Powell River - Art, Culture & Heritage Discovery

4 Days / 3 Nights

Discover the spectacular scenery, historic sites and small town treasures that await you as you explore the art, culture & heritage of the Upper Sunshine Coast.  Whether it´s travelling along the Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Route, discovering the unique history on a walking tour of the historic townsite, touring the many museums and heritage sites or participating in one of the many festivals ... there´s an exciting experience waiting for you in Powell River.


Day 1
From Vancouver enjoy a scenic 35 minute flight aboard Pacific Coastal Airlines to Powell River, located on the Upper Sunshine Coast.  Upon arrival, pick-up your Budget Car Rental and start exploring this area of pristine beauty which is home to a vibrant cultural life.

Step back in time as you visit the Powell River Historic Townsite for a Self-guided Walking Tour.   Powell River was founded as a mill town for the Powell River Paper Company and is a remarkably well preserved example of a single-industry, company-built town from the early 20th century.   Developed as a garden community, with some 400 West Coast craftsman-style homes and 30 institutional and commercial structures (circa. 1910-1930), the town-site is an enthralling tour of unique heritage.  Stop by the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre for a walking tour guide of the old homes, historic buildings and the Patricia Theatre - the oldest, continuously operating movie theatre in Canada, which has been entertaining the residents of Powell River since 1913.

Discover authentic Mexican cuisine with a Tex-Mex influence at La Casita.  Enjoy traditional comidas, great margaritas, excellent service and a welcoming fiesta every night.  

Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice
 

Day 2
On Saturday mornings, visit the Powell River Open-Air Market.  This old-fashioned, country-style market sells fresh, locally grown farm and garden produce, home baking, honey, soap, woodcrafts, jewellery and a variety of original items hand-crafted by local artisans. Enjoy hot food and drinks in the sunshine, listening to the live music on the Open Mic Stage.

Spend the remainder of the day driving the self guided Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Route to connect with local artists.  The Upper Sunshine Coast is an artists´ haven where each studio provides an example of the diversity and excellence of the art community in the Powell River region. Connoisseurs can choose from First Nations-themed watercolours at Wind Spirit Gallery, stunning wood art from Tourigny and Marce, or handmade pottery and ceramics at Cranberry Pottery and Down to Earth Clayworks. Pick up a guide at your Bed & Breakfast, Tourist Information Centre, on the ferry or in galleries & shops.  Look for the flying Purple Banners and visit the artist actually at work on the Sunshine Coast.

To discover as much of the Powell River arts scene as possible, take part in the annual self-directed Powell River Studio Tour in August. This weekend extravaganza sees upwards of 20 artists between Lund and Lang Bay opening their studio doors to the public.

Relax and enjoy waterfront dining at the Eagles Landing Bistro, nestled among the proud, majestic trees and the tranquility of nature.  Eagles soar overhead as you relax and dine casually and where every table has a fantastic water view.  

Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice


Day 3
Take a short 30 minute ferry ride from Powell River and you will find yourself on the “Jewel of the Georgia Strait”, otherwise known as Texada Island. Spend the day exploring the islands rich history of ancient First Nations middens, early 1800´s mining (iron, copper and gold) and limestone quarrying of today.  Heritage buffs can tour two museums, the Texada Heritage Society Museum in Blubber Bay or Van Anda Museum, 9 km to the East.  Take some time to delve into the historic outdoor mining equipment just up the hill from the ferry terminal at Blubber Bay near the museum.  On Sunday mornings, get a sampling of the island´s handiwork at the Farmer´s Market in Gillies Bay.  

Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice


Day 4
Spend the morning relaxing, take a stroll along the Seawalk, sip a latte on an outdoor patio, or make some unique finds at the many charming gift shops, galleries and boutiques.  In the afternoon, travel back to the airport in time to drop off your car rental and board your flight home.  

Sunshine Coast is your holiday paradise with ..... something for everyone .....
something for you!

Powell River - Art, Culture & Heritage Discovery

Powell River - Art, Culture & Heritage Discovery

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