Locals know
Tell a visitor Powell River's best-kept secret
If you really want to experience a community, you need to hang out with locals. After all, they know all the best kept secrets. Powell River Living asked some locals what they would tell a visitor if asked, "What is Powell River's best kept secret?" Here's what they said...
Stewart Alsgard
Mayor of Powell River
The People
"The best kept secret is the people. Their receptiveness, friendliness, commitment and progressiveness and awareness of First Nations history."
Elise Statham
Director of Marketing, Powell River Kings
Stillwater Bluffs
"Stillwater is heaven on earth — sheer granite cliffs, the smell of burnt moss (really, this should be a perfume!), the odd arbutus staggering upwards towards the sky, and the ocean waves crashing below. Whether as a hiker, a picnicker, or climber, Stillwater Bluffs will be sure to blow you away. I've spent sunny afternoons climbing the bluffs, rainy mornings taking photographs of the crashing waves, and lazy evenings beachcombing the shores dotted with starfish. Located just off Hwy 101, Stillwater Bluffs has the ability to transport you a million miles away and is certainly one of Powell River's best kept secrets."
Angela DeVita
Valedictorian, Brooks Class of 2010
Hachelt Lake, Texada Island
"Just 30 short minutes from the City of Powell River, in the Strait of Georgia lies a small island with a big personality called Texada. Hidden on this island oasis is an abandoned quarry turned swimming hole. The quarry is home to stunning blue-green water that comes from a natural spring. To the locals, this gorgeous area is known as Hachelt Lake and is a popular place to cool off from the summer sun.
Possibly one of the best parts of Hachelt, is that on any given day, there are no more than 10 people there, and the lake is practically yours. Yes it is a quarry, so it's always a good idea to bring some sandals to wear into the water, to make sure you do not hurt yourself on the rocks. Hachelt Lake on Texada Island is definitely one of the Powell River area's best-kept secrets.
Andy Evans, Adventurer
Manager, Town Centre Mall
Emma Lake
A jewel hidden in Powell River's backcountry, Emma Lake is accessible most of the year by driving up Goat Lake Main logging road to Mile 34 and then following the Emma Lake sign to the trailhead.
You start your trek by working across a large slide area to the bottom of the "Stair Master." Believe me the view at the top is well worth the burning sensation your legs will feel!
At this point you head into the tree line and the trail follows close to Maria Falls. Follow the yellow trail markers until you get to a great spot that allows you to go out onto the falls and replenish water and enjoy the panoramic view. By now, you will have traveled about an hour or so depending on your pace. Maria Lake is only about half an hour away. When you reach Maria Lake, the view again looking down onto Maria Falls is absolutely stunning. The Emma Lake cabin is only about an hour away at this point. You have to negotiate the Canada Ridge, but the view at the top of the ridge is again worth that burning sensation you feel in your legs. When I reach the top I get what I call my "stupid grin" on my face as I can see the emerald coloured water of Emma Lake and a peek a boo view of the cabin. Looking back at the path, on a good day you will be able to see Mount Alfred Glacier. It is spectacular! For a refreshing break, head downhill to the cabin and shoot some pictures of Emma Lake. The cabin at Emma Lake is maintained by the Knucklehead Winter Recreation Society, and is capable of sleeping 8 to 10 people. Whether you decide to do a day hike or overnight, Emma Lake is well worth the hike.
Approximate driving time to trail head is two to three hours. Hiking time varies between three and four hours.
We also asked the PR Living team for their favourite places:
Isabelle Southcott
Publisher
The seawalk
It's a great place to go for a run, take the dog for a walk, watch the sunset or take the kids exploring on the beach. At it's right downtown below Marine Avenue.
Sean Percy
Associate Publisher
Saltery Bay
I just love the whole package that is the Saltery Bay campground. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, hiking, camping under the trees—you can do it all here.
Bonnie Krakalovich
Office Manager
Eagle River
It's a great place to go swimming. I love the cliffs and waterfalls. You can stay cool there all summer. It's just an awesome place.
Robert Dufour
Creative Director
Hwy 101 to Lund
While there are limited opportunities for "road trips" within the bounds of the Powell River region, that is not to say a motorcyclist cannot find fun. For those choosing off-road adventures, I'm told there are "a hundred miles of trails," but for the pavement junkie, the most fun has to be the highway out to Lund. Good twisties, a couple of straight stretches, but mostly good roads that keep you sharp... and to make sure, there is almost always a corner or two with 'surprise gravel' to wake you up.
