Attention, hiking and backpacking enthusiasts! Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail is in British Columbia, so if you’re up for a multi-day trip, it’s worth visiting the coastal city of Powell River before summer ends.

Situated on the scenic Sunshine Coast, Powell River is located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, though its name may change in the near future as part of reconciliation efforts in the region.

For now, the name “qathet” was gifted to the Regional District by Tla’amin Nation Elders, meaning “working together.”

Surrounded by beautiful coastline and lakes, the small city is home to ample kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding opportunities, as well as world-class rock climbing in the Eldred Valley.

The Powell Forest Canoe Route stretches 57 kilometres and eight lakes, with breathtaking views that can’t be beaten.

Tourism Sunshine Coast also highlights the fishing charters and scuba diving opportunities available in Powell River, which take visitors to enchanting spots like Mermaid Cove – where they’ll be able to see an underwater statue called “the Emerald Princess.”

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Photo via Shutterstock

Sunshine Coast Trail

As for hikers, the famed Sunshine Coast Trail stretches 180 kilometres from Saltery Bay to Sarah Point, with plenty of smaller day hikes in between.

Those up for the adventure can journey to Willingdon Beach Trail, Penticton Street Trails, and Millenium Park Trails.

Currently, there are 15 huts along the trail that are “first-come, first-sleep,” many of which have additional tent sites nearby.

Here are all the scenic lakes and viewpoints to check out on your journey:

  • Mount Troubridge
  • Mowat Bay
  • Confederation Lake
  • Wednesday Lake
  • Trinket Trail
  • Fairview Bay
  • Appleton Canyon
  • Manzanita Hut
  • Inland Lake

Enjoy the scenery!

Powell River

Where: Sunshine Coast, BC

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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