Adventures in Powell River: Glamping at Fairview Bay Hut
Do you hear the trail calling? I do. I don’t get out there nearly as often as I’d like, so knowing it’s waiting is always tickling the back of my mind. You know what I mean?
HELLO! Come explore!
It’s hard to resist, especially when nature provides t-shirt weather with skies a crisp azure blue. And so as Bob’s birthday approached, and we’d yet to do an overnighter on the Sunshine Coast Trail this year, a plan was made.
Weekends were made for this.
Destination: Fairview Bay Hut, the most southern of the huts on the trail, and about two-hours along a shady path from Saltery Bay. The hut is downright homey, being fully enclosed with a sleeping loft upstairs.
Fairview Bay Hut: Maddie’s wondering what the heck I’m doing.
Originally built in 2009, it’s been around long enough to have enjoyed some renovations and is the only hut that actually fronts onto the ocean. In fact, Bob and I had just arrived and had settled onto a waterfront bench when he said, “Wouldn’t it be great to see some whales?” No lie — not a minute went by and there in the distance was a pod of orcas!
Even without the orcas, the view from this hut is truly spectacular with the sparkling inlet in the foreground teeming with wildlife and mountains across the way. Among the other marine traffic, the MV Island Sky ferry can be seen going back ‘n forth on its regular run. I found it somehow comforting to first feel the low thrumming of its engines and then see it cross the hut’s field of view several times a day.
MV Island Sky
It was the perfect weekend and along with friends Charlotte & Kevin and André & Chris, we’d brought enough food for two weekends. There was even a rhubarb cake for Bob’s birthday. We were definitely camping in style (aka “glamping”). It was one of those trips that felt like all we did was eat.
Chowin’ down! AGAIN!!!
As a member of the Powell River Parks & Wilderness Society (PRPAWS), Bob was part of the construction crew that built the Fairview Bay Hut and feels some responsibility toward its maintenance. Besides some general sweeping and whatnot, during our stay he puttered around the site putting things in order.
Charlotte’s thinking to herself: Should I be a good friend and help or should I record this moment with a photo? (photo by Charlotte Gill)
The beaches in the area are sandy and though the water was quite frigid this didn’t stop André and Kevin from going in for a swim. I wasn’t even tempted, opting instead for sticking to land and exploring nearby trails and shorelines.
Freshwater stream emerges from the woods on its way to the sea.
As Sunday arrived and thoughts of work on Monday started to creep in, there was a greater appreciation for this little corner of the world, and Powell River. We were a little reluctant to pack up and trundle on down the road. It’s incredible that an idyllic getaway is so close. Besides the natural beauty of this area, the idea that there’s a string of hiking huts available for the comfort and in some cases, safety of hikers, is truly a gift.
André & Chris: Photographic proof Chris visited Fairview Bay Hut. He’s one hut closer to completing his SCT Passport.
At the time of this little adventure, Powell River and really a large portion of BC was just entering into a heat wave, resulting in water restrictions and some very nasty wildfires. So in times like these, and really always, we need to take very special care of our environment. I bring this up because when we arrived at Fairview Bay Hut, the campfire was still smouldering from the previous night’s hikers, trash was left behind, and there was a mound of a dozen or so uneaten campfire-roasted oysters. So I’ll close with a reminder to ensure fires are completely out (that is when they are not banned), take out what you take in, and waste not what nature provides.
As the sign says: Enjoy, Share and Respect.
This precious paradise deserves preserving.
Click here for more information about the Sunshine Coast Trail. Happy Trails!
Angie Davey
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