Day Three of Lower Mainland BC Road Trip: Lonsdale to Sunshine Coast and Powell River

Day three of our Lower Mainland BC road trip took us along a route we drive frequently when we want to get from our home in Powell River to and from the big city or Bellingham.

First at the Horseshoe Bay lineup, our ferry in the distance.

We waited for the morning rush hour traffic to subside then drove from the Lonsdale Quay Hotel to catch Highway 1 northbound.

Our first stop was the Horseshoe Bay BC Ferries Terminal. We had a reservation for the 11:55 ferry going north to Langdale on the Lower Sunshine Coast.

But today it wasn't very sunny. At least the rain showers were light, making driving not too difficult.

We got a front row spot so remained in our car.

Front row on the upper deck of the Queen of Surrey.

There are comfortable seats and food service on the passenger deck. If you are parked on the enclosed lower deck you must go upstairs. If you are on the open upper deck you can remain in your car if desired. You can also walk on as a foot passenger and have an economical round trip scenic "cruise."

The first stop was the Langdale Terminal where we exited the ferry to take Highway 101 north along the Sunshine Coast. This is a beautiful drive through lush forests with glimpses of the Strait of Georgia along the way. The 84 km (52 mi) drive takes about an hour and a half.

Driving Highway 101 on the Sunshine Coast to Powell River.

Highway 101 is part of the Pan-American Highway that runs all the way to the tip of Chile.  Lund, a village 28 kilometres (17 miles) north of Powell River, claims to be Mile 0. The two lane road is good but has lots of winding curves as you near the Earls Cove Ferry Terminal.

Scenic Trout Lake is a favourite viewpoint north of Sechelt.

About a third of the way up you pass through the Village of Sechelt with full services including gas, food, lodging, camping and outdoor activities.

Other stopping points not far off the highway include: Gibsons where the popular Canadian TV series The Beachcombers was set, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour and Egmont with it's impressive and dangerous Skookumchuck Narrows rapids.

Backeddy Marina is popular with locals and cruisers.

We were early for our second ferry at Earls Cove so we decided to head over to Egmont for an early dinner at the Backeddy Pub.

We've been here before by car and in our own boat.

Docking at the Backeddy Marina can be challenging for boats when the tide is running strong because Skookumchuck Narrows is just around the corner.


We got on the Island Sky for the last ferry ride home. Gray skies made photos naturally black and white. Looking up Hotham Sound on a sunny day is very different.

Comparing Hotham Sound as seen from the ferry in clouds and sun.

After a 50 minute ride we arrived at the small residential community of Saltery Bay.

Driving off the ferry at Saltery Bay.

It was originally the site of a fish salting company back in the early 20th century, hence the name. From there it's about a about 40 minute drive to Powell River.

Along the way there are several resorts, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and sporting goods establishments. There's also the ocean, forests and the expansive sky to enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed our Lower Mainland road trip and can come visit our Powell River home town sometime soon. I know you will enjoy it as much as we do. -- Margy