Chinook Salmon — The Iconic Catch of the Pacific Coast

Chinook salmon—also known as King Salmon—are the most prized sport fish on the British Columbia coast, and one of the top targets on our Powell River fishing charters. Known for their powerful runs, deep dives, and impressive size, Chinook offer one of the most exciting fishing experiences on the Salish Sea.

These salmon are the largest of all Pacific salmon, with many fish ranging from 10–30 pounds and trophy-sized Chinook reaching over 40 pounds during peak season. Their rich, firm, orange flesh is renowned for its flavor, making Chinook not only thrilling to catch but incredible to take home for the table.

In the waters off Powell River, Chinook can be found year-round, with strong seasonal runs that draw anglers from across the Sunshine Coast. We use high-quality gear, premium bait, and advanced Lowrance electronics to locate active fish, giving you the best possible shot at landing a true West Coast king.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to salmon fishing, targeting Chinook is an unforgettable experience—and a highlight of any Coastal Wonders charter.

Lingcod

Lingcod are another favorite on the Sunshine Coast, especially for anglers who love bottom fishing. These aggressive predators are known for their wide mouths, strong strikes, and the ability to grow impressively large. Powell River’s rocky reefs, underwater ledges, and deep structure create perfect habitat for Lingcod, offering consistent action throughout the season. With firm, white, restaurant-quality fillets, Lingcod are considered one of the best-tasting fish you can bring home.

Why We Target Them

Whether we’re trolling for Chinook or jigging for Lingcod, both species offer:

• Exciting fights for anglers of all skill levels

• High-quality fillets perfect for grilling or smoking

• Reliable seasonal fishing along the Sunshine Coast

• Ideal conditions in Powell River’s clean, nutrient-rich waters

Join Coastal Wonders to experience some of the best Chinook Salmon and Lingcod fishing on the BC coast, guided by local expertise and supported by top-of-the-line equipment.

Humpback Whales 

Humpback whales are one of the most breathtaking sights along the Sunshine Coast and Powell River, often spotted feeding, breaching, or cruising through the deep coastal channels. These massive, migratory whales return to the Salish Sea each year to take advantage of rich baitfish and calm coastal waters, offering visitors unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Our Powell River sightseeing and whale-watching charters frequently encounter humpbacks alongside dolphins, seals, sea lions, and eagles, giving guests a rare chance to experience BC’s marine wildlife up close. If you’re searching for natural beauty, dramatic ocean scenery, and incredible whale sightings, Powell River is one of the best places to explore.

Orcas 

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are iconic residents of the Salish Sea. These intelligent and powerful marine mammals travel in family pods and are often seen hunting, socializing, and surfacing along the Sunshine Coast. Powell River offers excellent opportunities to observe both transient (Bigg’s) orcas, which hunt seals and porpoises, and occasionally resident orcas, which feed on salmon. With their striking black-and-white markings and dynamic behaviour, orcas are one of the most sought-after wildlife encounters on our sightseeing tours. Spotting a pod gliding through the calm coastal waters is a highlight for many guests exploring the wild beauty of British Columbia.

Sea Lions 

Sea lions are a lively and entertaining part of the Sunshine Coast marine ecosystem, often seen resting on rocks, barking loudly, or cruising along the shoreline. Around Powell River, both Steller sea lions and California sea lions are common throughout much of the year. These powerful swimmers gather near bait balls and salmon runs, making them a regular sight during fishing and sightseeing charters. Their playful behaviour and bold personalities make them a guest favourite on Coastal Wonders wildlife tours.

Harbour Seals 

Harbour seals are one of the most frequently spotted animals around Powell River. These curious, gentle marine mammals are often seen resting on logs, popping their heads above the surface, or following boats with quiet interest. Known for their expressive faces and speckled coats, harbour seals are a charming part of the Salish Sea experience. They’re a great introduction to local wildlife and are loved by guests of all ages.

Spot Prawns 

The waters around Powell River offer excellent harvesting opportunities for BC spot prawns, a premium species known for their sweet flavor and delicate texture. Spot prawns thrive in the deep, cold waters of the Salish Sea, making them a local favorite during the spring prawn season. Many visitors come to the Sunshine Coast to experience prawn trapping, a fun and rewarding activity that highlights one of the region’s most sustainable seafood resources. Fresh spot prawns are considered one of the finest delicacies on the Pacific Coast.

Bald Eagle Couples — Icons of the Powell River Coastline

Along the rugged shoreline of the Sunshine Coast, bald eagle pairs are one of the most powerful and memorable sights you can encounter during our Coastal Wonders charters. These majestic birds often mate for life, returning year after year to the same towering nest high in the coastal evergreens. Watching a bonded eagle couple soar together above the water—wings spread wide, scanning for salmon, herring, and other prey—is an unforgettable moment for wildlife lovers.

Bald eagle pairs are especially active during the spring and early summer, when they’re busy raising their young. Guests often spot them perched side by side on driftwood, calling to each other, or performing their impressive aerial displays over the Salish Sea. Their presence is a true symbol of the wild beauty of Powell River and a reminder of how alive and thriving this coastal ecosystem really is.

Whether you’re joining us for a fishing trip, a wildlife tour, or a sunset cruise, keep your eyes on the treetops—bald eagle couples are never far away.

The Powell River Hulks — A Floating Forest of History

One of Powell River’s most unique and unforgettable sights is the collection of massive concrete ships known as the Powell River Hulks. These historic vessels form the world’s largest floating breakwater and are an iconic landmark on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. For visitors, boaters, and history lovers, the Hulks offer a rare chance to see a living museum of West Coast maritime history up close.

Built between the First and Second World Wars, these ships were originally part of a bold experiment in steel-saving shipbuilding. When their working years ended, they were moored in Powell River to protect the waterfront and the mill from harsh ocean swells. Today, the Hulks rest quietly in Millennium Park’s sheltered waters, creating a calm harbor for marine life and a dramatic backdrop for sightseeing tours.

Each ship has its own story—some served in wartime convoys, others transported essential goods along the coast. Over the decades, the ocean has helped transform these hulks into floating ecosystems. Their concrete hulls now shelter schools of baitfish, starfish, anemones, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and numerous seabirds, making the area a favorite stop for photographers, wildlife watchers, and charter guests.

When explored from the water, the Powell River Hulks are truly awe-inspiring. Towering walls of weathered concrete rise from the sea, covered with decades of marine growth and textured by powerful tides. They stand as a symbol of both human innovation and nature’s resilience—slowly aging, slowly changing, and quietly supporting a thriving marine community.

For guests joining our charters, cruising past the Hulks is like stepping into a forgotten chapter of coastal history, and it’s one of the most searchable and photographed attractions in Powell River. Whether you’re here for fishing, sightseeing, or a custom tour, the Powell River Hulks offer a glimpse into the past and a story you won’t soon forget.