Breakwater Island

Rent your own private island in Georgia Strait off Gabriola Island, British Columbia. Breakwater Island is home to deer, eagles, the occasional sea otter, clams and oysters. This island could become your own private getaway. Breakwater lies off the southeastern shore of Gabriola Island, between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in Georgia Strait.

The island is one mile long, 74 acres in size and 170 feet above sea level at its highest point. The sun-dappled forest of firs and arbutus trees covers most of the island, interspersed with meadows and surrounded by warm sandstone beaches. Near the two houses lies a sandy swimming beach of aquamarine hues. The waters off the south end of Breakwater are a well-known diving area famous for wolf eels.

There are two houses on the island, a five minute walk from each other. The island is only rented to one group at a time. The larger cottage, Breakwater Log House, sleeps 6, and Breakwater Rock House sleeps 4.

Breakwater Log House was built with hand tools in 1933 by carpenters from the Snunéymuxw First Nationfor the first white settlers on Breakwater Island. It has been renovated several times, most recently by the current owners in 2003. The log house remains faithful to the original design with large logs, including bark, creating the inner and outer walls, chinked with moss. The fireplace in the dining room, one of four, has two original totem carvings, coloured with local berry juice, supporting the mantle.

The log house is on the northeast corner of the island, facing the open sea and the Lower Mainland. It has two bedrooms with queen beds and a queen pullout in the living room. A separate bright dining room is next to the compact but fully-stocked kitchen. The master bedroom has an ensuite with shower, and there is another bathroom with a shower off the kitchen/laundry area.

A 16' Eagle w/50hp outboard is available for clients use, included in the rental. Two boats are available for an hourly fee: a 13" Boston Whaler w/25hp outboard, or the 21' Celebrity V8 stern drive 180hp complete with water skis. Two double kayaks are also available at no extra cost.

Guests wishing to arrive by boat can tie up at the dock. Or you may wish to fly in. We recommend Tofino Air from Vancouver. If you are arriving via Nanaimo, you may arrange to be picked up at a dock in the harbour for an additional fee. Or you may take BC Ferries to Departure Bay or Duke Point on Vancouver Island and then the Gabriola ferry. A 15 minute drive down Gabriola brings you to Silva Bay where you will be picked up and whisked to your private retreat. Charges include 2 return trips to Breakwater Island.

During weekdays, the island's manager and one other staff person are on the island and are available as a resource. They leave in the afternoon, so it is important that at least one of the guests in the party knows how to handle a small boat at night and possibly in fog if it becomes necessary to get to Gabriola Island in case of an emergency.

For groups of 5 or more, Breakwater Rock House is also available and tents are welcome. The fee for up to 10 people is $4500 CAD if both houses are used. Large groups are welcome for an additional $15 CAD per person per night.

Extra services for a fee include fishing or sailing charters, diving expeditions, massage, esthetics, or a personal chef.

Dogs are welcome; no cats please. Cell phones do work on Breakwater.