Beach lovers don’t have to travel far to find special places here in the qathet region.
North of Saltery Bay there are an astounding number of beaches and campgrounds for the swimming and picnicking crowd to choose from; so many that this could be the dive and beach capital of Canada. More than 20 known and frequented swim spots dot the waterfront and lakes, with around 20 more “secret” locations tucked away.
The arrival of July and warmer summer weather (yes, it took a while), has prompted a search for the best beaches and locations for swimming, camping and soaking up the sunshine.
Beaches grow reputations and, because of locations and amenities, are labelled for certain groups. Breaking down those beaches into groups such as family beaches, freshwater beaches, campground beaches, picnic beaches and getaway beaches is important. Informing residents and visitors is a must so they can choose what hotspot they want to visit during the summer months.
Picking a spot for a group or a party is very important so the right beach is chosen that will maximize the enjoyment of everyone.
The first category is family beaches; what better example can there be than the most famous in the region: Willingdon Beach. Located right in City of Powell River, it offers everything to the public: sand, a playground, washroom, a grass field, picnic tables, a campground and water park, and close access to qathet Museum and Archives, and food, including ice cream! In this area, it is the beach to end all beaches, with the only drawback being its popularity.
Some other top family beach areas include Palm Beach, located oceanside south of town with a field, picnic area, washroom/changing facilities and a tennis court; Mowat Bay’s freshwater and in-town access; and the sandy shores, boat launch and picnic sites at Gibsons Beach. Texada residents can boast about some of the best family beaches on the west coast at Gillies Bay, Shelter Point Regional Park and Shingle Beach Campground.
Salt water is not always the choice and some would rather go to a lake to swim and have fun. Hiking trails and Powell Forest Canoe Route have exposed people to one of the most beautiful spots on the entire coast to camp out and enjoy nature. Nanton and Dodd lakes are prime examples of remote spots that have garnered much attention. Both are part of the canoe route with campsites and great swimming.
Lake sites that are a little more accessible include favourites such as Haywire Bay on Powell Lake, and Inland Lake, both of which have picnic sites, access to trails and overnight campgrounds.
Day trips for people who can’t spare an entire weekend are equally as enticing.
Gibsons Beach, Inland Lake and Haywire Bay are all close locations for picnics and day-long fun. People looking to do a little more travelling can look to Texada or the Saltery Bay area, where Mermaid Cove at Saltery Bay Provincial Park, Kent’s Beach and many other sites for day-long leisure are located. Mahood and Donkersley beaches are on the way, too.
Facilities at beaches are always a big draw as users of the volleyball nets at Willingdon can attest.
There is a beach for just about any party, group or individual in the qathet region. Anyone planning to take a trip elsewhere should think again and look around; there is probably a local beach that suits their style.
What’s your favourite spot to swim, camp or hang out in?
