Update: Float Cabins for Sale on Powell Lake BC
Good Friends in Powell River
One of the things that attracted us to Powell River was its friendly people. When we were tourists, everyone we met went out of their way to make us feel welcome. After we purchased our cabin, we wanted to become more involved in our new community. We did that by joining groups with similar interests. One of those is the Powell River ATV Club.
The first time I remember meeting Dave was at a presentation he organized about the Roosevelt Elk relocation program. After another club meeting, Dave and his wife Marg invited us over for a Christmas party. Since then, we've become really good friends. We try to get together when we're both in town for chats, dinners and the occasional Powell River Kings hockey game. 
Dave has a background in forestry and working at the mill. He was born in Powell River, moved away, and then back. Marg is a nurse and still does a bit of casual work. They are really family oriented, doing lots of things with their grown kids and especially their grand-kids. Dave has been president of the ATV Club for several years now, and with Marg's help, has organized lots of fun rides, events and trail building activities. You can read more about the Club here:
ATV/BC "Powell River ATV Club"
Powell River ATV Club Website
Powell River ATV Club on Facebook
Powell River Peak "ATV Riders on Track for Access"
Dave and Marg are always having us over to their house, even for Christmas dinner. When we have them over, it's at the cabin. We are usually part of their summer boat shakedown cruise on Powell Lake. Look at the wonderful welcome Wayne gave them this year! And there they were, bearing lots of gifts, including dinner all ready to prepare.
They also brought a bird feeder and a squirrel feeder that Dave had made but they no longer needed. He is very talented, especially at wood carving. Dave is one of those "jacks of all trades" that are so prevalent in northern communities. And Marg is right there beside him. They are my idols in many respects.
So, this Wednesday Friends Day I would like to introduce you to Dave and Marg, our good Powell River friends. Thanks for all your help, advice, stories, and of course, friendship. -- Margy
7 Awesome Things about Summer in Powell River
Today is the first day of Spring and I'd like to invite you to my favourite place on earth, Powell River, BC. Here are 7 awesome things about Powell River for this summer.
1. An exciting ferry ride to get here. BC Ferries serves Powell River. You can easily turn your visit 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.
2. Uncrowded campgrounds. We have a special place in our hearts for Willingdon Beach Campsite. We stayed at this oceanside campgound when we discovered Powell River. Hookups are available at Kent's Beach near Saltery Bay, Garnet Rock near town and Sunland by-the-Sea near Lund. We love the remote forest and wilderness campgrounds such as Nanton, Dodd and Khartoum Lake. You can even rent a float cabin to experience off-the-grid life on the lake for yourself.
3. Offroad adventures. Do you ride a quad, off-road motorcycle or drive a 4X4? Logging and forest roads take you to trails, lakes and quiet forests. The Powell River ATV Club loves to help visiting riders. They have an ATV Trail Guide with GPS coordinates. Contact our president Dave through the ATV/BC website or in town at Guy's Cycle Works or Quality Parts. Some of our favourite destinations are Theodosia, Fiddlehead Farm, Poki's Place and Khartoum Lake. You can read about more ATV adventures in Up the Main.
4. Restaurants with views. From everyday to fancy, we have it all. South of town at Beach Gardens is the Savoury Bight, great for sunset dinners. North of town on Okeover Inlet is the Laughing Oyster for great seafood. Continue to the end (beginning) of Highway 101 to the Lund Hotel's for a marina view. And 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.
5. Events and festivals. Summer is event time in Powell River. The International Choral Kathaumixw from July 6-10. July also brings the Texada Sandcastle Weekend on the 10-11th, the Texada Aerospace Camp for kids from Jul7 21-24 and the annyal Fly-in on the 25th. The 47th Annual Seafair at Willingdon Beach from the 23-25th. Then Marine Avenue closes on Friday, August 20, for the annual Blackberry Street Party. The weekly Farmers Market in Paradise Valley is open April to September. For more activities, read Around Town in the PEAK or PowellRiverDirect.com.
5. Beaches. Powell River is overflowing with fresh and saltwater beaches. In town, Willingdon Beach is the place to go with it's grassy park, sandy beach and Beach Hut. South of town there's Saltery Bay Provincial Park and north there's Gibson's Beach. Keep going towards Lund and you will find Dinner Rock Park tucked away on a gravel road. Or take the Lund Water Taxi to Savary Island for some of the best sandy beaches in BC. Prefer fresh water? Try Mowat or Haywire Bay on Powell Lake, or one of the many smaller lakes in the region.
4. Hiking. Whether it's a stroll down historic Willingdon Beach Trail or a hike on the 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail, we have a path for every ability. Inland Lake's circumnavigating trail is wheelchair accessible. Stop by Breakwater Books or Coles to get Eagle Walz's books (Sunshine Coast Trail Guidebook and Along the Edge of the Salish Sea) about hiking in and around Powell River. They are a must! Also, stop by the Visitor Centre for maps and information.
6. Kayaking and canoeing. Powell River is a great destination for both kayaking and canoeing. Bring your own, or rent one when you get here. Choices include Skeeter Jacks, Powell River Sea Kayak, Alpha Adventures and Y-Knot. Each outfitter also offers lessons and guided tours. The Powell River Forest Canoe Route through pristine lakes is world famous. So are nearby ocean destinations such as Desolation Sound.
7. Boating on the chuck. Around here we call the ocean the salt chuck. The Westview Harbour is the perfect fueling, restocking, maintenance and jumping off for Coastal BC cruising to Desolation Sound and all points north along the inside passage. Nearby Lund also has a marina with fuel and moorage. Check out some of the exciting anchorages and marinas along the way in Wayne's book Up the Strait.
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. They will give you great tips about our wonderful community. Pick up a free Powell River Living magazine or buy a Powell River PEAK to see what's happening around town. Need more reasons to come? Visit the Tourism Powell River website. I'll see you here soon! -- Margy
Horseshoe Lake Kayak Adventure
The Powell River Forest Canoe Route draws paddling enthusiasts from around the world. It follows a chain of 8 lakes through the back country and is best navigated in a canoe or small kayak. That's because of the 5 portages between the lakes. Wayne and I own what we lovingly call the Big Yellow Banana. It's a Current Designs Libra XT that's almost 22 feet (660 cm) long and 92 pounds (41 k) soaking wet.
Add our camping gear and you can barely lift her off the ground. Obviously, we aren't going to take her on the whole Canoe Route, but you can access portions of it by vehicle. Last week on a warm spring day we transported the Yellow Banana to the Nanton Lake Campground. Nanton is a beautiful Forest Service camp on the Goat Lake Main logging road. This is an active logging road, so use caution and obey signs.
After launching we paddled the north side of Nanton. It's shallow near the shore and the bottom is covered with plants, perfect for trout but tough on lures. We let this little guy go home to his mama. Nanton connects with neighboring Horseshoe Lake through a wide channel. The waterway is dotted with lots of old snags from logging early in the 1990's before the dam was installed on Horseshoe.
Horseshoe also has lots of floating logs and stumps. We found hundreds (maybe thousands) of them in a solid log jam blocking the opening. We decided to work our way through. At times we felt like explorers moving through ice floes in the Northwest Passage. We would nose forward and pull logs past our hull. Sometimes we were blocked by a solid mass and had to reverse course. After about an hour we made it to open water.
We followed the north shore to the campground at the portage to Little Horseshoe Lake. It was late afternoon and the camping area was already in full shade. We decided to continue south to find a sunnier spot. About two thirds of the way down the lake (just above the canoe symbol on the map) we crossed to the west side and found a perfect spot on the bluff of an island.
It was a rustic site with a stump bench, a mossy flat area for our tent, a fire ring that we chose not to use and a dynamite view. Our kayak floated safely below tied to several beached logs. From the healthy look of the Bearberry plants and moss on the ground, we were the first occupants of the season. After our dinner of subway sandwiches we turned in to be serenaded by frogs and loons.
After a leisurely morning in camp we worked our way north fishing and trolling. About half way to the head of the lake we encountered the log jam. We paddled around it and back through the channel without any obstruction. It must move back and forth en masse with the wind. Back in Nanton, we stopped at the new picnic site built by the ATV Wednesday Trail Building Group.
After a snack and rest we paddled back to our car. On the way we passed this empty Osprey nest. It looks ready to receive its new occupants for the summer season. Osprey must need and claim a large fishing territory. We only saw one other nest in Horseshoe Lake.
Back at the campground we took time to unload and organize our gear for our next kayak trip. If you are planning to visit Powell River and want to camp, Nanton is an excellent choice. It has several lakeside spots, some with their own launch ramps. You can also headquarter here for ATV rides on the extensive logging road and trail network south of town.
If you have any questions, just leave a comment. If you want more information about exploring Powell River's back country, I recommend reading Wayne's books Up the Main or Up the Winter Trail. They are both available online at www.PowellRiverBooks.com. -- Margy
Super King Air
I've written before about the airline that serves my hometown. In fact, Pacific Coastal Airlines had its beginnings in Powell River, BC.
One of the things that makes Pacific Coastal unique is the ability to match its airplanes to the needs of its runs. Usually, Powell River is served by the 19 passenger Beechcraft 1900C. On busy days, we might get the 30+ passenger Shorts 360 or Saab 340. But on my trip this week there were only seven of us heading down to Vancouver. This time they sent the 11 passenger Super King Air. Nice plane. Kind of like 997 on steroids.
The small low building in front of the wing is the Powell River terminal. It was pretty crazy here during the Olympics with a temporary baggage screening machine and lots of security agents. Now things are back to small town quiet.
While the other passengers were relaxing and catching up on the day's news, I enjoyed watching the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit. -- Margy
Night Ferry
The ferry between Powell River BC and nearby Texada Island runs day and night, transporting residents and visitors alike.
When the 7:15 p.m. ferry comes in from Comox (the lights in the distance) on Vancouver Island, the Island Princess to Texada hovers off the breakwater waiting to pick up passengers who want to complete their journey home. Isn't she a beautiful sight?
Thanks for visiting "my world." If you want to see more exciting places from around of the globe, go to the "That's My World" website. -- Margy
The Powell River Open Air Market is Back!
People living in Powell River have to be just a bit more self-reliant. Even though we live on the mainland of Coastal BC, it's like living on an island. To get to Powell River you need to take a ferry, airplane or private boat. While this does cause some isolation, it also makes our community a strong one.
The 50-Mile Diet is a big thing in our town as it is in many places across Canada. People are more concerned these days about where their food comes from and how it is grown. We even have several restaurants in town that serve meals that meet the 50-Mile Diet criteria. How about that?
Many people here have backyard gardens. There are also several rich farming areas near Powell River. New regulations, especially on meat sales, make it difficult, but the farmers continue to produce locally grown items for garden gate sales, local restaurants and our weekend farmer's market.
Opening day for the 2010 Powell River Open Air Market is Saturday, April 24, from 10:30 t0 12:30. As a part of the opening day activities there will be a special Earth Day celebration.
The Open Air Market is held at the Paradise Valley Exhibition Park on McLeod Road each Saturday (10:30-12:30) and Sunday (12:30-2:30) from late spring to fall. In addition to vegetables, you can find fresh baked bread, gorgeous flowers, crafts, guest speakers, good food and great music. The new Market Manager is Jesse Black. He is quoted in this week's Peak saying, "There is an exciting new line-up of vendors and entertainment planned for this year’s Open Air Market, as well as community favourites whom you’ve come to love year after year."
Look for a farmer's market in your own home town, even in urban areas. Try growing a few veggies in your own yard, pots on your balcony, or places as unlikely as my floating garden. Even if everything you eat isn't from a 50 or 100-mile radius, you will have more nutritious and delicious meals. Happy gardening, shopping and eating! -- Margy
Wind Warning
Friday was a very windy day here in Powell River BC.
This lone barge was stuck in the waves riding out the storm.
At the same time, the Island Princess ferry from Texada Island made all it's normal runs. But it must have been a wild ride. I could see her with binoculars plowing through the swells in mid-channel, sheets of spray blowing up and back through the car deck. It must have felt good to get to the Powell River dock with it's minimal protection. -- Margy
7 Awesome Things about Spring in Powell River BC
Today is the first day of Spring and I'd like to invite you to my favourite place on earth, Powell River, BC. Here are 7 awesome things about Powell River for this spring.
1. Very friendly people. One of the first things we learned about Powell River is that it's filled with friendly people. 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 a Powell River PEAK to see what's happening around town.
2. Great places to stay. In the middle of town is the Town Centre Hotel, lounge on the beach at the Oceanside Resort and Cabins, or immerse yourself in history at the Townsite's Old Courthouse Inn. We have a special place in our hearts for the Willingdon Beach Campsite. That's where we stayed when we first discovered Powell River.
3. Tasty restaurants. From everyday to fancy, we have it all. Start the day with coffee and a cinnamon bun at Rocky Mountain Pizza, great eggs benedict at Starvin' Marvins, or a really big breakfast at my good friend Margaret's Magpie's Diner. Grab lunch in the mall at Moose n' Eddies, but 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.
4. 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 more about Powell River's history at the Museum.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 boat 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. Hope to see you here soon! -- Margy
