Powell Lake
Almost an inlet unto itself, Powell Lake is the largest lake on the Sunshine Coast and offers endless possibilities.
A full-scale boat launch and marina make bringing your motor craft very easy, and allows you access the full extent of this massive lake. Goat island—situated right in the middle of the lake—is a great place to stop for a snack or stretch your legs, if your chosen mode of transportation is self-powered. You will also spot a few privately owned floating cabins dotting the lake.
Length: 57 Km
Season: Summer-Fall (June through October)
Style: River - Lake
Difficulty: Advanced
Access: Lois Lake campsite is the recommended starting point of the canoe route
Experiences: Kayak and Canoe
Features: The lake is 186 miles long, and with 96 major side canyons with more small ones, it has more than 1,960 miles of shoreline
Gear Safety
Paddlers are advised that there can be strong, inflow winds blowing down Powell Lake from the North, and the portage from Goat Lake to Windsor Lake is a steep uphill climb which would make going the reverse direction more challenging. Paddling earlier in the day will generally be calmer with less chance of gusting winds.
The majority of the Powell Forest Canoe Route lies within a Working Forest managed by Western Forest Products. All roads, with the exception of Canoe Main, have restricted access and may only be used on weekends, or weekdays between 8 pm and 5 am.
Powell Forest Canoe Route
The main campsite at Lois Lake has a large parking area along with day use and overnight camping areas. Caution should be used when paddling Lois Lake due to numerous submerged stumps and snags. Also be aware that winds can at times can make crossing the main, northern section of the lake quite hazardous.
An overnight stop at the end of the portage from Lois Lake to Dodd Lake.At the northern end of Horseshoe Lake, just east of the narrows, is Little Horseshoe Creek recreation site. It is a small rustic site and is only accessible by canoe
Nanton Lake, offers two recreation sites: The main Nanton site is on the west side of the lake (and has vehicle access), or a small site that is canoe-only access and is 300 m up from the entrance of the connector stream
This is a small, shallow lake with a recreation site at the southern end. The next portage begins on the eastern shore at the mouth of a small connector stream, adjacent to a small rest area. There is also a remote access recreation site at the north end of the lake.
Dodd is a large, open lake that in warm afternoons can be subject to sudden wind squalls. Either shore can be followed, and winds usually abate by 5 pm
A beautiful recreational lake with several sandy beaches and good fishing. The lake has two Provincial Park sites; a remote access campsite on Anthony Island and a vehicle-access campground on the southern end.
This small island offers tranquil campsites and is surrounded by pristine waters, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The island’s peaceful atmosphere, along with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forested landscape, makes it a perfect spot for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Powell River’s lake system.