POWELL RIVER · LUND · THE SALISH SEA
Explore Powell River
Ocean adventures, forest trails, local flavours, and coastal stillness — discover the experiences that make this place quietly unforgettable.
ON THE WATER · GUIDED TOURS
Guided coastal adventures
Explore the Salish Sea through curated coastal experiences designed to connect you with the wild beauty of Powell River. From quiet island passages to wildlife-rich waters, each journey offers a deeper way to experience the coastline.
- Rugged Coast Expeditions — immersive marine and coastal tours
- Terracentric Coastal Adventures — our local partner for guided kayaking, rentals and lessons
- Footprint Nature Explorations — interpretive eco-tours with a wildlife focus
PADDLING · KAYAK AND PADDLEBOARD
Kayaking & ocean adventures
Paddle quiet shorelines, explore nearby islands, and experience the Salish Sea at your own pace. From peaceful morning paddles to wildlife sightings along the coast, this is one of the most memorable ways to experience Powell River.
- Desolation Sound — calm, world-class waters
- Copeland Islands — quiet island-hopping
- Okeover Inlet — glassy water and sunset paddles
- Savary Island — white sand and turquoise water
IN THE FOREST · TRAILS AND ROCK
Mountain biking & climbing
Powell River’s rugged terrain offers everything from flowing forest trails to dramatic rock faces. Whether you’re riding or climbing, the region delivers adventure, challenge, and incredible natural scenery.
- Duck Lake Trails — flowy and fun for all levels
- Mount Mahony — technical, advanced terrain
- Inland Lake Trail — scenic and intermediate-friendly
- Eldred Valley climbing — dramatic rock faces and views
ON FOOT · FOREST AND SHORELINE
Hiking & walking trails
Wander through old-growth forests and along peaceful shoreline paths that invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature. From easy walks to scenic viewpoints, every trail offers something memorable.
- Willingdon Beach — easy and oceanfront
- Valentine Mountain — short, with scenic views
- Inland Lake Loop — peaceful and flat
- Kelly Falls — a forest hike to a waterfall
IN TOWN · ART, MUSIC AND MARKETS
Arts, culture & local experiences
Discover the creative spirit of Powell River through local galleries, markets, and community events. Each experience reflects the character and culture of this vibrant coastal town.
- PRISMA Festival — world-class summer music
- Townsite and local galleries — a historic, creative hub
- Farmers’ markets — seasonal, local flavours
- Live music and community events
SEA AND FOREST · HANDS-ON
Fishing & foraging
Experience the abundance of the coast and forest, from ocean fishing to tidal foraging. Whether casting a line or gathering seasonal finds, it’s a hands-on way to connect with the land and sea.
- Salmon and halibut fishing
- Crabbing and prawning, year-round favourites
- Oyster and clam picking on the tide
- Seasonal berry and mushroom foraging
AT THE TABLE · LOCAL FAVOURITES
Dining & local flavours
From waterfront patios to casual local favourites, Powell River offers a dining scene that feels warm, welcoming, and distinctly coastal. Fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and ocean views make every meal part of the experience.
- Costa del Sol — vibrant, waterfront Latin flavours
- The Boardwalk Restaurant — classic seafood and marina views
- Coastal Cookery — refined, locally inspired cuisine
- 32 Lakes Café & Bakery — artisan, small-batch favourites
BEARS · BIRDS · SEALS · WHALES
Wildlife on our doorstep
Getting here & around
Arbutus Cove Retreat sits on the oceanfront along Highway 101, between Powell River and the village of Lund.
BY PLANE
Pacific Coastal Airlines
About 35 minutes from YVR’s South Terminal to Powell River Airport, then about 20 minutes by car to the retreat.
BY SEAPLANE
Harbour Air
A scenic floatplane flight from downtown Vancouver’s harbour or from Richmond, landing on Powell Lake, about 10 minutes from town. Harbour Air schedules →
BY CAR & FERRY
BC Ferries
From Vancouver, two scenic crossings along the Sunshine Coast into Saltery Bay. From Vancouver Island, the Comox ferry into Westview.
ABOUT 15 MINUTES
Powell River Townsite
The historic Townsite, by car.
ABOUT 15 MINUTES
Lund
Where Highway 101 ends and the Savary Island water taxi leaves.
ABOUT 20 MINUTES
Westview ferry terminal
BC Ferries to Comox on Vancouver Island.
ABOUT 55 MINUTES
Saltery Bay ferry terminal
For the Lower Sunshine Coast and Vancouver.
Explore Powell River: FAQ
How far is Arbutus Cove Retreat from Powell River?
About 15 minutes by car to Powell River’s historic Townsite, and about 20 minutes to the Westview ferry terminal. The village of Lund is about 15 minutes north.
How do I get to Powell River from Vancouver?
By car, take the BC Ferries sailing from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (about 40 minutes), drive up the Sunshine Coast to Earls Cove, then take the ferry to Saltery Bay (about 50 minutes). The trip takes about 5 hours in total. From Saltery Bay, the retreat is just under an hour’s drive. You can also fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver’s South Terminal in about 35 minutes, or take a Harbour Air seaplane from downtown Vancouver or Richmond to Powell Lake.
How do I get to Powell River from Vancouver Island?
Take the BC Ferries sailing from Comox (Little River) to Powell River, which takes about 90 minutes. The Westview terminal is about 20 minutes from the retreat.
Where are the best places to kayak near Powell River?
Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands, Okeover Inlet and Savary Island are local favourites. For guided trips, try Terracentric Coastal Adventures, Rugged Coast Expeditions or Footprint Nature Explorations.
How do I get to Savary Island?
Drive to Lund, where Highway 101 ends, about 15 minutes north of the retreat. Water taxis to Savary Island leave from the Lund dock.
What are some easy hikes near Powell River?
Willingdon Beach (easy and oceanfront), the Inland Lake Loop (flat and peaceful), Kelly Falls (a forest hike to a waterfall) and Valentine Mountain (short, with scenic views).
Where should we eat in Powell River?
Guest favourites include Costa del Sol (waterfront Latin flavours), The Boardwalk Restaurant (seafood with marina views), Coastal Cookery (refined, locally inspired dishes) and 32 Lakes Café & Bakery.
Can we go fishing or foraging?
Yes. The area is known for salmon and halibut fishing, crabbing and prawning, oyster and clam picking, and seasonal berry and mushroom foraging.
When is the best time to visit?
Every season has something to offer. Summer is best for paddling, swimming and the PRISMA music festival, while fall and winter are quieter and perfect for the sauna and hot tub. See our Seasonal Guide for ideas.
STAY WITH US
Make Arbutus Cove your base
Four suites on the Salish Sea with direct beach access, a hot tub and a sauna, about 15 minutes from both Powell River’s Townsite and Lund.
escape. explore. rejuvenate.