Historic Powell River Townsite Travel Guide

Powell River

Located in Powell River, BC. When the U.S. entered WWI in 1917, they embarked on a program of shipbuilding to offset heavy losses to merchant shipping from German U-Boats. As steel plate was in such great demand, government support was given for the building of seagoing ferro-concrete ships. The WWII concrete ship-building program was more successful than its WWI counterpart. Construction was much stronger due to better cement and more steel reinforcements. Concrete bottoms, which eliminated condensation issues in steel ships, were well-suited for carrying dry cargo. These vessels handled well but were only capable of a maximum of 10 knots. All of the dismantled hulks were proud ships in their day - some fought battles of freedom, while others carried full cargoes along the world’s trade routes. In the late 1940s, after rust and rot holed many of the original steel ships, Macmillan Bloedel settled on the collection of concrete vessels as a more permanent solution to their breakwater dilemma. (September 2019) #LocalSecrets #Trovember #History
Located in Powell River, BC. When the U.S. entered WWI in 1917, they embarked on a program of shipbuilding to offset heavy losses to merchant shipping from German U-Boats. As steel plate was in such great demand, government support was given for the building of seagoing ferro-concrete ships. The WWII concrete ship-building program was more successful than its WWI counterpart. Construction was much stronger due to better cement and more steel reinforcements. Concrete bottoms, which eliminated condensation issues in steel ships, were well-suited for carrying dry cargo. These vessels handled well but were only capable of a maximum of 10 knots. All of the dismantled hulks were proud ships in their day - some fought battles of freedom, while others carried full cargoes along the world’s trade routes. In the late 1940s, after rust and rot holed many of the original steel ships, Macmillan Bloedel settled on the collection of concrete vessels as a more permanent solution to their breakwater dilemma. (September 2019) #LocalSecrets #Trovember #History

Popular places to visit

Townsite Brewing

3/5(1 review)

You can take time to visit Townsite Brewing during your travels to Powell River. Amble around this relaxing area's riverfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Townsite Brewing

Powell River Recreation Complex

Enjoy an outing to Powell River Recreation Complex during your stay in Powell River. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Powell River Recreation Complex

Powell River Visitor Centre

After visiting Powell River Visitor Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Powell River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out its hiking trails.

Powell River Visitor Centre

Willingdon Beach Park

Explore the great outdoors at Willingdon Beach Park, a lovely green space in Powell River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out its hiking trails.

Willingdon Beach Park

Powell River Historical Museum and Archives

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Powell River Historical Museum and Archives in Powell River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out its hiking trails.

Powell River Historical Museum and Archives

Powell River Putters Mini Golf

You can take time to visit Powell River Putters Mini Golf during your travels to Powell River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out its hiking trails.

Powell River Putters Mini Golf

Top hotels in Historic Powell River Townsite

Island View Lodge

Island View Lodge

2 out of 5
6255 Marine Avenue Powell River BC
The price is ฿2,239 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
฿2,239
฿2,574 total
23 Jan - 24 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (656 reviews)
Every was great. Good communication

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Island View Lodge
The Old Courthouse Inn

The Old Courthouse Inn

2.5 out of 5
6243 Walnut Street Powell River BC
Stay at this hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (619 reviews)
The room was tidy, clean, bathroom updated. Old English hotel vibe. Quiet at night and lots of parking.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

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The Old Courthouse Inn
Waterways, A Boutique Hotel

Waterways, A Boutique Hotel

2.5 out of 5
4429 Marine Avenue Powell River BC
The price is ฿2,402 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿2,402
฿2,762 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Creative Rift Studio and Gallery and Powell River ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (311 reviews)
Staff was extra nice. Rooms are fresh and new. Quiet. Loved the big screen tv

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Waterways, A Boutique Hotel
Beyond Bliss Hotel Suites

Beyond Bliss Hotel Suites

3 out of 5
4555 Marine Ave Powell River BC
The price is ฿4,014 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
฿4,014
฿4,616 total
21 Feb - 22 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Creative Rift Studio and Gallery and Powell ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (427 reviews)
Very good location and really nice staff and super clean rooms!

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Beyond Bliss Hotel Suites
Powell River Town Centre Hotel

Powell River Town Centre Hotel

3.5 out of 5
4660 Joyce Ave Powell River BC
The price is ฿4,016 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿4,016
฿4,619 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (713 reviews)
Good but dated. Staff courteous as well

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025

Powell River Town Centre Hotel
Westview Centre Motel Ltd.

Westview Centre Motel Ltd.

2 out of 5
4534 Marine Ave Powell River BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,143 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
฿3,143
฿3,615 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (327 reviews)
The room was very comfortable and thoughtfully equipped with small appliances. The service was pleasant and time efficient.

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

Westview Centre Motel Ltd.
See all 88 properties in Historic Powell River Townsite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Historic Powell River Townsite Travel Guide