July and August are peak months for visitors to the qathet region. Camper vans, trailers, trucks and vehicles of various sizes stuffed with all the gear needed for fun in the sun vie for space on the ferries.
More and more tourists are also bringing their bikes, which dangle from the back of vehicles or are poised on rooftops. Bikepackers (cyclists on long journeys carrying all they need for an outdoor adventure) are also passing through more frequently.
Recent trail improvements at Mt. Mahony and in Townsite are helping to draw visitors who seek scenic, sustainable and active outdoor experiences.
David from Abbotsford arrived at Willingdon Beach Campground along with three other families for a camping holiday with close friends. Almost everyone made sure to bring their bikes.
“We bike everywhere,” said David. “We’re a biking family.”
When asked why his family and friends decided to spend their well-deserved holiday here, he replied: “We came to Powell River because it’s close to the ocean and because there are so many great bike trails.”
David was excited to check out the recent trail improvements at Mt. Mahony, and was interested to learn about the new mid-level connector multi-use path between Townsite and Powell River Recreation Complex. He commented that it would be fun to bike along the Willingdon Beach Trail to Townsite, then take the trail from Brooks Secondary School back to the Millennium Park Trails.
“Biking together keeps us connected as a family and gives my kids a sense of freedom,” he said.
Terry and Pat from Aldergrove have loved vacationing with their RV in Powell River for years. Then some friends introduced them to e-bikes and they were hooked.
From then on, they have brought their e-bikes on all their Powell River trips. This 60-something couple was happy to talk about what they love about travelling with their bikes.
“Our bikes allow us to get to places we can’t normally get to by car, like along trails and through the forest,” said Pat.
Bringing their bikes also gives them convenient and easy options for getting around Powell River.
“We don’t have to take our car to go shopping. We can bike to the grocery store.”
Terry and Pat did, however, offer some warnings about urban cycling.
“We thought biking down Marine Avenue is dangerous,” said Terry. “Better, wider, protected bike paths would be better because people don’t slow down and give you space.”
Powell River is increasingly attracting visitors who are looking for great experiences with their bicycles. This spring the BC High School Mountain Biking Provincial Championships brought 500 racers, plus coaches, friends and family.
These visitors support local businesses and share the good news of our region far and wide. Providing more safe, convenient and fun spaces for bicycling makes sense for tourists and locals alike.
Chris Lightfoot is a member of qathet Regional Cycling Association.
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