vancouver-island-resort-for-sale-costs-less-than-some-bc-homes
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Vancouver Island resort for sale costs less than some BC homes

ByRyan Hook

If hospitality comes naturally to you, the Beachcomber RV Resort on Vancouver Island could be your dream property. Priced at $7.5 million, this unique resort offers an exceptional blend of proximity to the city with a serene, secluded atmosphere amidst the breathtaking Pacific Northwest scenery. Plus, it’s a more affordable option (with the chance to bring in revenue) compared to some of the province’s opulent mansions. Colliers International/Unique Properties Accessible via a picturesque rural road, Beachcomber RV Resort is 20 minutes from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal and a short drive from downtown Victoria. The waterfront RV Park and campground features 60 seasonal RV sites with partial hookups with plenty of room to grow the resort. Nestled on just under 10 acres of stunning land, the Beachcomber RV Resort boasts over 1,300 lineal feet of low-bank, walk-on ocean frontage. Colliers International/Unique Properties The resort features three main components. The upper level, located at the end of Campion Road, is perched on a bluff with breathtaking views of the Southern Gulf Islands and Mount Baker. This area includes a 1,176-square-foot residence, perfect for enjoying the expansive vistas. The lower terrace, situated at sea level, is home to the RV park, which includes 60 seasonal RV sites — many just steps away from a beautiful, swimmable beach. Colliers International/Unique Properties The resort operates seasonally and generates income through the rental of serviced RV pads. Sites offer 15 and 30-amp power and water hookups. The resort’s 1,223-square-foot, two-bedroom caretaker’s home and office offer comfortable accommodation for an owner or manager, and the property’s flexibility allows for seasonal, nightly, or weekly rentals. Colliers International/Unique Properties As detailed in the listing, the Beachcomber RV Resort’s land designation means it could be rezoned to accommodate further tourist commercial development, such as cabins, a boutique resort, or even luxury residential development. In a market where $7.5 million might buy you a single-family mansion in Victoria, the Beachcomber RV Resort appears to offer some exceptional value and a unique chance to own a resort destination on Vancouver Island.

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Floating B.C. fishing lodge selling for the same as Vancouver condo

ByBrendan Kergin

There’s getting away from the bustle of city life, and then there’s this. For those looking to get away from the city but stay near the ocean, “Hole in the Wall” could be the answer. The off-the-grid floating fishing lodge is located off of Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast, in a little sheltered body of water called Critter Cove. It’s essentially two cabins floating on connected docks, along with picnic tables, a fire pit, and more. The lodge was built by a large family to create a place to fish and enjoy nature; as such, it has seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. Those looking to follow in the family’s footsteps could seek out salmon, halibut, spot prawns and more from the substantial structure. At $789,000 it’s relatively inexpensive when compared to other homes on B.C.’s coast; in Vancouver, a one- or two- bedroom condominium is what you’re looking at for the same price. That said, it’s unlikely to be a permanent residence, given its remoteness and how rough winters can be on the Pacific, even in a sheltered cove. It’s so remote the closest community is Gold River, an already relatively remote village; it’s 40 minutes away by boat. The village of Tahsis is also close, relatively speaking. However, it does have plenty on offer to hole up for a while: modern items like a dishwasher, satellite TV and a deep fryer (among other things). It should be noted that because it’s floating, no land is part of the deal.

14-awesome-free-things-to-do-around-victoria
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14 awesome FREE things to do around Victoria

ByDaily Hive StaffMaddie Clerides

Life can be expensive, we all know that. But if you’re looking for things to do around Victoria without opening your wallet, you’re in the right place! From getting outdoors to soak in the city’s natural beauty to heading indoors to learn about BC’s rich history, here are 14 activities to do around Victoria that will keep your wallet happy. Explore Beacon Hill Park Beacon Hill Park, Victoria (Sarah Greeley/Shutterstock) With well-maintained pathways, peacocks, and pretty ponds, this stunning park is popular with tourists and locals alike. The park contains a number of amenities, including wooded and waterfront trails, two playgrounds, a waterpark, open fields, a petting zoo, tennis and pickleball courts, and landscaped gardens. The traditional name of the hill is míqәn (“MEE-qan”) to the Songhees people, meaning “warmed by the sun.” Stroll around the Inner Harbour Inner Harbour and Fairmont Empress (Sheri Radford) One of the most beautiful parts of Victoria is the ever-changing views from the harbour. From watching the seaplanes take off to the twinkling lights of Parliament, there is always something beautiful to see here. Frequently, live music and local artisans pepper the harbour’s sidewalks, which creates a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere to enjoy. Enjoy a day at the beach There are plenty of beaches to visit during your trip to Victoria. Gonzales Beach is one of the more popular beaches for water sports, but people also go there to relax and soak up the sun. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Olympic Mountains from here. Alternatively, Willows Beach in the beautiful neighbourhood of Oak Bay has soft, whiter sand and is a popular destination in the summer months. Putter through a farmers’ market There are plenty of farmers’ markets in Victoria happening all year round. Victoria loves to support fresh and local products, making these markets very popular and perfectly representing the slower pace of island living. Some of these are open all year round, and some only in the summer. Check them out here. Attend a Parliament building tour The BC Legislature in Victoria (BGSmith/Shutterstock) For an activity that is equal parts beautiful and educational, Victoria’s stunning Parliament buildings are open for both free guided tours and self-guided tours on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The tours are offered regularly and throughout the day, making this a convenient free activity. Note that the tours are closed on weekends and statutory holidays. Wander through Fan Tan Alley Named after the Chinese gambling game “Fan-Tan,” this famous alley was well-known for producing opium until it was made illegal in 1908, as well as gambling. Now, this historic alley in Chinatown is lined with eclectic shops, galleries, cafes and more. It’s the narrowest commercial street in North America, at less than three feet wide at its narrowest point! Don’t forget to explore the rest of Chinatown after you squeeze your way out of Fan Tan Alley, as it is Canada’s oldest. Marvel at the Totem Poles in Thunderbird Park Josef Hanus/Shutterstock Thunderbird Park was established in 1941, when a collection of totem poles from the Royal BC Museum was put on display. While the poles and anthropological efforts have evolved since then, each pole tells a unique story, which is helpfully explained by surrounding signage. These beautiful totem poles are a wonderful photo opportunity and also offer key insights into the region’s Indigenous culture and history. Hike or bike the Galloping Goose Regional Trail For outdoor enthusiasts, pack your hiking boots or bring your bikes to explore the Galloping Goose Trail. This scenic route stretches over 55 kilometres of Pacific Northwest perfection, winding through forests, farmlands, and urban landscapes. Plus, the Banfield dock is a perfect way to take a swim and refresh yourself before heading out again! Discover Government House Government House is the office and official residence of the lieutenant governor. The grounds and garden are free to visit and open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. For those wanting to learn more about this richly historic building, be sure to register ahead for a guided tour. You can explore the famous gardens in addition to the interior of the Government House. Visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Art Gallery of Greater Victoria/Julian Worker (Shutterstock) The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is always updating and changing its collections for a fresh experience. The normal admission rate for the gallery is $15, but there are exceptions. Admission is free on the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to 5 pm and every Thursday from 5 to 9 pm. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of every month and always free for anyone under 25, support workers, and Indigenous Peoples. Attend a free concert Victoria is known to host free concerts, festivals, and events happening throughout the city. From outdoor performances in parks to cultural celebrations, these free events pick up when the weather gets warmer. Check out the City’s guide to free events here. Watch the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf Fisherman’s Wharf is a colourful and quaint area that offers lots for visitors. There is a brand-new park for children to enjoy, and there are a ton of food kiosks and shops. There are also frequent seal visitors too. Walk Ogden Point Twighlight in Breakwater, Ogden Point/Nature’s Charm (Shutterstock) The Ogden Point Breakwater is a popular walk near downtown Victoria for locals. It follows

what-bc-parks-is-doing-about-the-struggle-to-find-parking-at-popular-hikes
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What BC Parks is doing about the struggle to find parking at popular hikes

ByMegan Devlin

Picture this: it’s 10:30 am on a summer Saturday, and you’ve left Vancouver for an adventure in the mountains. Once you press the brakes for traffic jams along the Sea to Sky highway, you realize every parking stall along the entire corridor must be full. There’s a sign indicating Porteau Cove isn’t accepting any more visitors, and vehicles are lined up at the entrance to Murrin Provincial Park and Brohm Lake. Over at Stawamus Chief parking, late arrivals are circling the lot, waiting for the early birds to finish their hike. Sound familiar? Metro Vancouver weekend warriors know that the hardest part of any adventure may be finding parking at the trailhead. BC Parks tells Daily Hive it’s aware of the problem and has added more parking at a select few of the most popular trailheads. But crowd control otherwise has come in the form of reservation systems — both for day-use passes and for camping. “As more people explore British Columbia’s spectacular outdoors, we’re investing in our parks to ensure we can continue to provide quality outdoor recreation experiences for everyone to enjoy,” a BC Parks spokesperson told Daily Hive. The Sea to Sky corridor, in particular, is very popular. It’s seen visitor numbers increase markedly over the last five years. BC Parks said it’s made the following parking upgrades in response: Garibaldi Rubble Creek: Parking lot upgraded to improve traffic flow in 2020 Garibaldi Diamond Head: Road to Elfin Lakes trailhead improved and widened, with about 20 parking spots added in 2021. Just this year, about 10 more spots were added to the chain-up parking area Stawamus Chief: 37 spaces added recently Alice Lake: 10 to 15 spaces added at Four Lakes Trail in 2021 But aside from those additions, BC Parks advises adventure-seekers to arrive early or plan their visit by booking a day-use pass. Part of the problem is that few of the spectacular nature opportunities near Vancouver are transit-accessible. The ParkBus non-profit service tries to bridge that gap by offering coach service to some popular destinations such as Cultus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes, and Golden Ears. However, its limitations include nearly $100 for a roundtrip ticket and a single trip per day. What are your strategies for finding a spot for an outdoor adventure? Let us know in the comments.