By: Jessica Bingham
Across the province, numerous options are on offer from coastal communities to a river-view float home
Merritt -Located in the Nicola Valley south of Kamloops, Merritt is known as the Country Music Capital of Canada and home to the Rockin’ River Musicfest. Recent Listing: This rancher-style, 2,538-square-foot home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, in-ground swimming pool and a funky open-concept kitchen with cherry-red appliances—plus a family room downstairs. $489,000
Blind Bay – Shuswap Lake is renowned for golfing, hiking in nearby provincial parks and lots of water activities. Recent Listing: This rancher has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a two-bedroom in-law suite, and is close to the lake, golf, marinas and a shopping centre. $429,000
Princeton – Princeton’s lakes, trails and beaches are attracting newcomers who embrace cross-country skiing, mountain biking and kayaking—to name just a few outdoor pursuits. Rich in the history of the 1860 Blackfoot Gold Rush, Princeton also offers three ghost towns to explore. Recent Listing: Beautiful six-bedroom, four-bathroom log home right next to Manning Park. Over 3,500 square feet with a self-contained suite that’s suitable for rental. $438,300
Osoyoos – The town offers artisan stores, trendy spas and plenty of dining. Boating, fishing, hiking and swimming are just a few of the reasons Osoyoos is known for fun in the sun. Recent Listing: A resort-style 1,085-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo features lake views, an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant on the premises. The suite is fully furnished. $449,000
Fairmont Hot Springs – This resort community is located in southeast B.C., nestled right between the Rockies and the Purcell mountain range, and is home to Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs. Recent Listing: This completely renovated four-bedroom, three-bathroom home sits right on the golf course. The home has 3,198 square feet and features an open living area, plus a fully finished basement with a sauna. Perfectly situated for golf course in the summer and skiing in the winter. $479,000.
Castlegar – From its vantage point at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia rivers, Castlegar offers an abundance of hiking trails, fishing, climbing, golfing and backcountry skiing. Recent Listing: This three-bedroom, three-bathroom contemporary home with sunken living room and custom kitchen also features a large patio with an outdoor fireplace/oven and a legal one-bedroom suite. There’s an oversized garage that accommodates larger vehicles and the concrete driveway has room for an RV or boat. $479,900
Cranbrook -Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Cranbrook is an adventure playground with golfing, hiking and fishing—all a short distance from this lovely city. Recent Listing: A four-bedroom, four-bathroom 3,581-squarefoot house features a custom kitchen, vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace, plus a hot tub on the patio deck, which backs onto the golf course. $499,900
Sechelt– Located on the Sunshine Coast just north of Metro Vancouver, this small seaside community is surrounded by the Coast Mountains and is known for its for sunny weather and vibrant arts community. Recent Listing: Built in 2018 and located in the new Edgewater waterfront development, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse offers 1,270 square feet of living space. $489,900.
Keats Island- This small island just west of Bowen Island has several beaches and is blanketed with forests. The island is accessible by a foot-passenger ferry from the Langdale ferry terminal and by water taxi from Gibsons and Horseshoe Bay. Recent Listings: Only a short walk to the beach, two legal lots with ocean views are for sale: one lot contains a three-bedroom Pan-Abode cottage with a workshop; and the other houses two storage sheds and an insulated tent in which to park the Ford 250 XLT that comes with the property. $445,000
Port Alberni– Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island at the head of Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni has stunning views from almost every angle. Recent Listing: Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on half an acre at Sproat Lake, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home features 2,132 square feet of living space including a 600-square-foot patio. $449,900
Richmond- Thinking of being a bit more creative, as in living in a float home? This Richmond home is close to Vancouver, close to the airport and home to farms and the quaint community of Steveston. Recent Listing: This 1,982-square-foot, three-bedroom-plus-den home on a concrete float features oak flooring, a sprinkler system and moorage options. The large south-facing deck has a wonderful river view. $399,000
Spirit Bay-Spirit Bay is located on the southern point of Vancouver Island— south of Metchosin—where colourful seaside homes mark this quaint community. An option to build a custom home: The Astoria is a 646-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage with a wraparound deck. The design features nine-foot ceilings, hardwood flooring and double-glazed windows. Priced between $400,000 and $500,000 depending on finishings