Powell River Winter Getaway
5 Days / 4 Nights
Your getaway will have you spending your evenings in the comfort of a Sunshine Coast B&B, Suite or Cottage and your days spent exploring the scenic seaside community of Powell River. Meander through the lush forest of an outdoor museum, take a guided horseback ride, embark on a self-guided walking tour of the historic townsite and experience gastronomical perfection at one of the many restaurants.
Day 1
From Vancouver enjoy a beautiful drive up the Sunshine Coast. Your journey begins with a scenic 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. Upon arrival, visit the seaside village of Gibsons, home to the famous TV series "The Beachcombers". Continue up the coast and enjoy the picturesque waterfront. At Earl's Cove, the North-westerly tip of the Lower Coast, board a second ferry for a relaxing 50-minute ride across Jervis Inlet to Saltery Bay. Photographers will be delighted with breathtaking scenery including small islands, waterfalls and towering snowcapped mountains. The Upper Sunshine Coast is an area of pristine beauty and home to a vibrant cultural life.
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 2
Step back into 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.
Dine at
Manzanita located within the Old Courthouse Inn, situated in the historic townsite. The menu changes seasonally, depending on what is fresh and timely and is complimented by an ever changing wine list - which further enhances their new menu selections.
Your evening entertainment options are endless ... take in a film during the
Powell River Film Festival (February 18-21, 2010) at the Evergreen Theatre, watch a live performance during the
66th Annual Festival of the Performing Arts (February 15-28, 2010) at the Max Cameron Theatre, or catch the
Powell River Kings Junior 'A' Hockey Team (Home games: February 6, 13, 16 & 18, 2010) for a home game at the Powell River Recreation Complex.
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice
Day 3
Today, hike the extraordinary
Historic Willingdon Beach Nature Trail. This scenic walk will take you through a lush forest trail where you will enjoy this live outdoor museum. Walkers pass by permanent displays of old forestry equipment and are kept well informed by signage posted along the way. Afterwards, visit the
Powell River Historical Museum & Archives where history comes alive and experience a former time on the Upper Sunshine Coast as you glimpse into the past. (Winter hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm)
Spend the afternoon on a
guided horseback ride with the 'Horses of Tanglewood'. Your ride will be tailored to your interest and ability with a guided tour through wilderness trails, descending down along the ocean. (Winter: Reservations required)
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 4
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. Spend the day driving the self guided
Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Route to connect with local artists. 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.
Dining is an experience to savour at
Snickers with their mouth-watering Greek, Italian, French and nouvelle cuisine. Enjoy the gorgeous sight of the sandy bluffs of Harwood Island or the breathtaking views of the snowy mountains of Vancouver Island. Picture windows stretch across the entire wall of the restaurant facing the Strait of Georgia - what's not to love?
Retire & rejuvenate at the Bed & Breakfast, Suite or Cottage of your choice
Day 5
As your trip comes to an end, start heading back to Vancouver but take some time to enjoy the spectacular marine and mountain scenery as you board the ferry for your 50 minute crossing to Earls Cove and lower Sunshine Coast. Travel South through ocean vistas and lush forest stopping off in Madeira Park at the
Copper Sky Gallery & Café for a home cooked lunch. Continue on to Langdale and your final 40 minute ferry ride back to Horseshoe Bay. Reflect contentedly as you cruise through the breathtakingly beautiful passage back to Vancouver, studded by stunning emerald islands.
Sunshine Coast is your holiday paradise with ..... something for everyone .....
something for you!
Powell River Winter Getaway
