In B.C., not only is waterfront living possible and affordable, the opportunities are almost too numerous to mention. Whether you want your waterfront retreat to be within mountain wilderness, flat desert or pristine forest, chances are it’s available. Here is our round-up of the best new waterfront developments and our favourite waterfront communities.
By Robin Brunet
Waterfront Living in Thompson Okanagan
The Landing at Wood Lake, Lake Country
Twenty-five two- and three-bedroom town homes with rooftop terraces have a blend of contemporary and modern beach house elements–entirely appropriate, considering Troika Developments has situated this cozy community at the southern end of Wood Lake, overlooking the Okanagan Valley.
Water feature: The Landing is part of Lake Country, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Okanagan.
Numbers game: In addition to the exemption from speculation tax, Lake Country has legalized short-term vacation rentals.
Number of units: 25.
The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake, Osoyoos
The Cottages, on the shores of the famously warm lake, give full access to the swimming, boating, water-skiing (plus winter skiing and nearly year-round golf) the area is known for. The homes themselves exhibit classic architecture and are being built with life’s simple pleasures, rather than lavish lifestyle features, in mind.
Water feature: The Cottages have direct access to a sandy beach and marina, and nearby Vaseux Lake provides great fishing for large-mouth bass and rainbow trout.
Number of units: 285.
West Harbour, West Kelowna
This 45-acre community on the west shores on the Okanagan Lake is a single- and multi-family home development with 500 feet of sandy beach, an outdoor pool/spa, and a future recreation centre. It’s close to vineyards, farmers markets, dining and shopping.
Water feature: The Mediterranean-inspired designer homes are augmented by boat slips and nearby marina access.
Experts: West Harbour was created by Troika Developments of Kelowna, commited to building communities that enhance and protect their surrounding environments.
Number of units: 225.
Tobiano, Kamloops
Ranch land, mountain vistas and gently rolling landscapes are just some of the scenic attractions for residents of this master-planned community located above the shores of Kamloops Lake in the Thompson Okanagan. Tobiano is being called “home ownership with an 18,000-acre backyard.”
Water features: Residents have access to a freshwater marina, three fishing lakes, horseback riding and more.
Getting around: Homes at Tobiano are grouped into four neighbourhoods, connected by landscaped walkways and riding paths.
Number of units: 1,500.
Skaha Hills, Penticton
This master-planned community boasts an unbeatable location: on the hills above Skaha Lake. The Vistas is the development’s third neighbourhood offering and consists of one-level terraced rancher living spaces with the amazing views that the Skaha region is famous for.
Water feature: Directly north of Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake is a popular windsurfing and kiteboarding destination.
Location: In South West Penticton and offers convenient beach access as well as golf, hiking and biking trails.
Number of units: 600.
McKinley Beach, Kelowna
The 872 acres of protected landscape, designated parks and trails and a gorgeous slice of waterfront make this a prime Okanagan lifestyle community. Among the various residential developments in this area, Beachhouse is a limited offering of lakeside town homes and condos combined with boutique commercial space.
Water feature: A kilometre of sunny beach on the east shores of Okanagan Lake.
Experts: North American Development Group is using the protected indigenous landscape and a sustainable construction process to create amenities anchored in health and nature.
Number of units: 254.
Gyro Beach Townhomes, Kelowna
This series of homes (each with its own private elevator and rooftop patio, in addition to contemporary open design living areas with nine-foot clear-span ceilings) is located in Kelowna’s trendy Lower Mission. This means the best of both worlds for residents, who can just as easily go to the beach for a swim as they can enjoy the more than 55 neighbourhood shops and 26 nearby places to eat.
Water feature: Directly across from popular Gyro Beach
Work ease: Some units have been designed for home-based businesses and have separate entrances.
Number of units: 36.
Paradise Estates, West Kelowna
Nestled between the shores of Okanagan Lake and a vineyard, 22-acre Paradise Estates was purchased in 2015 by Gasland Properties Ltd. It transformed the property into a community with 21 homes crafted around sculpted green landscaping and natural rock outcroppings.
Water feature: A communal recreation area with a water feature and fireplace is the meeting point for residents; private boat slips and a sandy beach are at the doorstep.
In and out: The home designs make the most of their surroundings: collapsible doors invite the outdoors in, while private rooftop hot tubs provide views of the lake and mountains.
Number of units: 21.
Waterfront Living in Vancouver Island
Royal Bay, Colwood
Once a quarry, this site is becoming a modern seaside community on a 419-acre plot with 1.3 kilometres of spectacular shoreline. The Royal Bay Community is creating a safe and walkable community for everyone from first-time buyers to seniors. A secondary school and walking trails have been developed, with shops, services and other amenities to come.
Water feature: A beach park has already been built as part of the master plan.
Experts: Gablecraft Homes is the primary builder offering heritage-inspired homes.
Number of units: 2,800.
The Beach House at Saratoga, Saratoga Beach
This area in the Comox Valley (between Comox and Campbell River) is home to nearly five kilometres of soft sand beaches bookmarked by two provincial parks–a haven for vacationers for decades. With the 34 beautifully crafted cottages coming soon, a new generation of residents can enjoy a lifetime of vacations.
Water features: Because the beach continues for well over a mile into the Strait of Georgia, the waters are warm, shallow, and great for swimming, plus free of powerboat traffic or strong currents.
All access: The homes provide direct access to oceanfront that’s suitable for people of all ages.
Number of units: 34
Fairwinds, Nanoose Bay
Set among the rolling hills leading directly to the bay’s waterfront (northwest of Nanaimo), this community has amenities such as award-winning golf, a private wellness centre and walking trails. Seven hundred homes have been carefully developed here, with plans for 2,100 more spread across 750 acres.
Water feature: A full-service marina at Schooner Cove and picturesque views of the Georgia Strait and coastal mountains are part of the package here.
Location: The landscaped home lawns and the manicured fairways of the Fairwinds Golf Club contrast with natural rocky terrain.
Number of units: 2,800.
SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort, Sooke
This collection of cottages and surfside yacht suites are anchored on a solid rock peninsula on the southwest tip of Vancouver Island. Residents can go diving just below their decks, and the homes are situated around a planned village centre with retail and commercial space.
Water feature: Landus Development Group Inc. is creating a true ocean community: residents see only water when they look out their windows.
Perks: The homes are built seven metres above and set back five metres from the sea.
Number of units: 103.
Wild Coast Cottages, Port Renfrew
This seaside community consists of two developments: Water’s Edge Cottages and Creekside Cottages, both of which take full advantage of Port Renfrew’s unique lifestyle. It has been described as a place to hang your fishing rod or grab your surfboard–an outdoor mecca full of rivers, tall trees and hiking.
Water feature: The village is centered around the local wharf.
Experts: Three Point Properties Ltd. developed Wild Coast Cottages.
Options: Choose from a mix of comfortable cottages and larger custom oceanfront homes.
Number of units: 100+
Bayview Place, Victoria
Focus Equities is creating a truly unique waterfront community by combining a revived historic rail yard with a mix of residences: four towers (the fourth is now in previews) comprise 1.5 million square feet of residential space, and residents will enjoy the amenities of 70,000 square feet of commercial space.
Water feature: Bayview’s districts are oriented along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and many of the residences have spectacular ocean views.
Perk: Downtown Victoria is only a 10-minute walk away.
Number of units: 10 high-rise towers in total.
Spirit Bay, Metchosin
The juxtaposition of ancient forest with sparkling ocean is the lure of this authentic seaside village located on the shores of the Salish Sea. The developers created a picture-postcard village in a forest clearing, with homes built to the water’s edge and augmented by narrow roads, low fences and other features that encourage human interaction.
Water features: Aquatic opportunities range from boating (a marina is located at the base of Spirit Bay village) to scuba diving.
Hotspot: Jacques Cousteau named nearby Race Rocks one of his favourite scuba spots on the Northwest Coast.
Number of units: 400-500.
Waterfront Living in Sunshine Coast
George Marine Residents, Gibsons
Think B.C. waterfront, and you might picture a community nestled amid a network of piers and pylons, foot bridges and twisting walkways–precisely the experience provided by this spot in Gibsons Landing, gateway to the Sunshine Coast. It’s a collection of one-, two- and two-bedroom-plus-den homes.
Water features: A full-service marina plus the perks (concierge services, fitness facility, fine dining) of the future George Marine Resort Hotel will be at your service.
Getting around: A brand new seawalk will connect the residences, the hotel and the marina to Gibsons.
Number of units: 40.
The Strand, Sechelt
This striking collection of three-bedroom town homes includes nine two-level oceanfront residences and 11 uniquely designed four-storey ocean-view homes with private elevators. Large roof terraces provide commanding views of Trail Bay, the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island, while floor plans emphasize flow and natural light.
Water features: Nearby Snickett Park on the Sechelt waterfront is the place for beach lovers.
Perks: The charm of Sechelt’s shops and restaurants is augmented by a regional hospital and other services.
Number of units: 20.
Edgewater at Porpoise Bay, Sechelt
Surrounded by marine areas, provincial parks, and pristine shoreline. Sechelt has long been coveted as a hotspot for Sunshine Coast recreation. This beloved artisan community is also a vibrant retail and entertainment hub–which is why ONNI decided to develop this private enclave of three- and four-bedroom beachside Craftsman-style town homes.
Water feature: The property spans more than 300 metres of beautiful shoreline.
Location: Soft sand, lush lawns, sculpted landscapes and full southwestern sun are features of this site.
Number of units: 33.
Waterfront Living in Howe Sound
Seymour Landing at Cowan Point, Bowen Island
The foothills of Bowen Island’s vast Crown Lands and ecological reserve facing Seymour Bay are a key contributing factor to the beauty and security of this master-planned community of homes, town homes, cottages and cluster housing–also located close to a nine-hole golf course with ocean views and two tranquil neighbourhood beaches.
Water feature: Seymour Bay offers stunning views of Vancouver and its bridges.
Getting around: A future passenger ferry will put Vancouver a half-hour away; West Vancouver is 20 minutes away via the Bowen Island Ferry.
Number of units: To be determined.
Waterfront Living in Fraser Valley
Lakeside Cultus Lake
Located an hour east of Vancouver and just south of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Fraser Valley and a mecca for summer recreational activity. The resort-style residences here, with private docks and on-water recreational pavilion, take full advantage of the pristine surroundings.
Water features: Each home faces the lake and, in addition to parking for two vehicles. comes with a boat slip and freehold title.
Getting around: While Vancouver is an easy drive to the west, Lakeside residents have even quicker access to the farms, villages, nature parks, and burgeoning urban centres of the Fraser Valley.
Number of units: 21.
Waterfront Communities We Love
Here are some of our favourite waterfront towns and cities in B.C.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Campbell River
Waterfront: Discovery Passage
Move for: Fishing in the salmon capital of the world.
Courtenay/Comox
Waterfront: Strait of Georgia
Move for: Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.
Cowichan Bay
Waterfront: Cowichan Bay
Move for: Beachcombing, scuba diving, boating.
Cowichan Lake
Waterfront: Cowichan Lake
Move for: Some of the best flyfishing in Canada.
Nanaimo
Waterfront: Nanaimo Harbour
Move for: Whale watching, sailing, beaches, paddling.
Parksville/Qualicum
Waterfront: Strait of Georgia
Move for: Sandy beaches and hiking/biking trails.
Port McNeill
Waterfront: Queen Charlotte Strait
Move for: Ocean fishing charters, coastal hiking trails.
Port Alice
Waterfront: Neroutsos Inlet
Move for: World-class saltwater fishing.
Tofino/Ucluelet
Waterfront: Clayoquot Sound
Move for: Pacific Rim National Park, storm watching and surfing.
Victoria
Waterfront: Inner Habour, Ogden Point
Move for: Floatplane access to Lower Mainland; nearby communities include Esquimalt, Colwood, Oak Bay, Saanich and Sidney.
SUNSHINE COAST
Gibsons
Waterfront: Gibsons Harbour/Strait of Georgia
Move for: Paddling, fishing, boating.
Sechelt
Waterfront: Davis Bay/Strait of Georgia
Move for: Surfing the Sechelt Rapids in Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park.
Powell River
Waterfront: Salish Sea
Move for: More than 36 regional lakes, fjord-like scenery and canoeing.
NORTH COAST
Masset
Waterfront: Dixon Entrance
Move for: Fly fishing in Naikoon Provincial Park
Prince Rupert
Waterfront: Prince Rupert Harbour/Skeena River
Move for: Photography while cruising in Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary.
THOMPSON OKANAGAN
Kamloops
Waterfront: North/South Thompson Rivers, Kamloops Lake
Move for: Lake and river boat launches; floatplane dock on Thompson River.
Kelowna
Waterfront: Okanagan Lake
Move for: Beaches, wakeboarding, snorkelling.
Lake Country
Waterfront: Wood Lake/Kalamaka Lake/Okanagan Lake
Move for: Beach picnics/sports, swimming, boating
Osoyoos
Waterfront: Osoyoos Lake
Move for: Warm freshwater lake, wakeboarding.
Penticton
Waterfront: Okanagan/Skaha Lakes
Move for: Banana boating, parasailing, wakeboarding, tubing.
Summerland
Waterfront: Okanagan Lake
Move for: Jet-skiing, paddling, beaches.
GULF ISLANDS/HOWE SOUND
Bowen Island
Waterfront: Howe Sound
Move for: Scuba diving, beachcombing.
Gambier Island
Waterfront: Howe Sound
Move for: Privacy, since it’s boat-only access.
Saltspring Island
Waterfront: Ganges Harbour; Strait of Georgia
Move for: Island life, paddleboarding, fishing.
COLUMBIA VALLEY
Invermere
Waterfront: Windermere Lake
Move for: Boating, hot springs, rafting
SHUSWAP
Blind Bay
Waterfront: Blind Bay
Move for: Golfing, water-skiing and beaches.
Salmon Arm
Waterfront: Shuswap Lake
Move for: Camping, dragon boat racing, paddling.
Sicamous
Waterfront: Mara Lake/Shuswap Lake
Move for: Houseboating, water-skiing and wakeboarding, fishing.
CARIBOO
Williams Lake
Waterfront: Williams Lake
Move for: Paddling, picnicking and beaches on Scout Island.
KOOTENAYS
Christina Lake
Waterfront: Christina Lake
Move for: One of the warmest and cleanest lakes in B.C., plus endless watersports.
Nelson
Waterfront: Kootenay Lake
Move for: Windsurfing on the lake’s west arm, annual regatta, diving.
FRASER VALLEY
Harrison Hot Springs
Waterfront: Harrison Lake
Move for: Sandy beaches, water parks, hot springs.