MISSION TOFINO: RESTAURANTS IN TOFINO, THINGS TO DO & MORE

With love from Tofino - A fun afternoon at Cox Bay Beach

Want to hear a crazy story?

The day my friends and I travelled from Victoria to Tofino, British Columbia, the highway flooded! At the time, Vancouver Island and the lower mainland were experiencing an ‘Atmospheric River’ which was causing it to rain like crazy (AND I mean non-stop for the previous 4 days). Although rain is not uncommon for BC in November, the amount of rainfall Vancouver Island and the lower mainland received due to the Atmospheric River was record breaking, causing river levels to increase dramatically and localized flooding to occur.

Driving Route from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia

How people typically drive from Victoria to Tofino BC

Unfortunately for us, this all came to light while sitting in standstill traffic on the highway just 25 minutes outside of Victoria. We had planned to get up early, have breakfast and leave Victoria at 11AM which gave us an estimated arrival time of 3:30-4PM. However, just before 11AM the Malahat flooded and we were stuck. We sat there for 5 hours barley moving. Eventually, we learned they had to shut down the highway and had to make a pivotal choice, roll the dice and attempt another route or turn back defeated.

alternative route from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia

How we ended up having to drive from Victoria to Tofino BC

Normally, the drive from Victoria to Tofino BC will be around 4.5-5 hours long and take you up the east side of the island through Duncan, Nanaimo, and Port Albernie. But since the Malahat (the 25 km stretch of highway in the Cowichan Valley between Victoria and Duncan) was closed due to flooding we had to take the long way around. In total, we were in the car for over 13 hours. It was madness! The alternative route we ‘rolled the dice’ on took us up the west side of the island before cutting back across to Duncan, and continuing up through Nanaimo and Port Albernie to Tofino British Columbia. This route added an additional 2.5 hours to our journey and since we didn’t start moving again until 4PM, the sun had set and we had to do the whole drive in the dark! I’m talking dark, foreign, winding, one lane roads in the rain!

By the time we finally arrived to our hotel in Tofino, my friend and I had felt like we had gone through battle together. We were exhausted, relieved and elated, and the rest of our trip definitely had an underlying sense of gratitude to it. Our trip to Tofino ended up being totally worth the additional hecticness and over the next few days we took full advantage of our time there, getting up early to do some hikes, exploring beaches, checking out restaurants and discovering everything the area had to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Tofino, British Columbia make sure to check out my list of recommendations below so you too can make the most of your time in this easy going and playful Vancouver Island town.


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Accomodations In Tofino - Tofino Resort and Marina.jpg

Tofino Resort and Marina offers guest safe harbor to enjoy Tofino’s purifying coastal air, abundant wild life and never ending adventure opportunities.

TOFINO RESORT AND MARINA

Our refuge after the grueling drive and stomping ground during our three night stay was none other than Tofino Resort and Marina. I first heard about this newly opened resort (opened in the summer of 2017) over a year ago. Rumor has it that the place used to be pretty run down and their restaurant was actually the dive bar in town. But looking at it now you wouldn’t know it as the 63 room hotel and marina has been completely renovated and the resort outfitted with a new designated Adventure Centre, a state-of-the-art gym, full service marina, and two new restaurants - 1909 Kitchen and The Hatch Waterfront Pub.

If you are looking to explore Tofino beyond the beaches, Tofino Resort and Marina’s Adventure Centre has you covered with an incredible selection of activities and courses like guided fishing, whale watching, wildlife tours, paddle boarding tours, and Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Tofino Hot Springs Cove tours*!

*During COVID the Tofino Hot Springs (Hot Spring Cove) closed but will be reinstated so check back for future updates!
- Good news! The Tofino Hot Springs (Hot Spring Cove) is now open to the public again! (updated Oct 5 2022)

Since opening, 1909 Kitchen and The Hatch Waterfront Pub have become local favourites. While exploring the many shops in town, several people we spoke with recommended we eat there and commented on how great their brunch was, and how beautiful their waterfront patio and dining room is with views of the mountains. I particularly loved their fresh seafood offerings, use of local seasonal forged ingredients, and well rounded menu selection. Highlights from our meal included the Outlandish Raw Oysters, Kale Salad and Wagyu Flank!

Three additional things I loved about this place were 1) it was clean, 2) my bed was so comfy and, 3) you could walk to town in 5 minutes, which meant you were close to so many of the best restaurants in Tofino including cafe’s, boutiques and more! We were also right on the water so if you wanted to come by boat (I would love to sail up the west coast one day) or gather your best mates for the ultimate pacific salmon fishing trip, it’s the perfect spot to refuel and recharge.

Room at Tofino Resort and Marina, Tofino BC

Suite with King Bed at Tofino Resort and Marina, Tofino BC


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TOFINO RESTAURANTS

Dinner at Shelter Restaurant in Tofino BC

Located just down the street from Tofino Resort and Marina, Shelter Restaurant uses an array of fresh and local ingredients to create dishes that embody the essence of Tofino. My friends and I grabbed dinner at Shelter on our first night and were blown away by how delicious the food was at this Tofino restaurant. Highlights of our meal included the Crispy Brussel Sprouts (unlike any other I have ever tasted), the Farmhouse Chicken Burger, and Steak Frites with Chimichurri.

Hot Tip: This Tofino restaurant does get packed so make sure to call ahead and make a reservation or go early and put your name down before walking around town so you don’t have to sit outside and wait.

Restaurants In Tofino - Tocofino

The little food truck that started it all! Tacofino’s first location at the back of Live to Surf Parking Lot In Tofino BC

The little food truck that started it all, Tacofino’s first location at the back of the Live To Surf Parking Lot still continues to draw a crowd and is definitely a must when in Tofino. Serving delicious tacos (vegan and vegetarian options available), burritos and gringas, this legendary orange food truck has been a favourite for locals and visitors since 2009. The Tuna Ta Taco and Fish Taco are menu favourites as well as the Krispy Chicken Taco, but you really can’t go wrong when ordering anything on their menu.

Dinner at 1909 Kitchen in Tofino British Columbia

Even if you don’t stay at Tofino Resort and Marina, a visit to 1909 Kitchen should still be on your itinerary. Not only are the views amazing, but their cocktail and food menus are too. If you’re in Tofino in the summer they also have a great waterfront patio with views of the mountains. Many people we met also recommended this Tofino restaurant for brunch, but the dinner we enjoyed there was definitely one of the best meals we had.

Restaurants In Tofino - Quest Artisan Patisserie

We found a tiny French patisserie called Ouest Artisan Patisserie while exploring Tofino BC

We stumbled upon Ouest Artisan Patisserie one morning while exploring town and had to stop and check it out. Located in a tiny shipping container at the end of Campbell Street (220 Campbell Street) this traditional French patisserie offers freshly made croissants, breads, sandwiches, and pastries daily as well as beautiful custom wedding cakes, macarons and artisan chocolates. My friend ordered one of their croissant breakfast sandwiches to enjoy while we walked around checking out the other container vendors/stores and the amount of noise he made to show his enjoyment while eating was enough to get my own stomach growling.

Restaurants In Tofino - Rhino Cofffee

Erica and I grabbed two Americano’s from Rhino Coffee House every morning while in Tofino, British Columbia

Every morning in Tofino we would stop in at Rhino Coffee House to grab coffee and treats. Known for their fresh daily donuts and roasting their own beans, Rhino Coffee House quickly became our go to morning spot while in Tofino. Their Americanos were just the caffeine fix I needed to get the day started and I wasn’t alone. This place was always busy and you could tell that many locals like to gather outside chatting over coffee with their neighbours while walking the dog. It was cute and totally encapsulated the ‘Tofino lifestyle’.

TOFINO BEACHES & THINGS TO DO IN TOFINO

If you are looking for fun things to do in Tofino there is definitely no shortage. Known for it’s incredible surfing, visiting one of Tofino’s gorgeous beaches is definitely part of the draw. Even if you have no intention of surfing, spending the afternoon walking along the beach and watching the surfers or sunbathing is must. There are also some great local, family friendly hikes and adventures to do in the area, a few of which I did myself and am happy to recommend below!

Things To Do In Tofino - Visit Long Beach

Captured a surfer heading out for a rip at sunset on Long Beach in Tofino British Columbia

Probably the most famous beach in all of Tofino is Long Beach, where you will see lots of local surfers doing their thing. This 16km stretch of beach represents the longest beach on Vancouver Island and has a vibrant, storied, surf history. Known for being a great place to watch a dramatic winter storm or spot a gray and humpback whale during their migration, Long Beach has been attracting visitors to Tofino for decades. While in Tofino BC, the gang and I took the drive to Long Beach hoping to watch an amazing sunset and we were not disappointed. We ended up arriving 45 minutes prior to sunset and spending a lot of time walking around taking photos. The lighting was so beautiful at this time of day that I ended up taking some amazing shots of wildlife and surf. If there is one beach you can’t miss, it’s this one.

Friendly Reminder: Since Long Beach is located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve remember that droning is not allowed and parking is strictly monitored so don’t forget to pay the fee!

Another great and popular beach to visit is Cox Bay Beach. Surrounded on one side by cliffs, a lot of people who visit Cox Bay Beach will also do the unmarked hike to Cox Bay Lookout, a 2.6 kilometer trail that under normal conditions would be considered moderate. Unfortunately for us, the recent rains had made the trail quite muddy and since the trail is not maintained, I highly recommend you wear hiking boots. The reward of course is a beautiful view of Cox Bay Beach and of the open ocean but take care getting up and down as it can get very slippery, especially going down.

Things To Do In Tofino BC - Tonquin Beach

Erica at Tonquin Beach, the first of three beachs we came across while on the Tonquin Trail.

On our first morning in Tofino, British Columbia, my friend Erica took me to do the Tonquin Trail. This short, 2 mile trail seemed to be a popular trail for locals with dogs (almost everyone we saw had one). Perhaps that’s because it’s so conveniently located close to town or maybe because the trail itself is super easy and quite beautiful. Erica and I were able to do the entire loop in about an hour and a half (we stopped a lot to take photos) and found the trail takes you along the Pacific coastline through rainforests and along rugged cliffs and boardwalks that led to get vantages points. Additionally it also connects three beaches together Tonquin Beach, Third Beach and Middle Beach, so it’s an easy way to see all three with one short walk/easy hike.

South Beach, one of the two beaches you can explore while on the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and South Beach Trail

A great family friendly trail that Erica took me on was the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and South Beach Trail. Apparently as a child Erica did this trail with her dad and to this day still has very fond memories of her experience. The 6.4 km trail is very easy with elevated boardwalks that take you through old growth forests with lush vegetation to two well know beaches, South Beach and Wikaninnish Beach. Known for its large rock formations, South Beach is a pebbled beach with rolling foamy waves. If you’re visiting during storm watching season, be careful of powerful waves and ocean spray!

My favourite beach of all the Tofino beaches was definite Mackenzie Beach. This beach is a little more sheltered than the rest thanks to its large tidal rocks. As a result, the water is calmer than the others with gentle waves suitable for skim boarding, stand up paddle boarding or small children. It also happens to be one of the only beaches we visited that was not in the National Park so I was finally able to take out my drone and ended up capturing some great footage. Beach access is available to everyone, even if you are not staying at one of the properties that line the beach. Everyone is welcome, just parking might be hard.

Unfortunately, when I was in Tofino the Tofino Hot Springs were closed and I was unable to do the tour offered through Tofino Resort and Marina’s Adventure Centre. However, the Adventure Center did mention that they are planning to reinstate the Tofino Hot Springs tour once the Ahousaht First Nation and the Hesquiaht First Nation grant access to Hot Spring Cove again (access was restricted due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 to the Hesquiaht First Nation village in Hot Springs Cove). This was definitely something I was looking forward to doing while in Tofino BC but alas, I understand the reasons why. Regardless, I recommend checking back for updates on whether it’s been reopened because it’s something I totally plan on doing the next time I’m in Tofino, British Columbia.


TOFINO MAP

Check out this Tofino map which shows where all the above recommendations are in relation to the Tofino Resort and Marina!


GETTING FROM VICTORIA TO TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Victoria to Tofino - Driving

Image credit to TourimsTofino.com

The easiest way to get around the island is definitely to drive and under normal conditions the 317.3 km drive from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia should take you under 5 hours to complete if you don’t stop.

Alternatively, there is a ferry that you can take part way from Victoria to Swarts Bay terminal, but it doesn’t save you time or get you far enough to make a substantial dent so it’s not really a good option.

If you don’t have a car you can also take the Tofino Bus offered by the Tofino Bus Company that services both north bound and south bound daily. Fare for adults start at $102.83 whereas youths between 12-17 are $72 and Children 2-11 are $52. The bus does pick up from various points around Victoria including the Victoria main bus depot (departure is at 9:45AM) so check their website to see what the closest pick up point to you is. There are also four main drop off locations in Tofino so be sure to pick the one closest to where you are staying.


GETTING FROM VANCOUVER TO TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Getting from Vancouver to Tofino isn’t hard, it just takes some preparation. There are flights offered by Pacific Coastal Airlines and Harbour Air Sea Planes that can take you right from Vancouver to Tofino in 45 minutes. Additionally you can do a ‘drive and fly’ combo by flying from Vancouver to Victoria, Nanaimo or Comox and drive the rest of the way.

Image credit to TourimsTofino.com

If you don’t feel like flying, BC Ferries also offers numerous ferries from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Your three options for taking the ferry include:

  1. Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay: Horseshoe Bay terminal is located just north of Vancouver and arrives to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay in just under 2 hours.

  2. Tsawwassen to Duke Point:  Located just south of Vancouver close to the USA border, the Tsawwassen terminal ferry takes you to Duke Point terminal, about 15 minutes south of Nanaimo, in approximately 2.5 hours.

  3. Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:  Leaving from the same mainland terminal as above, the Swartz Bay terminal ferry takes approximately 2 hours and drops you off 30 minutes north of Victoria.

For more information visit https://www.bcferries.com

Further, if you don’t have a car and don’t want to fly from Vancouver to Tofino, you can also take the ferry to Vancouver Island and then jump on the Tofino Bus. I would just do the extra research to make sure you line up the timing correctly so you don’t get stuck mid transit.


Well there you have it! Another great trip in the books for me and another slew of recommendations for you! If you are heading to Tofino soon I hope you have a great trip and feel free to come back and share your recommendations with me too! I’m always looking for an excuse to go back! Until then, safe travels!

A big thank you to Tofino Resort and Marina for hosting us and partnering with me on this post. As always, all opinions remain my own!


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THE ULTIMATE EAT, STAY, PLAY GUIDE FOR POWELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA!

We had been on the boat for less than 10 minutes when we saw it, a small batch of mist straight ahead. Then moments later another small batch of mist right beside it. “Whales!” Jamie shouted steering the boat towards the direction of the mist. “Looks like there’s a few of them!” he exclaimed as we waited with anticipation for them to again reveal themselves.

This was my fiancé and I’s second time in Powell River, BC. The first was after Adam’s cousin’s wedding when we had made sure to tack on an extra 4 days to hang with his west coast family at their place up the coast in Powell River. We love Adam’s west coast family. We travel with them all the time and even did an epic Christmas trip to Kona, Hawaii together! There are usually 12-13 of us when we get together so I’m not even bragging when I say we literally bring the party to wherever we go. Anyhow, after our last short trip, we quickly realized 4 days in Powell River was certainly not enough, so we instantly made a pack to go back – this time for longer!

Powell River 3.jpg

At this point, when we saw the whales, we were almost halfway through our 10 day trip. Adam and I had requested that we repeat the day spent Chinook salmon fishing on Jamie’s boat to see if we could get as lucky as our first time around! It had been a while since I had fished and my experience from our last trip was one of the biggest highlights of our time in Powell River British Columbia. One that kept us all fed for days, but hungry for more! Now, having seen whales, I knew luck was on our side.

As it turns out (and to nobody’s surprise), our second trip to Powell River 100% surpassed the first. We did all our favourite things again and added so much more to our list of highlights! Having arrived back home to Toronto, I am now processing through some serous withdrawals and thought I’d share this blog post with you.

If you live on the west coast, are looking for a little road trip getaway, love hiking and camping, or just have a chance to go to Powell River, BC, I cannot recommend it more. Adam and I enjoyed our time there so much that we have made a pack to return every summer!


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Getting To Powell River, B.C

There are really only two practical ways to get to Powell River. Fly or drive.

Pacific Coastal Airlines flies 4 times a day from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) South Terminal to Powell River Airport (YPW) which is located only a few minutes from town. Adam and I have flown out of Powell River both times we went, but really enjoyed the drive and ferry ride up, and since the west coast family was waiting for us at their house in Vancouver, we went that route again the second time!

View from the ferry leaving Vancouvers Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

View from the ferry leaving Vancouvers Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

In total it can take about 5 hours to get from Vancouver to Powell River, BC and there are actually two BC Ferries you need to take. The first leaves Vancouver out of Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and brings you to your first stop an hour away on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast - Langdale! Located just outside the town of Gibson, there are a few great pit stops to make in the area surrounding the Langdale ferry terminal let alone the entire way up the Sunshine Coast to Powell River.

One pit stop I highly recommend is Persephony Brewing Company where you can sit outside in their garden and enjoy a flight of beer. Hungry? Further up the road, before you hop on your next ferry, I recommend grabbing a bite at Ruby Lake Resort’s La Trattoria Italiana! Chef Aldo specialized in classic northern Italian cuisine using ocean wise seafood, wild game, and farm to table produce grown on site. The food is lovely and best enjoyed on their covered outdoor patio looking over Ruby Lake.

The drive between Langdale and Earls Cove Ferry Terminal (where you will catch your second ferry) is about 1.5 hours, so if you plan on including a few pit stops along the way, factor that time in when organizing your Powell River ferry schedule or you may miss it! Adam’s family have had many experiences missing the ferry to Powell River or arriving to close to departure only to find out the ferry is already at capacity. It’s annoying so I recommend erring on the side of caution or at the very least booking yourself a geodesic dome at Back Eddy Resort & Marina to take advantage of a unique local glamping experience a short 15 min drive from Earls Cove Ferry Terminal.

One of the geodesic domes at Back Eddy Resort & Marina

One of the geodesic domes at Back Eddy Resort & Marina

Things To do In Powell River - Hiking!

One thing that attracts adventure seekers to Powell River is the Sunshine Coast Trail. Stretching from Sarah Point in Desolation Sound, across Powell River, and all the way down to Saltery Bay, the Sunshine Coast Trail in British Columbia is Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail and spans 180 km in length. From coastal shorelines, to old growth forest trails and panoramic mountaintops, Powell River and the Sunshine Coast Trail offers some great local hiking! Not to mention there are numerous trail access points which make it easy to break up the trail into single day hikes versus investing a week or two to reach all 14 huts and complete the trail.

The Sunshine Coast Trail Map - Click to be redirected to more detailed/larger map

The Sunshine Coast Trail Map - Click to be redirected to more detailed/larger map

An important thing to note when hiking in and around Powell River is that the town is and has historically always been a logging town (prior to it being taken from the local aboriginal tribes of course). That means that a lot of the back roads going up the mountain and around the area – some of which you will take to get to the trailheads I’m going to mention and Sunshine Coast Trail access points – are logging roads. This mean certain precautions need to be taken when using them during hours of operation. For one, forestry companies hours of operations are typically Monday to Friday (excl. holidays) from 5am to 6pm. It is important to be mindful of logging traffic and signage when driving on logging roads and if you have a radio use it! Logging trucks are supposed to listen to calls on the radio so they know if people are on the roads ahead and can slow down. The last thing you want is to be on a narrow gravel logging road with a loaded logging truck barreling down the mountain straight at you. It has happened in the past, many years ago and let’s just say it’s a tragic story with a not so happy ending.

If you are going to do only one hike while in Powell River, I would recommend doing the Tin Hat Mountain hike. It’s an hour grind to get all the way to the top (or longer depending on which trailhead you start at), but the views of Powell Lake are incredible. Since Tin Hat is part of the Sunshine Coast Trail you will most likely run into a few other hikers throughout the day and get to check out one of the huts on the trail! I made sure to bring my drone along with me for this hike and took some pretty amazing videos to commemorate my triumph of completing the hike.

If you are looking for something off the logging roads and not so intense, check out the Eagle River pools. Tucked away just off the Sunshine Coast Highway and only a 10 minute ‘hike’ in, here you will find a section of Eagle River with freshwater pools that cascade one into the next leading you all the way to the ocean. Here, near the entrance of the pools you will also find a 30 foot waterfall and lots of cliff faces and boulders to jump in the water from!

The Waterfall at Eagle River

The Waterfall at Eagle River

Also off the Sunshine Coast Highway and close to the Eagle River Pools is Stillwater Bluffs. The Stillwater Bluff hike is around 1.5 hours all the way around, and is a great way to experience the coastal shorelines and enjoy a swim in the ocean. The trailhead does start on private property so if you go, make sure to park close to the main road and walk in. Auntie Linda told me last time she did this section of coastline by kayak, a whale came into the bay and started playing right in front of her!

A sailboat I saw parked in a bay while on the Mowet Bay to Haywire Bay Campground trail

A sailboat I saw parked in a bay while on the Mowet Bay to Haywire Bay Campground trail

Mowat Bay to Haywire Bay Campground is another great local hike that takes about 2-2.5 hours one way and ends at a pretty nice sandy beach at Haywire Bay Campground! The first 10-20 minutes are a bit of a grind starting out of Mowat Bay so it’s a pretty good workout as well as a beautiful hike through the forest. We stopped to swim halfway through and found some logs near the shore that Adam and his cousin used as floaties to enjoy a cold beer on. This was definitely one of my favourite hiking days of our trip, but I would be remiss if I didn’t give some credit to the people I was with for making it so awesome. If you are looking to go camping in Powell River Haywire Bay Campground is a popular spot for that as well and accomodates everything from small tents to big RV’s

The first section of the Sunshine Coast Trail starts almost immediately at the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal (where the second ferry drops you off) and goes along the water passing by Pirates Cove. The worst part of the hike is a 15 minute grind that starts 1/4 of the way into the hike known as the ‘escalator’ but after you complete that portion it’s not so bad. I really enjoyed this hike when we went because it was late July/early August and we were just at the beginning of wild blackberry season! The trail is lined with so many wild blackberry bushes and we were just picking them right off the bushes and plopping them into our mouths at numerous spots which definitely made this trail so fun and amazing.

If you want to start off with a baby hike (we literally took a baby on these two hikes with us) I would recommend doing the Lang Creek trail or Blackwater Creek trail. Both trails take about 1.5 hours to complete and are mostly shaded. The Lang Creek trail ends at a small waterfall with a big pool where you can swim whereas the Blackwater/Aloha Trail hike features a BYOB Tiki Bar setup in the woods where you can stop, take a break and enjoy a cold beverage along with Kelly Falls – a well know waterfall in the area. Unfortunately when we were in BC there was a heat wave and Kelly Falls felt more like a small stream or trickle versus its usual robust waterfall self. But I blame the season and weather for that since the cousins did it the previous fall/winter and said it was amazing.

Lang Creek Trail Waterfall & Swimming Pool

Lang Creek Trail Waterfall & Swimming Pool

Other Fun Things to do in Powell River

If you are in Power River and you aren’t thinking of salmon fishing, you’re not taking full advantage of all that BC has to offer. Powell River is especially known for their bountiful Chinook and Coho Salmon so if you want to enjoy the freshest fish you can possibly get, this is your chance!

salmon cooking.jpg

Both times we were in Powell River we were able to enjoy a day of fishing on cousin Jamie’s boat and I have to say, being on the water, especially for an afternoon session of fishing when we saw the whales, was incredible. We stayed out until just after 9PM fishing, drinking and snacking with family during sunset. It was amazing!

Unfortunately, cousin Jamie doesn’t offer fishing trips to the general public but there are plenty of companies that do. One local company that I found during a quick google search was a company called Chromer Sports Fishing that offers year round fishing, although May - September are the best months to go since the weather is warm and the water becomes very calm, almost glass like.

Another great activity to do in Powell River is biking! There are tons of dirt biking, mountain biking and leisurely biking trails all over the area that offer endless hours of entertainment. During our most recent trip, a large group of us did the super easy 13 Km bike trail that loops around Inland Lake. The circuit includes boardwalks, bridges, and a crushed limestone path, and can be completed in less than an hour by bike. Although relatively flat, this bike trail does offer some great viewpoints with picnic benches and pit stops with small beaches that I encourage you to enjoy. If you want to do it up like a local, make sure to wear your swimsuit and pack some cold bevies to enjoy in the water along the way!

One of my fiancé’s favourite things to do while in Powell River is Zunga! Never heard of Zunga before? It’s when a rope is tied to a tree branch and people use it to swing themselves off a ledge and into the water Tarzan style! It’s super fun and apparently the word ‘Zunga’ originated in Powell River!

Anyhow, there is a super cool spot that we like to go to off a logging road up Lois River where you can find the Zunga ropes. Hiking in can be a little tricky but should take only 10-15 minutes tops. Last time I was there I made sure to drop a pin so I can show you on the map where it is but essentially, it’s up Stillwater Mainline off of the Sunshine Coast Highway between Lang Bay and Stillwater Bay, and you can park on the side of the road close to a bridge (you should see an alcove used for parking by locals).

Park at the big pin and hike to the small pin for Zunga! Here is the Latitiude (49.78477) and  Longitude (-124.335987) for Zunga (small pin)

Park at the big pin and hike to the small pin for Zunga! Here is the Latitiude (49.78477) and Longitude (-124.335987) for Zunga (small pin)

If you are going to go to the Zunga pools, you may as well also stop by Ed’s U-Pick organic blueberry farm in Lang Bay after! Located south of the Sunshine Coast Highway (or towards the water) off of Lang Bay Road, this little u-pick farm has numerous species of blueberries to enjoy. Keep in mind blueberry season usually starts mid to end of July and continues into the beginning of August!


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Known as ‘The Hawaii of the North’, I also recommend doing a day trip to Savary Island. Located in the northern part of the Strait of Georgia, about a 15-20 minute water taxi ride from the town of Lund (just up from Powell River), Savary offers beautiful white sand beaches, warm waters, rustic lodging and is a popular cottaging spot for Vancouverites. During our most recent trip, a large group of us booked water taxi tickets and made the journey over to Savary. One of Adam’s cousins friends recently bought a small motel on the island called The Savory Island Resort and recommended we hang out on ‘South Beach’ which is exactly what we did. One thing I loved about South Beach was that the water is really shallow and the beach itself has all these small ‘shelters’ build from driftwood that have washed up on shore. The beach is also up against a pretty steep cliff which made me feel like I was in a different part of the world entirely… like Portugal! Anyhow, if you are thinking of going to Savary (which I highly recommend you do) pack a big cooler of supplies because you’re going to need it since there isn’t really ‘shops’ to grab things from. Also, if you go to Lund a little early to catch your water taxi, you can stop by Nancy’s Bakery which offer delicious baked good and breakfast sandwiches!

South Beach - Savary Island, British Columbia

South Beach - Savary Island, British Columbia

Since whales like to migrate along the Sunshine Coast to their feeding grounds, whale watching is also a popular activity when in Powell River. Resident orcas come through at all times of the year, but humpbacks are usually seen arriving in the early summer months every year, and often stay until the fall. It is not uncommon to see the whales spouting at the surface, breaching, or feeding in the waters just off the shore of Powell River since the water is very calm compared to the open ocean on the west side of Vancouver Island. Although I am not sure if there are any companies in Powell River that offer whale watching tours, most people see whales and creatures of the sea from the shore or while fishing.

Restaurants in Powell River

If you are looking to enjoy some delicious Italian food while in Powell River, I highly recommend a lovely little modern Italian restaurant called Culaccino! The first time I went to Powell River I saw some of their delicious menu items pop up only Instagram and instantly made a reservation for the entire family! Dishes run from $10-30 on average and all their pastas are handmade daily, in house. Literally, everything is good here! We were a group of 10 that shared all our dishes so trust me when I say we tried basically the entire menu!

Sister restaurant to Culaccino is Coastal Cookery, a casual dining restaurant in the heart of Powell River serving up delicious Canadian fare. We enjoyed dinner on their back patio after our bike ride around Inland Lake and thoroughly enjoyed sipping on their delicious libations (especially the Silver Empress Sour) and enjoyed eating everything from their Ahi Tuna Stack to Humboldt Calamari, and Cookery Chop Salad. If you are looking for a casual place with a nice patio to watch the sunset from, you should 100% check this place out!

If you are looking to just grab something quick to take away and maybe cook in your Airbnb or at a campsite, you may also want to check out a local butcher/small grocer called Chopping Block. They have a large selection of meat and fish products to choose from as well as locally grown produce, an assortment of fancy cheeses and specialty items. While in town we always like to stop by there and pick up some pepperoni sticks, cheese and meat to eat throughout the week. If you are looking for specialty cuts of meat or want something beyond the basics, then this is the spot!

Although they don’t serve food, my recommendations wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Townsite Brewing! They are an award winning coastal microbrewery that offers tasting in house and my fiancé is obsessed with their Zunga Golden Blonde Ale. It is really too bad we can’t get their Belgian style beer in Ontario because it’s really good!

Accommodations in Powell River

Adam’s West coast family has a beautiful spot in Lang Bay just outside Powell River, but there are plenty of small accommodation options and Airbnb’s in the area. Here are a few options I recently found that are just up the coast!


WEST COAST COTTAGE CORE - POWELL RIVER STYLE





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