Gabriola Island, also known as "Isle of the Arts", is close to British Columbia's biggest urban centers but manages to feel a world away. And that makes this sleek, modern vacation home for rent in Canada very appealing. Set directly on the island's waterfront, the two-bedroom house is also surrounded by Douglas firs, western red cedars and beautiful flowering madrona arbutus trees, giving it a wonderfully secluded feel.

The Gulf Islands, of which Gabriola is part, have a Mediterranean climate, and that encourages the growth of kiwi, banana and palm trees in the region so don't be surprised to find them around the property. This is a uniquely beautiful setting, made the most of with a glorious deck that looks out across water at the Coast Mountains and Sunshine Coast, all the way from Nanaimo to Vancouver.

The house is 1,260ft in size, with high ceilings, a chef's kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Rather impressively, the deck that surrounds it is 1,600ft in size, making it larger than the house itself. It's reached via an accordion door system that spans the back wall, allowing the home and deck to merge. 

And that's a really appealing prospect. Out on the deck you'll find a hot tub, fire bowl and barbecue, with an oceanside dining table. It's a few steps from there to the sandstone beach and, if you fancy a dip in the ocean, you won't be alone. It's a popular hangout for seals, sea otters, and sea lions – and you may even spot the occasional orca passing by.

The house was newly built in 2019 by the general-contractor owner, and it takes advantage of green and hi-tech features, including a robust rainwater harvesting system which supplies all the home's water needs, and modern hydronic solar and wood-burning systems.

This home is available for 30-day rentals, which means you can really immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, and with its quiet setting and exceptionally strong wifi, it's also perfect for workations.

AROUND

British Columbia’s Gulf Islands are located in the Salish Sea between the east coast of Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of BC. The Southern Gulf Islands, which include Gabriola, form part of a larger archipelago which includes the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Gabriola is the third largest island at 58sqkm and is a 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

This vacation home for rent in Canada is located minutes on foot from the Twin Beaches, which are Gabriola's main swimming beaches. Gabriola Island has three provincial parks, 98km of coastline, 170km of walking and cycling trails, and more public beach access points than any other Gulf Island. With an 18-hole golf course, snorkeling and scuba diving spots, fishing charters, and kayak and paddleboard rentals all available on the island, it's perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. If you want to bring your own boat, there is a mooring point in Pilot Bay, which is three minutes from the house.

There are numerous annual events on the island, including the Salmon BBQ, the Artisans’ Studio Tour, the Cultivate and Isle of the Arts festivals, and farmers' markets provide amazing produce from local growers year-round. There's a Nester's grocery market and a variety of restaurants nearby, as well as a fitness center, yoga studio, small urgent care, and pharmacy.

LOCATION

Twin Beaches, Gabriola, Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada. There are frequent ferries from Vancouver to Nanaimo (90-120 mins), regular ferries from Nanaimo (20 mins), and a float plane service from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Gabriola.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The Gulf Islands have Canada's only Mediterranean climate, making summers dry and winters wet. For those who come in winter, Mt. Washington ski hill is 1.5 drive north of Nanaimo and receives some of the biggest snowfalls in North America.