Looking for an underrated multi-day canoe route on the BC Coast? The Qathet Canoe Route, previously known as The Powell Forest Canoe Route, takes you deeper into the backcountry of the coastal mountains with every paddle stroke. The Qathet Canoe Route is a 57-kilometre, eight-lake, five-portage journey that takes roughly five to six days to complete. Hugh Prichard, Project Manager of Powell River Educational Services Society, says, “Paddling back into the mountains is a really alluring part of it. It gets more rugged and remote as you go.” Despite its remote nature, the easy access along multiple points on the route and the lack of moving water make it an accessible trip for paddlers of varying abilities! For Hugh, who has spent much time maintaining the route, this route evokes feelings of “Nostalgia of the old school archetypal Canadian wilderness journey.”
Getting There & Best Time to Paddle
We recommend heading to one of the two common starting points for the canoe route, the Outdoor Learning Centre (https://outdoorlearningcentre.ca/for-adventurers/) at Haywire Bay, which is roughly 20km north of Powell River on Powell Lake. Whether you want to start your paddle here or at Lois Lake on the opposite end of the route, this is a great place to leave your vehicle and take advantage of the outdoor learning centre’s convenient shuttle service.
The best time to paddle depends on what you are looking for. May is a popular time for school groups, possibly making the experience land a little on the noisy side. June can be wet but is relatively quiet. July and August are great, but they tend to be the busiest times of year. Hugh Prichard shared that September is one of his favourite times to be on the lakes as it is quieter and offers “more diversity from the regular crowds.”
Trip Duration & Shorter Route Options
This 57-kilometre route takes an average of 5-6 days, but a group could easily spend 10 days or more enjoying the different campsites and exploring all the route options along the way!
We recommend two options for a shorter trip. The first is to put in at Windsor Lake and descend back down to Lois Lake. On average, this takes three days. Alternatively, start at Lois Lake and enjoy a quick two-day canoe trip to Khartoum Lake and back.
Essential Skills & Ideal Watercraft
It is advised that any self-guided groups have basic paddle skills, the ability to self-rescue, an understanding of the weather and good backcountry camping skills. Additionally, having a good understanding of the Leave No Trace principles is essential. This is particularly important because this route travels through grizzly bear territory. If you do not feel confident in these skills but are still keen to explore this route, we highly recommend hiring a guide (https://outdoorlearningcentre.ca/for-educators/activities/guiding-services/)!
Canoes are the ideal watercraft for this adventure, but people are also known to paddle the circuit on paddle boards and kayaks.
Gear Checklist: What to Pack
Things to consider packing are dry bags for keeping all your goods dry. Paddling gear such as lifejackets, throw ropes, paddles, etc. Necessary safety equipment such as first aid, bear spray, and communication devices. Clothing for all weather, including warm layers and rain gear. It is best to avoid cotton as it can increase the risk of hypothermia when cold and wet. And finally, backcountry camping gear and cooking equipment. For more information, Mountain Equipment Company has compiled an in-depth list on their website that will help ensure you have everything you need: https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/canoe-or-kayak-touring-checklist.
Camping Tips
Thanks to the work of Hugh Prichard and the Powell River Educational Services Society, many of the campsites along the route have been recently updated. Hugh said they often receive comments that “the route is impeccably maintained” and that they have “the best outhouses in the province.”
Of the recently updated campsites, Hugh spoke highly of Chipmunk Peninsula, mentioning its boat-only access, level tent pads, and bear caches. He also noted that the Little Horse Shoe North Rec site is one of the nicest campsites in the whole route.
Portaging Tips
The lengths of the portages along the route range from 0.7 km – 2.8 km. Of particular note is the 2km section between Windsor and Goat Lake, which Hugh affectionately called “Cardiac Hill.” One benefit to starting the route in Lois Lake and finishing at Haywire Bay is that you get to go down Cardiac Hill rather than up it.
While most portages are not wheelable, there are canoe rests typically every 120 metres along the way. When asked what stands out about the portages, Hugh responded, “All the portages are gorgeous, mostly following moving water, and there are lots of common loons, alligator lizards, pine martens, and pileated woodpeckers.”
Additionally, Hugh shared that there are tons of berries along the way, stating, “You can walk the portages gorging on salmon berries, thimble berries, huckleberries, and wild trailing raspberries.” The abundance of berries is perfect for keeping kids motivated when it is time to portage.
Side Adventures: Hikes & Hidden Gems
Midway up the eastern side of Powell Lake, there are two options for overnight hikes with huts located along the Sunshine Coast Trail. One of the two huts is located on Tin Hat Mountain (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/sunshine-coast-trail-fiddlehead-to-tinhat) and requires an 18.5km out-and-back hike to reach. This hike will be rewarded with epic views that stretch over much of the lakes included in the Qathet Canoe Route.
The second option is Confederation Lake (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/confederation-lake-via-fiddlehead-farm ), a more manageable 12km out-and-back hike. Both trailheads can be reached from the same point along Powell Lake.
Resources & Expert Guidance
For information on the route, we recommend contacting The Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre (https://outdoorlearningcentre.ca/) or Terracentric Coastal Adventures (https://www.terracentricadventures.com/).
