ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE
per person
Powell River’s mill town roots are on display in the historic Townsite, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010. Check out landmark buildings like the Patricia Theatre, Dwight Hall, and the Rodmay Hotel, as well as the nearby Catalyst paper mill. Walking tours are available. The funky collection of logging equipment and Tla’amin Nation art at the nearby Powell River Historical Museum is a highlight.
With a burgeoning local arts scene, connoisseurs can pick up First Nations-themed watercolours at Wind Spirit Gallery, stunning wood art from Tourigny andMarce, or handmade pottery and ceramics at Down to Earth Clayworks. The annual Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Guide helps visitors locate artists independently. For festivals and events, don’t miss the stunning selection of choirs at International Choral Kathaumixw (July), the week-long Blackberry Festival (August) with fireworks and foodie fun, or the Sunshine Music Festival (September) with blues and worldbeat artists.
Our food and fields are very much a part of our everyday culture here on the Sunshine Coast. Powell River’s Open Air Market is an old-fashioned,country-style market selling fresh, locally grown farm and garden produce, home baking, honey, soap, woodcrafts, jewellery, and a variety of original items hand-crafted by local artisans.
Hockey is huge in Canadian culture, and for spectator sports buffs, Powell River is home to the Powell River Kings of the Junior-A level British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and the Powell River Regals, three-time Allan Cup champions in Canadian senior hockey. Feel like a workout? Try the huge Powell River Recreation Complex (5001 Joyce Ave.) with two ice rinks, a 25m/82ft swimming pool, a skateboard park, and so on.
The Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) offers a unique program that prepares music students and young professionals for a career in music performance. It is designed to assist students in obtaining the necessary tools to win a position in a professional orchestra.
From Our Gallery
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On the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, where endless green mountains meet sheltered Pacific Ocean waters, Powell River provides a stimulating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural amenities. Originally founded as a resource extraction centre – once home to the world’s largest pulp and paper mill – Powell River now offers adventurers countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, golfing, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba diving. This area is host to world-class art galleries, tremendous dining opportunities, and memorable events and festivals. On the doorstep of both Vancouver and Vancouver Island, the Powell River region offers an array of experiences for travelers of all kinds, no matter the season. Experience the legendary Sunshine Coast Trail and Powell Forest Canoe Route, rock-climb the Eldred Valley, snowshoe in the Knuckleheads; this is the adventure destination you’ve long been waiting for. č̓ɛč̓haθɛč ʔa taθ qʷal ʔatəms gɩǰɛ. "Welcome to our territory."
