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

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 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

Nootka Dunes Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Powell River at Nootka Dunes Golf Club. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out its hiking trails.

Nootka Dunes Golf Club

Second Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Second Beach during your trip to Powell River? Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the canoeing opportunities.

Second Beach

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 Rp1.224.032 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
Rp1.224.032
Rp1.407.636 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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! (662 reviews)
Amazing experience every time we come there. 10/10

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

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! (623 reviews)
The hotel is funky in a good way. Its an old building and things are not perfect but it was clean and the beds super comfortable. Very friendly manager . Breakfast at the restaurant diwnstairs was delicious. If you like everything modern and perfect this won't suit you but if you prefer character ...

Reviewed on 28 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 Rp1.435.455 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
Rp1.435.455
Rp1.650.774 total
22 Feb - 23 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! (335 reviews)
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was nice but a bit small.

Reviewed on 12 Feb 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 Rp2.213.148 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
Rp2.213.148
Rp2.545.121 total
16 Feb - 17 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! (434 reviews)
Clean room beautiful views!

Reviewed on 14 Feb 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 Rp2.214.385 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
Rp2.214.385
Rp2.546.604 total
16 Feb - 17 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
The price is Rp1.718.590 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
Rp1.718.590
Rp1.976.379 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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! (328 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 90 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