FAQs

What was once known as the Powell Forest Canoe Route is now known as the qathet Canoe Route! It's the same route we all love, now going by a new name.

In 2017 Tla’amin elders gifted the community with the word ‘qathet’, meaning ‘working together’, as a new name for the region. In recognition of this, the Powell Forest Canoe Route was officially renamed the qathet Canoe Route. The route and sites are co-managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC in partnership with the community.

The Powell River Educational Services Society (PRESS) is the agency responsible for managing the maintenance of the route, and works closely with Western Forest Products and Recreation Sites and Trails BC to maintain the many remote campsites—accessible only from the water—that are available at lake and river shores along the route. PRESS also operates the Outdoor Learning Centre, which sits at the intersection of the qathet Canoe Route and the Sunshine Coast Trail.

Most of the canoe route is considered to be easy to moderate paddling, but cumulatively it can be a challenge to even the most seasoned experts.

This is a working forest area, and logging trucks and vehicles use the roads. All roads except Canoe Main have restricted access and may only be used on weekends, or weekdays between hours of 8pm and 5am. Caution should always be exercised because there may be unscheduled traffic at any time.

Count on no cell reception at all, especially on the lakes where coverage is blocked by the mountains.

The following procedures are recommended if an emergency arises and communications or a return to Powell River are required:

•  Proceed to either Nanton or Dodd Lake drive-in recreation sites as they generally have recreational users during the summer months.
• Proceed to either Goat Main or Stillwater logging roads in order to flag down a vehicle.

Before you go, file a trip plan and leave word with a responsible person indicating where you are going to paddle and when you expect to return. Report back to them once you have returned. You can visit AdventureSmart.ca to learn more about trip plans or to download the Trip Plan App.

The best time to paddle is from June – October.

You should keep local wind conditions in mind when paddling Lois, Horseshoe, Dodd, Goat, and Powell Lakes. Keep in mind that weather can change without warning.

Never travel without proper rain gear, footwear, and spare dry clothing; you are on the coast and in the mountains where the weather can change dramatically without warning. In terms of supplies, you’ll want to bring a life jacket or PFD, some emergency supplies such as extra food, a boat repair kit, a first aid kit, and survival equipment (including flares).

Each campsite has a picnic table, an outhouse, tent sites, and a fire ring (sometimes firewood) but bringing a cook stove is recommended. Some have docks for an easy shore landing. Designated campsites are open to everyone for shared use on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites are accessible by vehicle, others are not.

Campfires are allowed as long as there is not a fire ban in effect. Obey signage, use existing fire pits and dead wood only, please.

At most sites, a rope and pulley system can be located to hang food and garbage to deter bears and other predators. Always minimize risks by practicing Leave No Trace and packing out all garbage. Some sites have bear caches.

Portage trailheads are marked with orange triangular markers.

Canoe rests can be found on all portage trails. Single and tandem canoe rests can be located approximately 100 – 150 metres apart.

Yes! Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak & SUP offers rentals that come with basic safety gear such as personal floatation devices (PFD) and a throw bag. They also offer a variety of gear for rent, such as dry bag backpacks, sleeping bags, cook sets, and more. And the Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre rents out a range of camping gear.

Click here to download a PDF copy of the qathet Canoe Route map (formerly known as the Powell Forest Canoe Route). You can also pick up a physical copy of the map at Sunshine Coast Visitor Centres.

No. Connector streams should NOT be paddled due to numerous falls, chutes and log jams.