Powell Forest Canoe Route
Download a copy of Powell Forest Canoe Route Brochure & MapThe Powell Forest Canoe Route encompasses some of the best wilderness areas you'll find on BC's Sunshine Coast.
Getting to the Powell Forest Canoe RouteThe Powell River Forest Canoe Route is located at the top of the Sunshine Coast, 130 km north of Vancouver, on BC's Mainland. You can get to Powell River by car, bus, plane, or boat. The excursion to Powell River by vehicle is approximately 4.5 hours and includes two scenic ferry rides. You pay only once at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, located just north of Vancouver, the second ferry is included in the ticket price when travelling through Earls Cove to Powell River.
By air Powell River is just a short 25 minute flight from Vancouver, and the trip is incredibly scenic. Regular scheduled service is provided by Pacific Coastal Airlines.
To get Powell River, board BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, take the scenic drive up the Peninsula to Earls Cove and board the ferry to Saltery Bay.
From the ferry at Saltery Bay, drive approximately 10 km; you'll see the entrance sign on the right side of the road across the highway from Loubert Road (entrance to the community of Stillwater). Drive approximately 5 km and you'll be at the start of the Route, the Lois Lake Campsite. From Lois Lake you'll access the first leg of the trip up Lois Lake to Horseshoe Lake. The distance is approximately 8.5 km with a portage of 1.7 km between the first two lakes. Campsites are located along Horseshoe River and at Horseshoe Lake and Nanton Lakes (25 campsites). This area is frequented by locals, so campsites are at a premium. Total distance along Horseshoe and Nanton Lakes is approximately 6.5 km.
The portage to the next lake, Ireland Lake, is approximately 2.4 km. Ireland Lake is a short 1 km paddle to the next portage at Dodd Lake (.8 km). Dodd Lake has a campsite (12 sites) and is another location well used by the locals. Length of lake is approximately 7 km. From Dodd Lake you portage (.7 km) to Windsor Lake and paddle for about 2.5 km. There is a small campsite (3 Sites) on Windsor Lake with another portage of 2.5 km to Goat Lake, where you'll also find another small campsite (5 sites). Goat Lake is the last lake before you reach the final and largest lake, Powell Lake. Powell Lake is the last leg of the journey (approximately 29 km) and ends at the world's second smallest river, the Powell River. On the left side of the lake you can access Haywire Bay Regional Campsite which is a great overnight stop before you paddle down to the Shinglemill Marina and the end of the journey.
Kayakers and Canoeists will get a great workout on this trip and the bonus is, you can do it easily 3 seasons a year and even the 4th if your not afraid of a little cold weather. Some lakes may be frozen, check with the Visitor Centre, 1-817-817-8669.
Some things to know when you travel the route:
- Start the trip at Lois Lake since portages are downhill this way.
- Powell Lake can get very rough in the afternoon with up to 3-foot swells.
- Purify your water, water supplies should be safe but don't take the chance.
- Pack out what you pack in, there's no one out there to clean up after you.
- Take a cell phone and GPS or a VHF Radio
- Cell phones will work along most of the route.
- Canoe carts are not recommended unless under 24” or on a single wheel.
Watch for wild animals and follow back country camping rules. Keep food out of tents and in caches away from sleeping areas. Carry Bear Spray and wear bells.
Equipment rentals are available from one of the local outfitters. These folks can also help with vehicle parking and pickup at the end of the route so it's a good idea to talk to them before setting out. Check out the list below.
After you complete the route, please drop by the Visitor Centre and give us your comments. Your input is very valuable in planning for the maintenance and development of the Powell Forest Canoe Route.
This is one of the best trips you'll have and well worth the trip to the Sunshine Coast.
If you need more information on planning your trip, contact:
Powell River Visitor Centre
111 - 4871 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 5P4
Toll Free: 1-877-817-8669
Ph : 604-485-4701
E-mail: info@discoverpowellriver.com
