Trails and Hiking

The Powell River region of the Sunshine Coast has an extensive trail system. From short 20 minute leisurely walks to the 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail, you'll find hikes to suit any level of experience. Listed below are some of the hikes and info on special events available for those who wish to participate in planned activities. For more info and maps or to pick up a schedule of organized hikes contact the Powell River Visitor Centre at 1-877-817-8669 or drop by the office at 111- 4871 Joyce Avenue in Powell River.

Annual Marathon Shuffle—Early May, starting at Malaspina Road. The total distance to the Shinglemill is just under 29 km. Volunteers from the hiking club and St. John's Ambulance are stationed where roads cross the trail to provide emergency service, check-in and refreshments.

Gwendoline Hills Hike — May, The water taxi in Lund will cruise up to Sarah Point where the group will walk to Wednesday Lake along the Sunshine Coast Trail. Then out to Gilpin Road for pick up and return to Lund.

Annual Tour de Powell River — July. The hike begins at Sarah Point and ends at Saltery Bay. This is an end-to-end hike. It will take 12 to 14 days to complete. Using a light-pack concept, about 90% of the time, hikers can carry a day pack and get re-supplied along the route.

Powell River Hiking Club — The Powell River Hiking club has organized hikes on Wednesday and Weekends. The hikes ranges from easy to moderately difficult. Join them for an introduction to the trails in Powell River region. Call the Powell River Visitor Centre at 604-485-4701 or toll free 1-877-817-8669 for more info.

Powell River's Sunshine Coast Trail is located at the top of Sunshine Coast and is a year round trail. Located 130 km north of Vancouver, BC. You can get to Powell River by car via Highway 101 or take daily scheduled bus and airline services or enjoy a scenic trip up the coast via personal boat. The excursion from Powell River by road is approximately 5 hours and includes two scenic ferry rides, by air the flight is approximately 25 minutes and you'll enjoy a very scenic flight from Vancouver.

Note: You pay only once at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal for the one way trip via both ferries when traveling to the Powell River region of the Sunshine Coast and the entire trip takes less than 5 hours with only 1.5 hours of driving.

For more detailed information visit the Sunshine Coast Trail Web Site: www.sunshinecoast-trail.com

1. Before starting out be sure to check conditions. Talk to the Visitor Info Centre at 1-877-817-8669 or check the Sunshine Coast Trail current conditions page at www.sunshinecoast-trail.com and the 24/7 Road Access Hotline: 604-485-3132. Call this phone number to find out what the most up to date road access conditions of the Weyerhaeuser logging roads are. This is an excellent safety feature that can be called 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and should be referred to any time you are planning to head out into the back country. A detailed book and map of the Trail can be purchased at the Visitor Info Centre.
2. Do the trail from north to south, since water taxi connections to Sarah Point are not scheduled and Sarah Point is a remote location. Reserve the water taxi in advance of your trip. The trail head starts just north of Sarah Bay, where the cable post and service road is visible from the water.
3. Purify your water, even though supplies should be safe.
4. Consider staying at Cedar Lodge at Okeover Arm the end of day 1.
5. Allow 10–15 km per day, unless you know you can do more comfortably.
6. A cellular phone is a good safety device—make sure that the battery is fully charged. It may not work in all areas. A portable GPS is also highly recommended.
7. There are developed campsites on the second part of the hike, between the Shinglemill and Confederation Lake. ( 30+ km ) Confederation Lake area is at 600+ m elevation and weather can be cold at times. There is a warm cabin with a stove and firewood, but it's first come, first served. In addition, hikers doing the route in the spring may have to work their way around winter blowdowns and slides on the trail. Be Careful!
8. Beware! Late fall to early spring may find snow in the alpine areas.
9. There are trail markers in place every kilometre, from north to south only. Three inch orange squares give your distance from the Sarah Point trailhead. These should correspond with the Sunshine Coast Trail Book distances.