West Coast Beaches

The West Coast of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii is a very different place to the mainland coast. the Inside Passage or the east side of Vancouver Island. The beaches are more windswept, more open and rugged. The expanse of water to the west is mind boggling, as you stare out and realize that there is nothing between you and the Japanese islands on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.

Ucluelet, Tofino and Long Beach and the West Coast Trail are of course the most popular west coast spots, but don't miss out an opportunity to explore further afield. You will be glad you did.

Raft Cove, Vancouver Island

North Beach, Haida Gwaii

North Beach, Haida Gwaii

Tofino area, Vancouver Island

San Josef Bay, Vancouver Island

 

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

BCO Fishing

Whether it is out on the open west coast waters, off the shores of Campbell River, on a row boat in the Tyee Pool, or fly fishing in the local rivers, all the families of the BCO office have taken full advantage of the great summer fishing.

It started in June with Ed having an opportunity to get some fishing in while doing some work in Haida Gwaii. A unique experience, as they went out on a local commercial boat.

Both Ed and Shelley have been up in the Quatsino/Winter Harbour region of the island, fishing and crabbing with good success.

Shelley and her family have been fishing off Campbell River with good success as well, we all remember the big fish of uncertain weight she caught earlier this summer! And just this week Shelley had the opportunity to fish in the Tyee Pool where she may not have got to ring the bell but she certainly experienced a great night on the water!

Louise is booked for the Chum derby in the fall already.

Kate's family prefers fresh water fishing with both spin rods and fly rods, and her husband and son have been out fly fishing for trout and now pink salmon regularly this summer, with some success and a lot of fun.

We really do love this life!

 

 

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

BCO Lesson - Be Prepared

Many of the properties we market are remote, and we love them as do our clients. They are accessed via Forest Service Roads, private gravel roads, water, and long stretches of unserviced highway. There is often no cellular service, and certainly no wi-fi. So if you are going to travel in these regions remember the number one rule: Be Prepared.

private gravel road

blown tire

Vehicle:
Have a spare tire! In addition, a shovel to dig out (from dirt or snow), a mat to lay down on when you look under the vehicle, and a vehicle that can withstand scrapes from overgrown shrubs and trees are all assets. Remember that having warmer temps in town does not mean there won't be snow on the ground in the more remote areas. For some areas, a saw to take apart small windfall that's across the road could be useful.

yup, that's broken

Communication:
Make sure people know where you are going and your approximate time of return. Letting people know your route ahead of time is also a good idea. We always ask people who want to just go look at a property on their own to tell us when they return. Have good maps with you so you can identify where you are, especially if you need to walk out to a more main road for assistance.

stuck in the snow

Supplies:
A first aid kit is important. Extra food and water as it may take longer than you'd expect. Good footwear. Warm clothes and a rain coat. Weather can change quickly on the coast! And for those of you who prefer the comforts of home, a spare roll of toilet paper is nice.

lots of water on hand

We love the coastal wilderness we are surrounded by, and if you are prepared then enjoying it and exploring it can be a great way to spend time.

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

 

River Fishing Vancouver Island

While Vancouver Island is most well-known, and rightly so, for its exciting ocean fishing on both the east and west coast, there is also a vibrant river fishery on the island.

fly fishing on the Quinsam

 

Starting in July from North to South you can find anglers of all sorts in the big rivers, as the salmon return to spawn. Fly fishers and spin casters all have their favourite spots to try their hand at these not-so-hungry fish, a fun challenge.

fishing the Campbell

Many of the rivers have year-round trout populations, providing fishing fun in all seasons, and a few even have steelhead runs to provide a real challenge to eager anglers.

There really is something for everyone!

 

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

Summer Beauty in Strathcona Park

Vancouver Island has an abundance of natural spaces to explore, including a number of provincial parks. Strathcona Park stands out as the oldest provincial park in BC. It straddles the mountains of the central island and provides a variety of opportunities for those wanting to explore a more rugged and remote wilderness. There are also great campgrounds and lakes to enjoy for a more relaxed adventure, as well as small hikes and roadside rest stops.

Upper Myra Falls is about a 1.5 hour hike round trip, through a mountainside forest. There are some tricky bits along the trail where trees have come down. The falls are viewed from a platform built onto the opposite side of the ravine.

Lower Myra Falls empties into Buttle Lake, and are one of the most spectacular falls around. It is a short, but very steep, walk to the viewing area and the middle rocks.

 

Buttle Lake is a long, narrow lake framed by high mountains. It is popular for those with power boats and kayaks/canoes and is also a wonderful place to swim and enjoy a day.

There are nice trout in the lake, and a morning or afternoon fishing is a great way to spend time in this stunning park.

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