7 Awesome Things about Fall in Powell River

Summer's over and Fall is upon us, but vacations come in all seasons. I invite you to come visit the most wonderful place on earth, Powell River, BC.

1. A coastal cruise. When is the mainland an island? When you need to take a ferry to get there of course. BC Ferries serves Powell River. You can easily turn your visit into a Circle Route vacation. Check out the Experience Card for extra savings. On the Vancouver to Powell River route you will travel through majestic fjords and pass towering snow-capped peaks. It's an E-ticket ride for sure.

2. Romantic places to stay. Up and down the Sunshine Coast you will find signs directing you to great out-of-the-way places to stay. South of Powell River look for Kent's Beach or Garnet Rock if you have an RV. Pull off at the seaside Suncatcher B&B or the Oceanside Resort and Cabins, or immerse yourself in history at the Townsite's Old Courthouse Inn. If you are headed north, try a cabin in the woods at the Desolation Resort and grab one of their fall specials or even try a float cabin.

3. Outback adventures. Fall is perfect for exploring the back country. Logging and forest roads take you to trails, lakes and quiet forests. The Powell River ATV Club loves to help visiting riders. They even have a map book with GPS coordinates available at Guy's Cycle Works or Quality Parts. Some of our favourite destinations are Tony Lake, Edgehill Trail System and Elephant Lakes. You can read about more ATV adventures in Up the Main and Farther up the Main.

4. Historic Patricia Theatre. The Patricia is the oldest, continuously running theatre in BC. It started with silent movies in 1913 in an old mill building. In 1928, it moved into its current location. Walk in the front door and step into old time elegance. Catch the a first run film at 7:00 pm nightly or one of the Art Film series features. Adult tickets are $9.00 except on Monday cheap tickets night for $5.50.

5. Events and festivals. Powell Riverites love community events. Things not to miss include the Max Cameron Theatre series, Powell River Academy of Music series. September 24-25 Fall Fair, October 1 Salmon Celebration, November 22-27 Festival of Trees, December 3 Santa Claus Parade, and several holiday choral events. For more activities, read Around Town in the PEAK or PowellRiverDirect.com.

6. Hiking. Whether it's a stroll down historic Willingdon Beach Trail or the 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail, we have a path for every ability. Inland Lake's circumnavigating trail is partially wheelchair accessible. Stop by Breakwater Books or Coles to get Eagle Walz's books (Sunshine Coast Trail Guidebook and Along the Edge of the Salish Sea) about hiking around Powell River or Wayne's Up the Winter Trail. Also, stop by the Visitor Centre for maps and information.

7. Heading up the lake. Fall is a wonderful time to experience life on the lake. I love living in a float cabin up the lake in Hole in the Wall, sitting in front of the wood stove fire with a good book. You can rent a float cabin to experience life on the lake for yourself. You can also read about off the grid living on Powell Lake in Up the Lake and Farther Up the Lake by Wayne J. Lutz at www.PowellRiverBooks.com.

Stop at the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre in the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre next to Quality Foods on Mondays through Fridays 9:00-5:00. They will give you great tips about our wonderful community. Pick up a free Powell River Living magazine or buy a Powell River PEAK to see what's happening around town. Need more reasons to come? Visit the Tourism Powell River website. I'll see you here soon! -- Margy