7 beaches you hope tourists never find out about
On any given summer day, there are countless places to go swimming, boating, or even just sunbathing in Powell River.
And we all have our favourites spots, don’t we? The best part is, some of these places are pretty well hidden–and we like it that way. Of course, that doesn’t stop us from showing off these places to our visiting family and friends. It’s places like this that make Powell River great.
Eagle River Waterfall
One of the coolest swimming holes around–and disclaimer: it’s not really a beach–but there is kind of a small one to chill out at on top of the falls. If you’re brave, you’ll jump off the falls, depending on how high the water level is! Then you can swim up and climb behind the waterfall for a magical view, and jump through them, like you’re breaking a glass window.
Bonus tip: There is also a secret spot around back of the falls. You enter through a trail across the street and a little ways south from where you go to Eagle River, and hike a little ways to get there. It’s a bit of a trek. I think this spot is even better than the main waterfall area.
The back side of Eagle River – Photo by Jennifer Forward Frost
Mahoods Beach
Super sandy, quiet, and just… chill. Never too many people there. This is the perfect beach picnic, sand castle-building, wading in the water, or even skim boarding type of beach. Great for families and dogs, too.
See also: Donkersley.
The Texada Quarries
Another disclaimer: also not a beach, and technically not in Powell River. But how cool are the the Texada Quarries? Actually called the Heischolt Lakes, but known to locals as just “the Quarries,” they are a flooded former limestone quarry that have warm fresh water, warmer than the ocean. The colour alone will keep you coming back for more.
The Texada Quarries – Photo by Luke Raftl
Haywire Bay
It’s just a short drive from Cranberry, and is tucked into a quiet little corner of Powell Lake. It is also a provincial campground–there is a boat ramp, a playground, and beaches for swimming. (We think the tourists have clued into this one, by now.)
Haywire Bay – Photo by Lawrence Behan
Mowat Bay
With a sandy beach and boat launch area, it’s a popular spot for sunbathers and boaters; and with a playground and public washrooms, it’s often a weekend destination for families during the summer months. In my younger days, there was a breakwater surrounding the bay, and all everyone wanted to do was walk the entire length of the logs to get to the other side–not an easy feat. Those logs aren’t there anymore, but people will still swim over to the other side of the bay, or hike around through the trail to go jump off the cliffs. Have you jumped off the ‘Queen’ or the ‘King’?
Mowat Bay – Photo by David Stanley
The Mill Beach
Hands down, best place for a beach bonfire. When you get into the summer months, camp fires are usually banned in the area, so this is a good spring, fall, or even winter activity. And the views just south of the Hulks breakwater… enough said.
Family bonfire at Second Beach – Photo by Donna Behan
Gibsons Beach
Just off Highway 101, about 12km north of the centre of town, you’ll travel down a dirt road and come upon a grassy picnic area situated above the quiet beach that overlooks the Malaspina Strait. It’s perfect for beachcombing, and there is also a boat launch here. Since it’s so close to Harwood Island, it’s a great spot to launch a small boat or even a kayak to explore the area around the island.
Gibsons Beach – Photo by David Stanley
Where are your favourite hidden spots for activities like swimming, cliff jumping, and beach bonfires? We’d love to hear ’em!
Janis Behan