Powell River, Canada on the Sunshine Coast

Restaurants, Mountain Hiking and a Historic Hotel on BC's West Coast

Mar 23, 2009

Travel to Powell River, Canada, to explore the Sunshine Coast through mountain hiking, great restaurants and a neat historic hotel.

British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is littered with great restaurants and mountain hiking options. In Powell River, there is also a neat historic hotel and dining at Manzanita Restaurant and the Laughing Oyster Restaurant.

In 1939, the Old Courthouse Inn functioned as a jail, police station and, of course, a courthouse. Today, owners Lila and Ian Gould run a quaint historic hotel within its walls.

Eight rooms have been carefully restored with antiques and collectibles. Don’t fret, though: there are still TVs, complimentary wireless internet, DVDs and a VCR. Each of the rooms is cozy and accommodates one or two people. Rates range from $89.00 to $109.00 CAD in the high season, although there are low season and weekly rates also available.

Mountain Hiking on Valentine

People come from all over the world to the Sunshine Coast to take advantage of the outdoor adventures. In Powell River, Valentine Mountain is a popular spot for soft outdoor activities. The walk up to the top takes about 15 minutes and is fairly gentle with many uphill stairs.

Mountain hiking is a great way to see the gorgeous views over BC’s west coast on a clear day. There are a couple of picnic tables at the summit and plenty of room for a romantic afternoon or some single solitude. Take highway 101 north, turn right on Alberni Street, left on Cranberry Street, right on Crown Avenue and then head into the parking lot.

Manzanita Restaurant

Located within the Old Courthouse Inn (see above), Manzanita Restaurant is the perfect place to refuel after mountain hiking or to simply eat a fine meal with new friends. The walls are filled with down south colours and beautiful artwork, creating an intimate setting.

The seasonal menu keeps things fresh with locally sourced salads, warmed brie and mains like bison burger (or a vegetarian portabella mushroom version, delicious), seafood, and oysters from their shellfish lease just north of the townsite.

Laughing Oyster Restaurant

Join gregarious Chef David Bowes at his wonderful world of seafood dining. The Laughing Oyster Restaurant is a bit remote, but a wonderful detour. The casual fine dining with views overlooking Okeover Inlet is punctured by the chef himself performing old rock songs and hamming it up during the steak and seafood buffet on Wednesdays.

Creative oyster dishes can be found alongside mouth-watering seafood options. This is fine dining at its best, without the stuffy attitude. It also helps that instead of looking out to busy city streets, it’s only calm, waterfront views as far as the eye can see. Note the delightful children’s menu with things like a chicken burger, Mr. Noodles, pasta, fish & chips and a Mr. Freeze for dessert.

Travel to Powell River, Canada

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