Secluded Wilderness Vacation Rentals in Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler and on Vancouver Island

If you want privacy, serenity and an awe-inspiring view of a glistening glacier, then you will feel right at home at this log house in the picturesque Squamish River valley. The Squamish River valley is off the beaten path between Vancouver and Whistler, with only about one hour to Vancouver and 45 minutes to Whistler. The valley is a broad, sunny oasis of lush cottonwood and alders in the flat valley bottom surrounded by steep slopes covered by ancient cedar, hemlock and fir. The mountains precipitously rise over 8000 feet to culminate in snow and ice-clad peaks of the Tantalus Range.

The cabin is nestled on a high terrace on five private tree covered acres. Depending on the season your arrive at the log house you will encounter a plethora of colorful trees, flowering magnolias, roses, lavenders, Japanese maples in beautiful oranges and reds, and many other ornamental trees. If you like blueberries, some 15 bushes surround the house, help yourself. The large surround deck features a pergola in which you can hoist a hammock and swing yourself to sleep in the lull of a nearby waterfall.

The log house has 3 bedrooms total, an upstairs loft and two downstairs with two bathrooms. There is a wood burning sauna in its own log cabin. Unlike many log homes, this one has been designed to let a maximum of light filter into the cozy wood floor interior with 4 skylights, large picture windows and oversized tilt and turn windows in all four directions. You can heat the house with baseboard heaters, or better yet, by lighting a fire in an Austrian style ornamental tile fireplace.

Besides simply relaxing you have the entire spectrum outdoor activities at your feet You can hike to a beautiful waterfall, some 8 km up valley, swim in Alice Lake while gazing at the Mount Garibaldi volcano. A 20 minute drive will bring you to the Squamish Chief, Canada's foremost rock climbing Mecca, or you can kite surf in Howe Sound known for its never ending winds. You can ride your mountain bike on the vast trail system that Squamish has to offer from beginner to extreme. A 40 minute drive will bring you to Callaghan valley, the cross-country and biathlon centre of the 2010 Olympic Games. Another 10 minutes will bring you to the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, where you can enjoy skiing from November until June. If you prefer canoeing, you can start right in Pillchuck Creek which borders the property and paddle a romantic creek to the broad meandering Squamish River that winds its way through untouched wilderness towards the ocean. Or go wild water rafting or kayaking on the wild Ashlu and Elaho Rivers. For anglers, the Squamish and Mamquam Rivers are famous for their salmon runs, with hundreds of bald eagles amassing in the fall to get their share of the protein.

A fifteen minute drive will get you to Brackendale where you can buy groceries or enjoy a hearty meal in a restaurant. Whatever your hearts delight, you will be sure to find it here. Come, stay, enjoy!

French Beach House is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island about an hour North West of Victoria and 20 minutes west of Sooke on the Highway 14. The property is located across the main road from the ocean and is just minutes from the gorgeous sandy and rocky beach at French Beach Provincial Park.

Past French Beach house, farther down Highway 14, you will find China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Mystic Beach and finally Botanical Beach, just pass the town of Port Renfrew. French Beach House is also conveniently located at the trailhead of the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail, making it a perfect home base to explore the spectacular forest and beaches of Southwestern Vancouver Island.

The home is situated at the top of a sloping grassy grade at the back of the 3 acre property. Proceed to the rear of the house to park and you will find the main entrance at the other end of a wonderful little bridge. As you enter the house, the views from the floor to ceiling windows immediately catch your attention. Spectacular vistas of the ocean and Olympic Mountains are available from every room.

The main living area is in front of you, with the kitchen to your right. To the left is a dining room with a stand up bar area and a set of double doors to the deck which spans the entire length of the house, offering more unobstructed mountain and ocean views. At the far right of the house are the bedrooms. The Master bedroom has a wall of windows facing the view and you can access the deck from here or just leave the doors open to have the fresh breeze from the ocean blow across the bed. There is a very funky loft area in the Master which is suitable as a day bed area or for a young teen to sleep. Downstairs features another bedroom with 2 double beds and a third bedroom with a single bunk bed. There is also a games area complete with mini pool table and ping pong. There is also access from here out to the hot tub and yard.

French Beach House is a true delight for anyone who would like to experience the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island without having to rough it. Stay in comfort while exploring the wilderness. A perfect match.

Wistaria Manor is located in a wilderness setting, found in the Lakes District. This is located in the Central Interior of British Columbia. We are excited to share with you this unique area of British Columbia. You will be staying in a very beautiful, well-maintained log home. The manor is situated on 140 acres with vistas overlooking the Coast Mountains and Ootsa Lake. Along with the obvious breathtaking views you will see, you may be privileged to see the unexpected wild big game like black bear, moose, deer, wolf, coyote, cougar, lynx, wolverine, and others who sometime cross through the yard. A spectacular glacier fed lake that is 320 Km or 200 miles long is also part of the view as you enjoy your morning coffee. The mountains across the lake are within the northern boundaries of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, one of British Columbia's largest natural preserves.

As you arrive at the Wistaria Manor you are literally at the end of the paved road. At the Manor you will find ample parking in our drive around parking area. The Manor has a large wrap around deck which is a wonderful area to spend time relaxing and taking in all the views, or barbecuing that special meal. Upon entering the home your first impression is the greatness of the great room with its lofty log interior. You will find information waiting with maps and all local highlights to start planning your time here. This is where you can relax, cook your meals, sit at the table and watch the wildlife pass through the yard or just enjoy the mountain view. You can sit by the fireplace in the evening, read a book or enjoy a movie on the entertainment centre, tucked away in the antique wardrobe.

The large master bedroom, with a queen sized bed and antique furniture is also on the main floor along with the main bathroom. Above the master bedroom is the loft that can be used as a quiet reading area, with a computer hook up for your notebook. The loft overlooks the kitchen and great room and also has a beautiful lake/mountain view. There is a hide-a-bed couch that can be used for sitting or sleeping. Below the main floor on the lower floor, there are two single beds in one guest room and a family recreation room with a futon that will sleep two. You have a powder toilet room and laundry facility here, also.

The surrounding area is populated by working cattle ranches where you will see many more animals than people. There are hay fields all along the road coming from Burns Lake as you wind along the road through many of lakes in the area. You will have an enjoyable ride on the free ferry crossing Francois Lake between town and the Manor. Fly fishing opportunities abound in the small to large lakes. Float tubes belly boat or pontoon boats are ideal for these lakes. Rainbow Trout up 10 lbs. plus can be found in Ootsa Lake. Steelhead Trout and Salmon fishing is less than an hour drive away on the famous Morrice and Bulkley river systems. Big game wildlife viewing and hunting in the fall are some of the reasons we live here. Horseback exploration of the area is a dream come true. You may want to bring your hiking boots, or rent a machine to travel throughout our developed trail and off road systems. There is a guide service in the area that can be accessed as needed for photo safaris or to cross Ootsa Lake and explore the Tweedsmuir Park wilderness where there are no motorized vehicles allowed.

Wistaria Manor is a destination vacation that once tried will always be calling you back.

This spectacular lakefront vacation property with Grand Residence and Guest House provides the ultimate getaway experience. Located on five private acres, on Sakinaw Lake, it is within 2 hours of Vancouver, on the Sunshine Coast in beautiful British Columbia.

The Lake House with 3500 sq. ft and Guest House with 1500 sq ft. offers luxury and privacy, an ideal location for family's vacations, couples or corporate retreats for 6-18 guests. The magnificent Lake House offers 4 spacious bedrooms, including two Masters with Ensuite, and an additional two more bedrooms upstairs, one with King bed and one Twin-bedded room and shared bath. There is even room for additional guests with 3 window daybeds all with stunning lake views.

The custom home features gourmet kitchen with a 9 foot granite island and adjacent large dining room with casual elegant seating for 10. The two storey Great Room features hardwood floors, soaring ceiling, and wood burning fireplace with windows overlooking the pristine waters of Sakinaw Lake. The lower floor Recreation/ Games room with wood burning fireplace gives families plenty of space for enjoyment with French doors leading out to the large lower deck.

The 3 bedroom Guest House features master bedroom with Ensuite, additional king room and a twin-bedded room. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen overlooking the great room with wood fireplace and dining room with seating for 6 guests. Between the Lake House and Guest House is outdoor living at its finest with an outdoor covered sitting area, fireplace and BBQ. There is even outdoor fitness equipment allowing you to enjoy the lake view while keeping up our fitness routine.

Enjoy the panoramic lake and coastal mountain views from every room, sit back and relax in the Adirondack chairs on any of the three expansive decks. Relax by the outdoor fireplace or have a campfire at the lower fire pit. You are steps to the waterfront and two level boathouse where you can fish, kayak or enjoy endless hours of water activities. Sakinaw lake is over 8km and summer water temperatures often reach the over 75 F or 24 C. Located within minutes from the property you can enjoy horseback riding, golfing, or hiking to the famous Skookumchuck Rapids.

Arrive at the property via 40 minutes with BC ferries from West Vancouver, and a scenic 70 minute drive along the Sunshine Coast Highway. You can also choose to arrive in 25 minutes by float plane direct to the property from downtown Vancouver or the Vancouver airport. Concierge services can assist you in planning your transportation.

The Lake House can be rented separately based on date and availability. Prices quoted upon request.