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Islands of Howe Sound High Speed Internet
One of the funny things about living in the early 21st century is the fact that, while hooking into the grid for electricity, water, and sewer is not possible throughout much of Howe Sound, hooking up high-speed internet is relatively easy. To be sure, it's a little...
Getting Around Howe Sound
Getting around Howe Sound, BC Ferries does not offer car ferry service to many destinations in Howe Sound. You can take a car ferry to Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast, but there are currently no plans for a Gambier/Keats,but that doesn't mean you're out of luck....
Howe Sound Marinas
Lions Bay, Sunset, Sewell's, and Thunderbird Marinas are all great choices for the jumping off spot for your Howe Sound Island adventures. Each one offers a slightly different service and location, I would recommend a personal inspection to ensure that your...
Off-Grid, But Not Offline:
A few years ago, Gambier Islander Sean Murphy decided that he needed high speed internet access, and so began G.R.I.P. The at-cost community project connects to the mainland using a wireless station on the southern tip of the island to deliver the service via a series...
How to Book an Island Tour
Islands, Islands everywhere but how to begin? So the dream of owning an island waterfront acreage or special getaway cabin has moved up the must have list and you are commencing to gather information, and knowledge about Island Real Estate. I have had the...
Island Modular Homes
It appears when it comes time to build their dream home many Islanders are opting to go modular.
Survey results for “Top Ten Essentials in Your Island Tool Box”
In a survey of over 225 Island Clients, we asked for their "top ten essentials" in their island tool box. The response was overwhelming with more than 50% responding. As one might expect, the responses were as varied as the people on the island, but a clear theme...
Load Creep
Load creep is an important yet commonly overlooked aspect of designing a new solar system for off-grid living. When our clients first approach us looking for a solar solution, regardless of it being a new installation, or an upgrade of an...
Replica Breitling – Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42
All dials are characterised by Arabic numerals that are hallmarks of the Premier line and protected by cambered sapphire crystals glareproofed on both sides. The open sapphire crystal caseback is domed to allow for full appreciation of the B21 movement, where the...
The Perfect Storm February 04 2019
The PERFECT STORM pounded Lions Bay Marina early Monday morning, 15 foot high tides combined with unprecedented strong winds ranging from 75-101 KM/h over a 10-hour period. The water was wicked and literally lifted 9 boats off their DRY LAND moorage and tossed them...
The Return of the Humpback Whales Feb 08-2019
The following wonderful video was shot and produced by Bob Turner a local Bowen Island Resident. Bob talks about the return of these majestic and magical mammals to the Howe Sound/Atl'kitsem area.
Brigade Bay a Gambier Island Community, Howe Sound
68 Lot Waterfront Subdivision Sold out in 2 phases the summers of 2004 & 2005 Average lot size 5 acres All properties have their own drilled wells All...
Onsite Wastewater Systems 101 (Septic)
In our daily lives we shower, wash dishes and clothes and go to the bathroom. We use sinks and toilets and what we put in them gets flushed down the drain and few of us ever consider where that goes. Most people, especially those who live in large metropolitan areas,...
West & North Vancouver Active Statistics (move mouse over graphs)
West & North Vancouver Detached Home Sales (10 years) West & North Vancouver Average Sales Price (10 years) West & North Vancouver Average Inventory-last day of month (10 years) West & North Vancouver Average Days on Market (10 years) North Vancouver...
Howe Sound Gambier Island Barge Transportation
This is how all products move on and off the island. Most shipments originate out of Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. Mercury Transport is shown in the attached photo and is the largest barge provider in Howe Sound.
Points Of Interest In Howe Sound
Sunset Marina Sewell's Marina Thunderbird Marina Halkett Bay Provincial Park Plumper Cove Marine Park Camp Fircom Camp Artaban Barnabas Family Ministries Keats Camp Lions Bay Marina
Gift ideas for a Howe Sound cabin and off-grid living
Perfect for the simplest off-grid cabin. Stovetop popcorn maker Air poppers have changed the way people make popcorn, but over the past few years, stovetop popcorn has been making a comeback. You can pick these gadgets up in most cooking shops, but Lee Valley Tools...
Fircom Plateau a Gambier Island Community,Howe Sound
Fircom Plateau Community Fast Facts 60 Lot Non Waterfront Huge View Community A 3 phase...
Sunset Estates a Gambier Island Community,Howe Sound
14 Lot Waterfront Subdivision Developed in 2006 Average lot size is 5 acres All properties have their own drilled well All properties have proven septic fields. Easy to develop...
West Bay Landing a Gambier Island Community
West Bay Landing Fast Facts 48 Lot Waterfront Subdivision Sold out summer 2003• Average lot size is 5 acres All properties have their...
7 questions to ask yourself before purchasing an island property
Island living, especially on undeveloped BC islands, is not for everyone. But for those looking for a remote wilderness experience, there are some incredible opportunities out there — some as close as an hour away from Vancouver. The big question is: Is island living...
Hardy Island History
Sir Thomas Hardy 1860 Captain George Richards in his surveying ship, the Plumber, christened the island. King George III's Navy was well represented in these parts: The largest island was named after Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson. The next largest for his friend,...
Islands Trust
Established in 1974 as a response to what was, at that time, a disturbing trend towards over development, the Islands Trust now governs land use and regulates development on 13 major islands and hundreds of smaller islands off the south coast of BC between Vancouver...
Hardy Island
Hardy Island • 47 Lot Water Front Subdivision • Sold out Summer 2004 • Lots size from approximately 5 to 27 acres • Lots average over 1000 feet of waterfront. • All properties have their own drilled wells • Zoned RU-1 and RU-2 • Zoning permits the construction of 2...
Gambier Island Howe Sound History
Captain George Vancouver Names Gambier Island June 1792 HMS Discovery The First European to enter the waters of Howe Sound was Captain George Vancouver in June 1792.Captain Vancouver was in Command of the HMS Discovery and HMS Catham. At this time he named the sound...
Douglas Bay a Gambier Island Community,Howe Sound
The Community of Douglas Bay Fast Facts 53 Lot Bare Land Strata Waterfront and Non-waterfront Subdivision A 5 phased development ( November 2004 to...
Hublot replica – Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud
The fixel bezel with six H-shaped screws frames a satin-finished anthracite grey sunray dial with blue chronograph counters and polished ruthenium-plated appliques and hands swiss replica watches. The black polished ceramic caseback reproduces a printed "Bol d'Or...
Nothing says “I’ve left the city” quite like an outdoor shower
Regardless of whether your cabin is an ultra-luxurious waterfront home or a DIY shack in the woods, nothing says you've left the city quite as well as the outdoor shower. Some might cringe at the thought, imagining that this involves standing under a dribbling solar...
Deer-proofing your Howe Sound garden
For the average city slicker, the first time you encounter a deer gently meandering through your island property is a magical moment. The first time you discover the tree that you lovingly planted the previous weekend completely denuded of leaves eaten by a deer… not...
HMCS Annapolis New Home Halkett Bay, Gambier Island Howe Sound
Since 2009, plans for sinking the ship the HMCS Annapolis have met with considerable push back. Those opposing the project argue that it would disrupt a sensitive marine environment, as well as bring boat-loads of divers into an otherwise quiet bay. Opponents found an...
Someones Dream Getaway Gambier Is. Howe Sound
One of the things I love about working on Gambier, is the diversity of projects I get to watch come together. Some folks go in full-bore, right from the start, taking on large-scale projects like this one, whereas others opt to establish a camp, constructing a few...
Tiny Gambier Island Cabin
A tiny Gambier Island cabin on 5 acres caused a stir on the internet in 2010 for its simple, modern, utilitarian design. The building and design process for the cabin was featured in a post entitled Four People (and a Dog) Living in 180 Square Feet on the design blog...
Howe Sound Gambier Island Cabin Construction
In 2014 Tamlin Timber Frame and Log Homes built a cabin on Gambier Island. Specializing in remote builds,it was built in the middle of a winter with a completion by summer. In the photo above, you can see the workers assembling the SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)....
Howe Sound Inspiration for small-space cabin living
Whether you're a die-hard proponent of small-space living, looking to build a simple starter cabin, or want to build a guest bunkie, going small doesn't mean you have to compromise style or comfort. This roundup of tiny cabins proves it, starting with the one above....
A little off-grid inspiration
This sunny, simple, off-grid cabin located in upstate New York exemplifies the sort of structures we're seeing built these days throughout Howe Sound. Because so many of the properties feature two building sites, many settlers choose to begin their multi-year projects...
Gambier Island, Howe Sound : A hiker’s paradise
Just 25km from the steel and glass of downtown Vancouver, Gambier Island is a hiker's paradise. With no car ferry service to the island, there are few people and even fewer vehicles — but considerably more nature. Those who discover Gambier for the first time feel as...
Winter Is Coming: How to prepare your Howe Sound Cabin
Islanders are a lucky bunch. During wintertime, they don't face as many of the challenges other cabin owners do in the interior or other parts of the country. The temperate climate of Howe Sound rarely delivers the worst winter has to offer, BUT winter does rear its...
Wells 102: Water, water, everywhere,Developing your well
People have been pulling water out of wells for a long time, and yet these days they are an object of mystery for us city dwellers who've grown used to just turning on a tap whenever we'd like a drink. When you get right down to it, wells — especially drilled wells —...
How to choose the right set of wheels
One of the beautiful aspects of life on Keats and Gambier Islands is the almost total lack of traffic. Hours can go by — or sometimes even days — before you hear the sound of an engine. The reason, of course, is because there is no car ferry servicing the islands, so...
Wells 101
For anyone considering an off-grid property, it's important to know what you are getting yourself into. "Getting away from it all" doesn't just mean you're leaving behind the noise, traffic, pollution and the crowds. It means leaving behind the convenience of being...
Tips for keeping your island vehicle running for years to come
Keeping your island vehicle in good running condition is a must. Nobody wants to start off the weekend trying to start a cranky truck, and then — having failed that — hauling gear and a loaded cooler up to their get-away. The primary problem facing remote vehicle...
Celebrating the Dolphins Return to Howe Sound
It is a big deal to see these beautiful animals back in their home waters. Ken Wolder, owner of Lions Bay Marina, was so excited that he had a whole building dedicated to their return. Well done, Ken!!!
Solar Power 101
In the city, power couldn't be easier. Just find an outlet, plug in, and you're ready to go. Off-grid living, however, is a whole different situation. First, you have to figure out a sustainable power supply. Then you need to select appliances and lighting that won't...
The Dolphins are Back in Howe Sound
No one is quite sure why Pacific white-sided dolphins have returned to Howe Sound, but one thing is for sure: they're a sign that this ecosystem — once all but dead — is making a truly inspiring recovery. One theory behind the dolphins' return is that it's due to the...
Cotton Bay a Gambier Island Community
4+11 Lot Waterfront & Non waterfront Subdivision Phase 1 (4 properties 2010) Phase 2 (11 properties) pending Average lot size is 5 acres West facing, fantastic sunsets Frontage varies...
Meet the Tiny Getaway – Fircom Plateau Community, Gambier Island
Less than two months after the project started, the Gambier Island Tiny Getaway is finished! The development team put the finishing touches on it just over a week ago, and shortly thereafter a photographer friend hopped the water taxi to capture these shots of the...
The Fircom Plateau Community on Gambier Island Site of the Tiny Getaway
Anybody who pays attention to recreational real estate has noticed a growing trend, or more accurately, a movement, towards building tiny homes. In fact, that's even what it's called: The Tiny House Movement. While luxury homes can be beautiful, designed...
