Cottage real estate region: Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast’s relative quiet, abundant sea life, and natural beauty make it one of the most desirable cottage areas near Vancouver, especially since it’s only a 40-minute ferry ride away. (Be warned: the ferry is very busy on summer weekends.) This area’s protected waters are a haven for recreational boaters, saltwater anglers, and kayakers, while lush forests offer excellent hiking. Inland mountains get plenty of snow and are popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

The major communities on the lower coast—Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour—and Powell River on the upper coast, offer the amenities and services of larger cities, and both Sechelt and Powell River have hospitals.

Stretching about 180km, the Sunshine Coast has road-accessible waterfront along its entire length and dozens of islands just offshore. In some areas, waterfront homes are clustered tightly along the shore, while other areas offer complete privacy.

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