As an independent video producer I'm once again working with Michael McCarthy, a local travel writer, to take his footage along with stil photos from Tourism Powell River to help bring attention to the Upper Sunshine Coast, an area of British Columbia that is right in Vancouver's back yard.
Surprisingly most Vancouver residents know little if anything about this region and all of the recreational activities that exist in the area.
The way most people get to the Upper Sunshine Coast is by BC Ferries from either Horseshoe Bay near Vancouver or from Comox on Vancouver Island. Flying in via local airline or floatplane is an option as well.
Tourism Powell RIver publishes an Offical Recreation Map for the Upper Sunshine Coast. As shown on the map legend there are many options for outdoor activities in the area.
At the northern end of the Pan-American highway the village of Lund is the gateway to clamdigging on Savary Island as well as boat and kayak tours to Desolation Sound and Okeover Inlet.
The biggest find of the Sunshine Coast must be the awesome Sunshine Coast Trail which stretches for a whopping 180 kilometres. Fortunately there are shelters located along the way and the trail can be easily be covered in sections.
The shelters, trails and bridges were constructed by volunteers from the Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society (PRPAWS) as well as a group known as the Bloody Old Men's Brigade aka The BOMB Squad.
There are over 20 scuba diving sites featured on the Upper Sunshine Coast recreation map. The Emerald Princess statue underwater at Mermaid Cove is one of the highlights for divers from around the world.
Texada Island is just a short ferry ride from Powell RIver. In addition to scuba dive sites, birdwatching and four by fouring are also popular acitivities. History buffs should check out the museum to find out about the island's colourful past.
The original Powell River Townsite is designated as a National Historic District of Canada, the only one
in western Canada. In the townsite is The Patricia Theatre - Canada's oldest continuously operating movie theatre.
Artique is an artist co-operative home to over two dozen local artists, mostly painters and sculptors who create in clay, wood and stone. In fact over 500 artists make their home in the Powell River area.
With an abundance of fresh seafood there a number of restaurant options in the Upper Sunshine Coast. Some restaurants like The Laughing Oyster also offer live music.
The Powell Forest Canoe Route is comprised of six lakes, each separated by short portages. There are many campgrounds along the route shown on the official recreational map.
Thanks to the well developed trail system many of the waterfalls and other outdoor opportunities are easily accessible. For more information please visit Discover Powell River.
