Best of Powell River: CIVIC PRIDE

BEST REASON TO MOVE HERE: “THE LOCALS ARE NICE.” - Kathy Bennett

BEST REASON TO STAY AWAY: “THE LOCALS ARE CRAZY.” – Kathy Bennett

Best of Powell River

COVID-19 restrictions. An overdose crisis. Economic mayhem. A curtailed mill. No doubt, 2020 is raw in ways many of us haven’t experienced before. Together with the turmoil, the Best of Powell River recognizes there’s still much to celebrate here.

BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

#1. Westview

#2. Townsite

#3. Cranberry

Staff notes: Congratulations, Westview! Only once before, in 2017, has Westview beat out Townsite for this category. This year, the victory was decisive. Why? Our theory is walkability. Given climate change awareness, the high price of gas, and the new COVID-inspired home-boundness, tucking into your own neighbourhood is trending in 2020. Westview has it all: restaurants, shops, beaches, parks, protests and more, all at your front door.

BEST LOCAL SOUVENIR, FREE

#1. Beach Glass

#2. Texada Flower Rock

#3. Photos of sunsets

Best answer: seaweed for my compost • sand in my shoes.

BEST LOCAL SOUVENIR, PAID

#1. Pollen Sweater

#2. West Coast Thick merch

#3. Townsite Brewing beer

BEST EVENT OR FESTIVAL

#1. Blackberry Fest

#2. Logger Sports

#3. PRISMA

Staff note: Sadly, both Blackberry Festival and Logger Sports are cancelled this year (thanks, Coronavirus) and PRISMA – which was online – is now over.

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION

#1. Sunshine Coast Trail

#2. Lund

#3. The beaches