Powell River, British Columbia

Powell River, located 166 kilometers (103 miles) north of Vancouver on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, is the site of some of the best scuba diving in the world. Explore the underwater kelp forests, swim with red snapper and yellow-eye rockfish, and discover schools of perch, sea bass, gobies, and herring.

But spectacular scuba diving is just one of the attractions of Powell River. Accessible only by plane or by ferry and road, the town has long attracted people looking for a safe community surrounded by nature and isolated from the big-city bustle. Artists and other creative types make their home here along with forestry workers, miners, and fishermen. The mix of different types of people – long-established and newcomers – give the town a vibrancy and unique sense of community. As well, Powell River hosts several community events – the Sea Fair and the Blackberry Festivals in August and the International Choral Kathaumixw, a festival of choral music featuring singing competitions and performances by Powell River's own distinguished choir, River Academy Choir.

Of course, being located on the Sunshine Coast, there had better be lots of sun in Powell River. In contrast to rainier coastal areas, the city receives between 1,400 and 1,900 hours of sunshine each year. And, with lots of sun, recreational opportunities are everywhere. Take a sea kayak off the area's many beaches, bays, and inlets in summer. Desolation Sound is one of the best places to spot wildlife, such as seals, eagles, and vultures, and its waters are so clear, you can often see right down to the ocean floor. In winter, the spectacular mountains nearby offer fabulous skiing and snowshoeing.

With such a variety of activities, it's obvious that Powell River offers a very high quality of life. Good schools, excellent public services, and affordable historic homes make it a wonderful place to settle.

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