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!

Winter is a Relative Term

On the south-west coast of British Columbia, we are fortunate to escape the worst of Canadian winters. At this time of year, when most of the country is in the grips of the cold snow and deep freeze that is a typical Canadian February, Vancouver Island and the BC south coast are usually gearing towards spring. It is hard not to call friends and family back east to check on their winter progress as an opportunity to remind them of the mild weather out here!

That is not to say that cold snaps don't happen, or that we don't get some snow, as we do get the occasional snow fall. However, those are the exception and there can be years that no snow falls on the populated areas of Vancouver Island (our mountains on the other hand can get exceptional snow fall thanks to winter storms). A cold snap usually lasts no more than a few days before temperatures once again warm up, and snow doesn't generally last long on the ground.

There are variations in the island's climate from north to south. The north generally gets more rain, and has milder temperatures. The central eastern coast side also gets a fair bit of rain, but experiences warmer summer temperatures. The south coast of the island, around Victoria, tends to be the mildest and receives less rain than the rest of the island. The west coast, being more open to the Pacific Ocean, receives more storm action but also has milder temperatures.

Campbell River enjoys temperatures on average between -2 and +23 degrees Celsius. Summer is generally mild and dry. Winter does bring rain to the island, with November usually seeing the most precipitation in a given year. The rain storms of winter provide some amazing 'storm watching' opportunities, not only on the more rugged and open west coast of the island but also here on the east side of the island. Beach combing after a winter storm is a great outdoor activity.

piled up driftwood after a January storm in Campbell River

 

This mild island weather means access to the outdoors is year round on the entire island. This includes fishing in both rivers and the ocean, as well as year round hiking and other outdoor pursuits such as cycling. Add in a local ski hill and you have the best of both worlds in one place. Fly fishing in the river one day, skiing on the hill the next, and a good walk whenever the mood strikes - all are available here in the middle of winter.

And of course, starting in February the garden colours start to show, providing a welcome reminder that spring is on its way!

 

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



Coast Realty Group 30 Years

You may have noticed an updated logo adorning our media and ads these days:

Coast Realty Group is celebrating 30 years of service on Vancouver Island. Do you know the history of this great company?

From the Coast Realty Group Website:

In 1984 six Nanaimo Realtors envisioned a new style of real estate leadership. They broke-free from franchise restrictions in order to establish an independent Company that was, and remains, committed to serving the needs of clientele and Sales Representatives (always known as REALTORS®). Armed with only a protractor the group of top-producers collectively designed a symbolic logo that embodied the unique flavour of the Canadian west coast: a mountain, the ocean, and a single seabird. This enduring icon represents the unforgettable landscape and endless possibilities available on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. It has also come to represent Coast Realty Group; a Company synonymous with integrity, information, and innovation.

Since its inception Coast Realty Group has sustained steady, upward growth due to the ethical standard the founders inspired. Growth proves client confidence and Coast Realty Group has continued to open new office locations and attract discerning sales professionals because of its pledge to integrity. In 1993 Coast Realty Group began its steady expansion from a single office to its current 12 offices - from Ladysmith to Campbell River and Ucluelet to Powell River. Coast Realty Group specializes in the art of west coast living. Today, Coast Realty Group works in partnership with more than 250 Sales Representatives and Administrative Professionals, seven Regional Managers and one General Manager. Each Coast Realty Representative has been selected for their outstanding commitment to customer service and successful business practices.

Coast Realty Group's independence has allowed the company to create a contemporary Website that serves as a portal of centralized information. One click will conveniently take Clients to any of the geographical areas Coast Realty represents and offer details regarding Representatives, open houses, new listings, and virtual tours. Our online real estate listings feature a wide variety of apartments, businesses, and homes for sale on Vancouver Island. The website also offers monthly MLS® statistics for the overall Vancouver Island real estate market, as well as its regional markets.


Coast Realty Group has expressed its dedication to innovation by offering well-trusted Insurance and Mortgage services, as well as Property Management. Furthermore, Coast Realty Group has developed a network of strategic alliances across Canada; a network of independent real estate companies sharing information, resources, and a common vision. Through integrity, information, and innovation Coast Realty Group puts People. Above all.  

 

 BC Oceanfront is proud to be a part of this island company.

 

 

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

Dolphins and Porpoises

Dolphins and porpoises have been in the news a fair bit lately, with some large groups being spotted from ferries and city harbours. We are fortunate here on the coast to be able to see a number of different species. These include the Dall's Porpoise, Harbour Porpoise and the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin.

Campbell River and the surrounding waters are prime viewing for these playful creatures, and with the BC Oceanfront Team spending so much time on the water it's only to be expected that we've seen our fair share of these fun creatures!

The above photos were taken in 2012 from Ed's boat by his daughter.

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

BC Coastal Gems: Nootka Sound and Surrounding West Coast

This region of the West Coast of Vancouver Island is known for its rugged and remote landscapes, dramatic outer reefs, long expanses of pristine beaches and wide variety of indigenous wildlife.  Marine wildlife in this area includes killer whales (Orca), gray whales, seals, porpoises and sea otters as well as an abundance of black bear, cougar, deer and other land dwelling species.  The stunning scenery, attracting anglers, kayakers, divers, campers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts to the wilderness area, enhances this isolation.

The fishing, kayaking and other recreational adventure in this region is outstanding.  Sheltered bays and protected coves in and amongst the islets provide for hours of exploration and relaxed quiet tranquility as your kayak glides effortlessly through the stilled waters. The waters themselves offer an abundance of large Chinook salmon as well as some of the smaller salmon species and an impressive variety of bottom and deep-sea fish from Halibut, Red Snapper and Ling Cod to Black Sea Bass, Skate, Prawns and salt-water varieties of crab.

 

Access to these remote locations is by floatplane or by boat from the towns of Tahsis and Zeballos, which offer some local services and amenities, or from the remote adventure camps scattered throughout the region. The small community of Tahsis is located 2 ½ hours drive west of Campbell River on Vancouver Island and is approximately 20 miles by boat from these pristine properties. These areas are abundant with the beautiful and unequalled scenery of the wilderness beauty that this region is world renowned for.

The MV Uchuck III provides year-round freight and passenger service for west coast communities in Nootka Sound, Friendly Cove, Tahsis and Kyuquot including Esperanza Inlet and the Nuchatlitz Inlet region. The route travels through Nootka Sound, up Tahsis Inlet and out from the Esperanza Inlet, rich in native culture and history, to the ocean. Arrangements can be made with the Uchuck III for you to be dropped off and picked up at points along the route.

The Different Coasts of Vancouver Island

Most people don't think of islands as being very different from one side to the other. But Vancouver Island is a bigger island than many people realize and it differs greatly from one coast to the other.

Vancouver Island is approximately 460km long, 80km across at its widest, and has an area of just over 32,000km. It is the biggest island on the coast of North America. The defining feature of the island is the Vancouver Island Mountain Range which runs up the centre of the island. These mountains are home to Comox Glacier, Della Falls (Canada's largest waterfall) and the Golden Hinde, the highest peak on the island at 2,195 metres.

 Vancouver Island Mountains

The west coast of Vancouver Island is open to the Pacific Ocean. The constant wave action and storms of the open ocean have shaped this coast, which is famous for its deep bays with sandy beaches and windswept rocky coastline in between. There are fewer people living on the rugged west coast, and road access is limited to a few points of access from the east side of the island. The west coast constantly attracts outdoor enthusiasts for its rugged beauty, amazing open water fishing and stunning landscapes.

 

Rugged Point

Raft Cove

The east coast of the island, facing out to the Strait of Georgia (and Strait of Juan de Fuca on the south end) is a much calmer coast. Typified by sandstone, cobblestone and smooth rock shorelines with pockets of sand beaches (notably in Parksville and between Courtenay and Campbell River) the east coast is more protected for the most part and less rugged. While winter storms still hit on the east coast, they are not as aggressive in wave action as on the west coast of the island.

Campbell River

Saanich

The east coast also provides access to the mainland of BC through the ferry service from both Nanaimo and Victoria. The main highway system runs along the east side of the island, and most towns and cities have been built from the water inwards. While there are still more remote areas on the east coast of the island, most of them are towards the north after Campbell River.

Discovery Passage, north of Campbell River

Thanks to its size and geography, Vancouver Island offers an array of outdoor experiences, from calm ocean kayaking among small islands in the Strait of Georgia to wild and wet storm watching on the west coast. Both sides of the island offer amazing beauty and incredible regions to explore, vacation in or call home.

West Coast Vancouver Island

 

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!