Imagine leaving work at 5:00 on Friday night and arriving at your summer cabin in time for a summer cocktail and barbeque before sunset. The reality of many island commuters is that they end up paying $100 or more to spend their Friday night drinking diet coke and eating a burger aboard BC Ferries on a three hour commute to their cabin. Meanwhile they have overlooked the convenience and charm of the islands in their own back yard. The islands in the Howe Sounds- Keats Island, Gambier Island and Bowen Island have all the advantages of the southern Gulf Islands and are a mere 30 minutes or less from Horseshoe Bay by ferry or water taxi. Whether your ideal BC Coastal retreat is a cabin in the woods or a cottage in the village these islands offer something for everyone at a price that is comparable or better then the Southern Gulf Islands.

Keats Island is the outermost island in the Howe Sound. Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast lie to the north and Bowen Island and Vancouver lie to the east and south. Keats Island comes alive in the summer time as the seasonal residents return to their island retreats. Along with the 400+ summer residents, there are two summer camps and a provincially owned marine park with overnight camping. Most of the island residents access the island via the Government docks at Eastbourne and Plumper Cove, via water taxi from Horseshoe Bay or Gibsons or BC Ferries passenger ferry from Langdale. Vehicle traffic is minimal as cars need to be barged over and gas is located on the mainland. Residents take a short boat ride to Gibsons to stock up on groceries and supplies. Real Estate on Keats Island ranges from $200k for a small cabin on an interior lot to $1.2 million for waterfront acreage.

Gambier Island is the largest of the three main islands in the Howe Sound. Its mountainous peaks frame the view as you drive the Sea to Sky highway, and are a source of numerous scenic hiking trails. The 125 year round residents and over 600 seasonal residents live primarily in Gambier Harbor and West Bay, however recent development has seen a number of new communities along the shores of Gambier Island. The Gambier Island General Store and Gambier Island Community Centre "the Hall" are the hub of summer activity. The General Store is well stocked with island living necessities and even supplies fresh bakes goods. Everything from classes in Tai Chi, to annual summer barbeques are put on at "the Hall". Once again vehicle traffic is limited as the access to the island is via a passenger ferry from Langdale or water taxi form Horseshoe Bay or Gibsons. Real Estate prices range from 250K for a small cabin on an interior lot to well over 1 million for a large waterfront acreage. Recent new subdivisions have seen prices range from $150K-$450K for lots on and off the water.

Bowen Island is the most populated island in the Howe Sound. 1500 year round residents and 4000 seasonal residents make Bowen Island a bustling and active community. With a long history of being a destination playground Bowen Island offers the infrastructure of a small town, the pace of island living and the recreational opportunities to keep you busy all summer long. Hike year round on the trails, enjoy a hot chocolate at the world famous Cocoa West, park your boat at the Union Steamship Marina or go for a swim on one of the many public beaches. Bowen Island offers year round or seasonal coastal living at its best. Just 20 minutes from Horseshoe Bay with BC Ferries, you can be in downtown Vancouver in just 45 minutes. No wonder generations of islanders have called Bowen Island the Happy Isle. Prices for Bowen Island real estate range from $195K for land and $395K for a cabin, and to $2.25 million for a waterfront home on an acre of land.

The search for your coastal home or recreational property should start with a trip to the Howe Sound. As demand for recreational waterfront properties within close proximity of urban centers increase these islands will be in hot demand. Where else can you find the beauty of BC coastal living, boating and recreational opportunities, and the serenity of island living so close to home? www.bccoastalliving.com