If you do get as far as Powell River, sure you can get the ferry to Comox, but believe it or not, there are things to do in the area. "The top of the Sunshine Coast" has a lot going for it, the back country goes directly into wilderness, with no roads leading inro the area. The Sunshine Coast Trail tracks through the entire area. Lakes abound, major rock climbing areas, a well known forestry canoe route following four or five lakes. The northern end of Hwy 101 is 15 miles away, at Lund, and beyond that one can take in Savary Island, Desolation Sound and the Marine parks among sheltering islands and inlets. The warmest Pacific waters north of Mexico are in Pendrell Sound.