BCO Coastal Gems: Quadra Island

Quadra Island is the largest (approximately 34 km long) and most populated (approximately 2,500 full-time residents) of the Discovery Island group. It lies between Campbell River on Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of British Columbia, off Canada's west coast. 

Quadra's residents enjoy a rural lifestyle surrounded by a clean unspoiled environment. The breathtaking wilderness scenery, mild temperate climate, and natural beauty make it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. 

There are complete services on the island as well as a wide variety of accommodation and dining from deluxe resorts to rustic campsites. Unlimited adventure recreation includes sport fishing, diving, hiking on over 200 km of hiking trails, sea kayaking, powerboat and sailing. There are many beaches, sheltered coves, protected channels and islets along the intricate shoreline and the rich waters fed by large tidal exchanges nourish abundant marine life.  

All regular services are available on Quadra and the full service community of Campbell River on Vancouver Island is just a 10-minute ferry ride away from Quathiaski Cove. From Heriot Bay, ferry service operates to Whaletown on Cortes Island.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Agricultural Land Reserve in BC

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) affects a number of properties in BC and it is important to understand if a property you are interested in happens to be in the ALR. The Agriculture Land Commission (ALC), the body that governs the ALR, defines it as:

"The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial zone in which agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are restricted."

Quadra Island

Residential and recreational properties can be found within the ALR, and it is a good idea to understand what restrictions that places on the property. The ALC website provides clear guidelines in this regard, as well as providing mapping of ALR land in BC.

The ALR protects approximately 4.7 million hectares of agriculturally suitable land across British Columbia, according to the ALC. Buying property within the ALR does not stop one from having a home on the land, it does however restrict what activity the land can be used for.

Sayward Valley

It is also important to note that different municipalities and regions may have zoning bylaws that also affect the land and uses.

Keep in mind that buying property in the ALR means your neighbours are likely in the ALR as well, and may well be engaged in agricultural practises - this could mean all the unique things that are part of farming and agriculture are part of your neighbourhood (e.g. machinery noise, fertilizer spreading, etc).

ALC website: http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

The Agriculture Land Reserve in BC

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is always a hot topic in BC. The Agriculture Land Commission (ALC), the body that governs the ALR, defines it as:

"The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial zone in which agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are restricted."

Quadra Island

Residential and recreational properties can be found within the ALR, and it is a good idea to understand what restrictions that places on the property. The ALC website provides clear guidelines in this regard, as well as providing mapping of ALR land in BC.

The ALR protects approximately 4.7 million hectares of agriculturally suitable land across British Columbia, according to the ALC. Buying property within the ALR does not stop one from having a home on the land, it does however restrict what activity the land can be used for.

It is also important to note that different municipalities and regions may have zoning bylaws that also affect the land and uses.

Keep in mind that buying property in the ALR means your neighbours are likely in the ALR as well, and may well be engaged in agricultural practises - this could mean all the unique things that are part of farming and agriculture are part of your neighbourhood (e.g. machinery noise, fertilizer spreading, etc).

ALC website: http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

BCO Coastal Gems: The Discovery Islands

The Discovery Islands are a group of islands in the narrow Inside Passage between eastern Vancouver Island and the remote BC central mainland coastline. First the home of many First Nations groups, in the past hundred or so years many other groups of people have explored the islands, some staying to put their own marks on the place.

The Discovery Islands are made up of a number of islands. The two most well known of these are Quadra and Cortes. These also have ferry service originating in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Due to the easier access, these are the most populated of the islands as well. Some of the other islands, such as Sonora and Stuart, have become popular resort and vacation destinations, with many private retreats. 

The islands are inhabited by an eclectic mix of environmentalists, homesteaders, resource workers and independent thinkers. In addition, the summer population more than doubles with adventure seekers, nature lovers and boaters all converging on the islands during the warmer months.

The diverse population is attracted to the islands specifically because of the diverse nature of the place. From the amenities and services found on Quadra and Cortes to the remote shores of East Thurlow, the islands offer an escape from the urban environment. 

With short distances between the islands and the communities of both Campbell River and Powell River near by the Discovery Islands provide an easily accessible get away. The many smaller islands which dot the waterways add to a sense of adventure and escape. So many places to explore!

Add in amazing fishing, diverse wildlife and resident whale populations, and it becomes evident that the islands really do offer something for everyone.

The region is popular as a repeat destination and for recreational properties because it has so much to offer, keeping people coming back time and again.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island

Rebecca Spit, on Quadra Island, is one of those magical places that you find on the east coast of Vancouver Island and throughout the magnificent Discovery Islands. The spit itself is a provincial park, although there is a campground just at the beginning of the spit on private land.

 The park is a long narrow spit with narrow shoreline on either side, paths, a large field in the centre, picnic tables and bbq spots and outhouse washrooms. The road in is a narrow dirt road with parking areas, ending about half way down the spit with a large parking area at the field.

 This is a popular spot for school field trips, dog walking, swimming and sight seeing. The eastern side of the spit looks out towards Cortes Island and is full of driftwood that is excellent for fort-building.

The west side looks over Drew Harbour, which is right next to Heriot Bay. There are often boats moored out in the Harbour, and the west side has nice pebble beach areas, perfect for swimming. This is the side where the picnic tables are located.

 

 

The spit is wonderful in all seasons, and is a fabulous place to spend a day, or an afternoon, or even an hour.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

 

 

(Blog post reprint from July 2013)

Aerial Photography in the BCO Office

Whenever Ed goes out to look at a property by plane, we hand him a list of properties we would like aerial photos for. Some of them will be properties that we want fresh photos of - maybe the first ones were taken on a really grey day, or in winter (so not as green) or only from one angle. Some of them will be new properties.

Gorge Harbour, Cortes

Aerial photos have long been standard in Ed's listings, and are a big help in showing remote properties. They allow clients to get a good look at a large property and allow us to provide some idea of property dimensions and boundaries.

Lot A West Rd, Quadra with and without property lines

When Ed comes back to the office we sit down at one of the computers and go through the photos, sorting them into the property folders so that they can they be incorporated into the respective listing.

Read Island

Sometimes though the best photos are the ones Ed takes in between properties, or the ones he takes as an afterthought. Some of those are our favourites.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

BCO Coastal Hidden Gems: Cortes Island

Cortes Island is a perfect example of west coast island living. As one of the Discovery Islands off the central eastern coast of Vancouver Island it is popular with boaters and vacationers alike. As one of the two Discovery Islands with ferry access, Cortes also attracts a fair number of people year-round, and has a permanent population of about 1000 people. The relaxed, rural lifestyle attracts a cross-section of society, from old school hippies to new age environmentalists, from burned out city executives to small scale farmers - and everything else in between. There is a strong First Nations history and presence on the island as well as a more recent resource-based history and on-going presence.

 

The island is 130 square kilometres and boasts some beautiful beaches as well as gorgeous lakes. Smelt Bay Provincial Park is a popular summer camping destination. There are three main population areas on the island, where one can find a public school, a medical clinic, a library branch and small community amenities.

 

Cortes Island is considered a major gateway to the very popular Desolation Sound region; well known for its waterfalls, secret coves, rock cliffs and tranquil natural beauty with plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and bears. For the outdoor enthusiast it is truly one of the best jumping off points for a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, prawning, kayaking & hiking. This area enjoys a nice temperate climate and the waters here are warmer than in most other areas on the coast.

Access to Cortes Island is a 45-minute trip via regularly scheduled ferry service from Heriot Bay on Quadra Island.  Quadra Island is a short 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River.  During the summer months there is also regular float plane service from Vancouver and Seattle directly into Cortes Bay.

 

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

BCO Coastal Gems: Read Island

Overshadowed by its larger island neighbours Quadra and Cortes, Read Island sits in the heart of the Discovery Islands. Well known now for its easy access beaches and the large provincial park at its southern tip, Read Island has a vibrant if small community that includes a community centre and a public school.

Originally settled by farmers, Read has been home to logging camps, fishermen, fish farms and homesteaders throughout its history. While the year round population is quite small, there are many seasonal visitors who maintain residences, as well as some lodges. The island is water access only, and there is no ferry service.

Amazing water ways, beautiful beaches, stunning rock formations, old abandoned orchards, wildlife and so much more await someone who ventures to Read Island. To truly immerse in the history of the island one can find a number of books that reference Read Island along with the other Discovery Islands. A good one to start with is Tidal Passages. Read about the first farmers, the logging camps, the scandals and the families that formed Read Island into the community it is today. Some of the history exists only in the shape of the land, while other parts are visible in the place names.

 

Read Island is one of those locations that make the coast such a magical place to explore, we hope you get a chance to visit!

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

Marine Parks in British Columbia

The coast of BC is fortunate to have over 40 designated marine parks. These are parks that include both water and land areas but are accessible by float plane or boat only. Many of them allow wilderness camping but only a few offer even basic services (an outhouse, water, campsites).

Rebecca Spit Marine Park

These marine parks run along the entire coast including the islands. They are an attraction for boaters, kayakers, hikers and many others. The largest marine park on the coast is the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park, which consists of dozens of small islands and the waters around them. This park is very popular with kayakers and people whale watching.

 



Marine parks often provide a welcome refuge for people traveling along the coast, and are common meet-up spots for boaters.  Desolation Sound Marine Park, along the central coast, is very popular with boaters due to its protected waters, easy access to the Discovery Islands and its beautiful beaches.

private properties within Desolation Sound Marine Park



Some of the remote and recreational properties we have listed at BC Oceanfront either border or are very near to marine parks. A select few are even lucky enough to be private property within a marine park - very rare.

flying over Surge Narrows Marine Park

Marine parks are an important part of the BC Parks portfolio, they protect some of the most beautiful and remote areas on our large coast, keeping them safe for future generations to enjoy.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

BCO on the Wing: It's All About the Angle

Taking photos from a moving airplane, especially a small one, can be quite the challenge. When Ed and Shelley go up to take photos they know to take lots and lots of images. Sometimes lots of them are amazing, and sometimes lots of them are not so suitable.

A small plane means not a lot of space. Taking photos out the window while staying out of the way of the pilot, staying safe and being aware of when the plane is about to move can be tricky.

Propellers and window frames often get in the shot, as do the wing edges.

 

Light is the other factor that can make a big difference. These two photos are of the same area on the same day, just the angle of the plane in relation to where the sun is in the sky has changed. What a difference!

 

It's always fun to sit down and go through the photos when they come back to the office, you never know what you are going to see!

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

Boundary Markers on the Water

Looking at the land from the water offers a different perspective. One of the things people who are out sight seeing or fishing for the first time may have questions about are some of the markings you can see on apparently unoccupied land. These can appear to be art work or secret messages, but actually they are for the benefit of everyone.
 

When fishing in amongst the islands and just off the coast, it is the responsibility of the person fishing to know and follow the regulations set out by the Department of Fisheries. These regulations include closures, places in the water where fishing is not allowed, or is only allowed to certain sectors of the fishing community (commercial, sport, etc). The boundary markers are generally visible from the water, some newer than others, some faded with time (many boundaries have been in place for years). Sometimes good old-fashioned signs work.

The markers are generally a triangle and a square, although there is no clear definition on the DFO website as to which is used when and generally the regulations will simply say "between the boundary markers at ..." Whenever you see one of these markers, search the shore opposite (often in a bay) for its mate. Line the two markers up, and the "invisible line" between the two markers is your boundary. You don't want to get caught on the wrong side of the line, as there can be hefty fines!

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

Accessing the BCOceanfront Coast

BC's coast is a vibrant, active place - and it is also very large with lots of water and forests. Getting access to many of the regions and properties can seem daunting, until you speak to locals and people who are in the area frequently. In the BCOceanfront office, understanding the many forms of coastal access is crucial, as so many of the properties we visit are in amazing and remote locations.

The first level of access is BC Ferries. This is the main way most people access Vancouver Island (some fly over) and certainly is the most common way to access most of the more populated islands along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island (lower Gulf Islands, Gabriola, Quadra and Cortes, Denman and Hornby, Malcolm and Cormorant, etc).

The next level is by private, paid boat. On the west coast there are larger foot passenger/cargo boats that service Nootka Sound as well as Barkley Sound. As well, most coastal communities will have water taxi service available to take you to more remote locations.

Some people prefer float plane as a quick way to access remote coastal areas. This works especially well for the mainland coast where there are no roads and boating across the strait can be time consuming. Float planes operate out of most the towns and cities along Vancouver Island.

Forest Service Roads are the backbone of island access, especially in the central and northern sections of Vancouver Island. These are roads put in for the use of the logging companies, that are open to public use. Caution is always advised when travelling on these roads, and keep in mind smaller forest service roads can be over-grown if they are no longer in service. The larger forest service roads are a major system for recreational access to many of the camping areas and lakes on the island. The most common source of mapping is the BC Backroads MapBook for Vancouver Island, and some Search and Rescue groups also sell maps of the various regions.

Watch for wildlife as well!

The need for some extra planning in accessing these areas is what adds to their beauty and appeal for most people. For those who live and play along the coast, the forest service roads and waterways are an extension of the highway system just as a subway would be to someone from a large city.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!