Home » Shop, Eat, Move, and other unforgettable things to do when you’re here in qathet

Shop, Eat, Move, and other unforgettable things to do when you’re here in qathet

The region of qathet, which includes Powell River, Lund and Skelhp, plus Texada, Savary and Lasqueti islands, is unlike anywhere else in BC. Make sure you reserve enough time to get a taste of the Upper Sunshine Coast while visiting us!

Shop

Souvenirs, provisions, gear, art and gifts: you’ll have a blast shopping for these. We recommend strolling Marine Avenue and visiting downtown Lund. Townsite Market is like a mini Granville Island and includes a drop-in climbing centre. There’s also plenty of shopping events, such as farmers markets, holiday bazaars, auctions and more. Check out the most recent “Best of qathet” listings in qathet Living magazine to plan your purchases.

Eat

Have a memory-making meal while you’re here. For local flavours, we recommend The Boardwalk for fish and chips, overlooking the Salish Sea in Lund , Coastal Cookery in downtown Powell River and Wild Scoop Ice Cream. Visit the farmers markets on weekends. And a trip to Townsite Brewing is a necessity. Be sure to check with Tourism Powell River for upcoming foodie events.

Move

Qathet has a remarkable yoga scene. Try a class at Elements Fitness, right across from Townsite Market and Townsite Brewing – and there are plenty of other movement classes offers both indoors and outside, including tai chi, qi gong, dance, spin, and much, much more. The Climbing Co-op offers both a wall and bouldering, and beginners to advanced riders will enjoy the bike and skate park.

Other stuff we like:

Events

COVID has impacted our events scene, but there’s still plenty happening. Ask Tourism Powell River and look through the monthly event listings at qathet Living magazine.

Short hikes

Valentine Mountain is a quick 15-minute jaunt to a stunning view of Catalyst Mill and the Salish Sea. For kids, Trinket Trail is full of little toys that can be traded to just taken off the trail for free; it takes about an hour round-trip. Willingdon Beach Trail features an outdoor museum of vintage forestry equipment and interpretive signs. Check with Tourism Powell River for more inspiration and directions.

Museums

The Texada Island Museum punches far above its weight, with immersive displays about the island’s mining history. The Powell River Historical Museum and Archives and Forestry Museum, both at Willingdon Beach, will help you glean the origins of this place, mostly post-settlement, as will Henderson House in Townsite. Until January 2022, check out the Our Living Languages exhibit which is visiting Governance House at Tla’amin Nation. All museums are free, but donations are accepted.

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.