Historic Powell River Townsite Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Located in Powell River, BC. When the U.S. entered WWI in 1917, they embarked on a program of shipbuilding to offset heavy losses to merchant shipping from German U-Boats. As steel plate was in such great demand, government support was given for the building of seagoing ferro-concrete ships.
The WWII concrete ship-building program was more successful than its WWI counterpart. Construction was much stronger due to better cement and more steel reinforcements. Concrete bottoms, which eliminated condensation issues in steel ships, were well-suited for carrying dry cargo. These vessels handled well but were only capable of a maximum of 10 knots. All of the dismantled hulks were proud ships in their day - some fought battles of freedom, while others carried full cargoes along the world’s trade routes.
In the late 1940s, after rust and rot holed many of the original steel ships, Macmillan Bloedel settled on the collection of concrete vessels as a more permanent solution to their breakwater dilemma. 
(September 2019)

#LocalSecrets #Trovember #History
Located in Powell River, BC. When the U.S. entered WWI in 1917, they embarked on a program of shipbuilding to offset heavy losses to merchant shipping from German U-Boats. As steel plate was in such great demand, government support was given for the building of seagoing ferro-concrete ships.
The WWII concrete ship-building program was more successful than its WWI counterpart. Construction was much stronger due to better cement and more steel reinforcements. Concrete bottoms, which eliminated condensation issues in steel ships, were well-suited for carrying dry cargo. These vessels handled well but were only capable of a maximum of 10 knots. All of the dismantled hulks were proud ships in their day - some fought battles of freedom, while others carried full cargoes along the world’s trade routes.
In the late 1940s, after rust and rot holed many of the original steel ships, Macmillan Bloedel settled on the collection of concrete vessels as a more permanent solution to their breakwater dilemma. 
(September 2019)

#LocalSecrets #Trovember #History

Popular places to visit


Our pick of the best Historic Powell River Townsite Hotel Deals

Island View Lodge

Island View Lodge

2 out of 5
6255 Marine Avenue Powell River BC
The price is AU$129 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
AU$129
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (666 reviews)
It is basic and what you expect for the cost BUT our bed was broken and mattress sunk in the middle. Kitchen light and stove light didnt work and the outlet for the TV had no power so we moved the TV to a working outlet.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Island View Lodge
The Old Courthouse Inn

The Old Courthouse Inn

2.5 out of 5
6243 Walnut Street Powell River BC
Stay at this hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (624 reviews)
Mean dog greeted us at checkin. The restaurant was closed due to renovation. The breakfast offered in lieu was completely inadequate. We chose this property because of the great breakfast reviews. Will not stay here again.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

The Old Courthouse Inn
Waterways, A Boutique Hotel

Waterways, A Boutique Hotel

2.5 out of 5
4429 Marine Avenue Powell River BC
The price is AU$115 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$115
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Creative Rift Studio and Gallery and Powell River ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (349 reviews)
Clean and nice water front views

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Waterways, A Boutique Hotel
Beyond Bliss Hotel Suites

Beyond Bliss Hotel Suites

3 out of 5
4555 Marine Ave Powell River BC
The price is AU$212 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
AU$212
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Creative Rift Studio and Gallery and Powell ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (437 reviews)
Clean room, comfortable beds, spacious bathroom, good location.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Beyond Bliss Hotel Suites
The Lund Resort at Klah ah men

The Lund Resort at Klah ah men

3 out of 5
1436 Hwy 101 Lund BC
The price is AU$147 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
AU$147
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lund. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Popular attractions Lund Lake and Manzanita Hut are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (243 reviews)
We arrived late and check in was easy! The heat was turned on in our room and the room was clean and well supplied!

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

The Lund Resort at Klah ah men
Powell River Town Centre Hotel

Powell River Town Centre Hotel

3.5 out of 5
4660 Joyce Ave Powell River BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$212 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$212
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Powell River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
Powell River Town Centre Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.



Historic Powell River Townsite Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: