Gabriola Island Real Estate

Got The Urge to Wet Your Line!

Regan Lall, Captain of the vessel Eveready, really knows and loves our local waters.  His family has been on Gabriola for more than 50 years.  Having fished here since he was a young boy, he has become an expert on the surrounding Gabriola fishing grounds.  Fishing just becomes a part of life when you live on a Southern Gulf Island.

Captain Lall reports that Ling Cod will open on May 1^st and the Spring Salmon are on their way across Georgia Strait and will be feeding around Gabriola Island in the next weeks to come. 

Although June, July and August are the best catch months, the rest of the year is good for bottom bouncing, crabbing, prawning /shrimping  and going out for lunch and a 4 hour eco tour. 

The Eveready is a 28 foot Harbercraft, Kingfisher Welded Aluminum, fully outfitted with the latest Radar, Sonar, GPS, Fishfinders, VHF Radio and is Coast Guard approved.   Perfect for 4 guests but certainly will accommodate 6 ,  plus crew, very comfortably and there is a private head (washroom) on board.

If you would like more information go to www.go-fish-charters.com

In the last century, it seems, we have come full circle.  In the early to mid decades of the 20^th Century, many families lived together.  Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren cohabitated in the same home-property providing a sharing of the day to day tasks, support in health care, babysitting services and insurance that all would receive good foods, good morals and security .   

Although this wonderful option may still be practiced in some rural communities, it has basically been lost in the fast moving Western world.  Grandparents find themselves living alone at an age when the support is so very important.  Parents say goodbye to their grown children as they leave the nest and grandchildren are only seen on vacationing visits.  Wow, how did we loose site of that one?

Now in the 21^st Century the tables seem to be turning back and more, and more families are endeavoring to enter the practice of combined family living.   It does not seem to be out of necessity but out of the want to assist and be assisted, care and be cared for, love and be loved. 

This change seems evident in the Gulf Islands, where the population is small, the climate is temperate, the air is clean, the organic produce is plentiful and life is safe with the separation from the big centers by “the big pond” the ocean.

On Gabriola Island, 5 acres will allow for a main residence and a small secondary home for Grandma and Grandpa or other family members.  Even on a small lot of ½ an acre, the lot coverage is 20%.  This would allow a home of approx 4000 sq ft – plenty of room to house extra family members. 

If you listen, you will hear the talk that is the beginning of the change that is taking place.  The conversations are wide spread.  It can be heard in the mainland cities and the smaller towns of British Columbia as well as on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.  It is certain that the Maritimes, Eastern and Prairie Provinces are experiencing the same thought process.  What an awesome turn of events! 

I

If you live on “The Queen of the Southern Gulf Island” or “Isle of Arts” as Gabriola is called, you will already know about everything that is said in this article. The name Gabriola comes from the Spanish who anchored in the Islands bays in the 15^th century. Gabriola’s museum is well worth the time to explore exhibits on the Island’s local history.

Most come to buy real estate on Gabriola Island for peace and quiet, but might actually be surprised when they move here. It seems, you need a day diary to remind you of the variety of recreation opportunities and lively social activities. This ocean paradise offers escape from “hustle, bustle” of city life, inclement weather and high criminal activity.

Gabriola is the second largest of the Gulf Islands chain, located between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. It is just the perfect size for cycling one end to the other, and hikers and horseback riders will love the wooded trails through Gabriola’s many parks. And let’s not forget about the well respected “Gabriola Golf and Country Club”.

The shores of Gabriola Island are a scuba mecca for diving along the Island’s reefs, passages and underwater cliffs. The numerous ocean parks offer sandy swimming beaches with waters warmed by the summer’s sun and an opportunity to pick oysters, clams and mussels.

There is a bevy of artists and musicians that delight the residents and visitors in many venues throughout the year – some are art tours, some are music festivals – all are well advertised and draw hundreds of participants and supporters.

As the community of Gabriola grows, doing business from and on the Island has become an easier road. Gabriola now has added an emergency medical clinic to the many services already provided. Property owners here are proud of their community where everyone looks out for everyone. If you are looking for a West Coast real estate home, make Gabriola Island real estate part of your investigation. Don’t miss out!!!