Natural Connection
Be our guests
Well maintained, high-quality gear; attentive staff; delicious food; your perfect, memory-making hike – our staff are committed to making the most of your group's time in the forest. Getting away is an investment. Let us help you design a pinnacle experience, whether you’re bringing a class of 30, a wedding of 150 or a group retreat.
For Travellers: Choose Your Own Adventure
Where the Powell Forest Canoe Route and the Sunshine Coast Trail meet, you’ll find our Centre. Choose from a wide range of soft to extreme adventure itineraries to suit all ages, experience levels and objectives. The Canoe Route is a nine-lake adventure. The SCT is 184 kilometres and 12 huts. Both of these – plus the region’s vast mountain bike trails, ocean and inlets, unique shops and restaurants, farms and much more – can be fully enjoyed in bites. Hike, canoe, kayak, swim, doze on the beach with your favourite folk, cook on a campfire or drive 15 minutes for local souvenirs and fare in one of qathet’s many neighbourhoods. Your ambition is our business.
For educators: Forest Immersion
Since 2013, thousands of BC’s and international students have been transformed by their hands-on learning at our Centre. Our available classroom space is limited only by the imagination…Our core mandate is to reinforce students’ connection to the natural world and foster responsibility for environmental stewardship and sustainability. We offer both on- and off-site programs that connect to BC’s curriculum, including active lessons about the ocean, lake, rainforest, and local First Nations.
For Groups: Gather Well
Our Centre can accommodate up to 150 day guests or 60 overnight guests, and most of the facility is fully accessible for those with mobility challenges. We host camp weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, workshops and much more. You bring your vision; let us arrange the details to ensure you have a comfortable, vibrant and memorable event – one where you can focus on what matters: connecting with your people.
Discover the Region
Our hosts: Tla’amin Nation
You’ll be on the Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin Nation while you’re here. The traditional place name for where our Centre is located is Thah Yetl Teeskwat (LINK to pronunciation – coming).
What is qathet?
Unlike anywhere else in the world, this region is a vibrant mix of draft dodgers, immigrants, loggers & miners, creatives, and maybe Sasquatches.
It’s all about the journey
Getting here is as exciting as being here. Five things to do on your way up the Sunshine Coast.
Shop, Eat, Dance
and other unforgettable things to do while you’re here in qathet.
We get your students outside moving and learning
let us help you bring your curriculum to life. From team building programs that support your class in working together to immersive multi-day programs that unlock the power in your students nature.
What our guests say about us
testimonials and reviews to help you decide if the OLC is right for you.
Where is this magical place?
The Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre is located overseas on the Upper Sunshine Coast, a 15-minute drive from downtown Powell River. From Vancouver, it’s a pleasurable (we promise) two-ferry, five-hour commute by vehicle, or a 20-minute flight from YVR. From Vancouver Island, it’s across the Salish Sea from Comox.
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The animals of the OLC
You’ll be sure to encounter lots of wildlife on-site here, and also on your journeys to and from the OLC.
What teachers are saying about the OLC
For the past ten years, hundreds of BC educators have chosen the Outdoor Learning Centre at Powell Lake over and over again to bond their classes, inspire hands-on learning about the environment, and stimulate curiosity, self-knowledge and leadership skills.
Catering
Depending on your requirements, we are able to offer a complete meal plan to suit your group’s budget and dietary preferences. Call us to discuss the options. A complete event meal-planning guide will be sent if needed.