Powell River’s Historic Townsite

Designated as a National Historic District in 1995, Powell River Historic Townsite is one of only a few professionally planned, single-industry towns dating from the early modern period in Canadian town planning. Townsite is remarkably intact, with over 400 original buildings contained within the original borders of the 1910 town plan. Townsite was once home to the largest pulp and paper mill in the world. Stop by one of the Visitor Centres on the Sunshine Coast to pick up a Historic Townsite Walking Tour Map and start planning your visit.

Don't miss The Patricia Theatre, which serves as the cultural hub of Townsite. The theatre has gone through a restoration that maintains the original experience of movie-goers paired with a state-of-the-art digital and sound system. It also hosts events such as the qathet International Film Festival each year.

Stop by Henderson House Living Museum, which is open to the public year-round and offers walking tours of the Townsite during the summer season. It's maintained by Townsite Heritage Society, which promotes heritage education, heritage conservation, and the economic revitalization of Powell River’s National Historic District.

A newer yet key component of Historic Townsite is Townsite Brewing. They brew beer with a Belgian flair, and often have something new on tap along with local favourites such as the Tin Hat IPA, Suncoast Pale Ale, and Perfect Storm Oatmeal Stout. Pick up some cool brewery swag and souvenirs that feature the same colourful artwork as their beer labels. Nearby you'll find Townsite Public Market, which is home to a bakery, coffee shop, grocery store, a wool shop, and more.

Looking for a place to stay? Consider booking a room at the Old Courthouse Inn or the Rodmay Hotel, two heritage hotels with distinct charm.

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