West Trail Island

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Just 35 miles north of Vancouver, on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, West Trail Island, (also known as Nuavalon) is one of four private islands that form the Trail Islands Group. The islands are less than a mile offshore from the Town of Sechelt, and on a clear day are visible from the bluffs of Vancouver's Point Grey.

Access

One of the most accessible, privately owned, gulf islands in BC, this 16 acre island is 25 minutes by seaplane or helicopter, 1 hour by boat, or 2 hours by car/ferry from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver. From the mainland, the island can be reached by water taxi service from a marina in Sechelt, or from a convenient beach access road where a small boat is kept on an all-weather mooring. The ride across to the island takes less than 15 minutes. There is also a public access and government wharf in Sechelt and one can dock within walking distance to the town's main street and mall.

There are numerous low bank approaches and beach accesses onto the island. The main access is by-way of a newly constructed wharf, equipped with off-loading facilities, and located in a secluded bay on the island's north side. The float has shore power and provides a total of 120 feet of docking space. Adjacent to the wharf is a sheltered all-weather anchorage with good depth for both power and sail.

Between these bays is a perfect tidal swimming 'pool' that enjoys all day sun, and comes complete with a sand/shell beach. There are two additional coves on the island facing the Strait of Georgia (on the south side), which are accessible from the main house and the meadow. The most westerly bay provides deep-water access for barging, building supplies and equipment.

Weather

The Sunshine Coast enjoys a unique moderate climate with 60% less rainfall and cloud cover than Vancouver. The summers are usually dry from June through September. The rainy season starts in late October. However, the island is accessible all year round and very rarely does one get weathered in or out. The house is completely sheltered from the easterly winds of winter but enjoys the warm drying westerly breezes of summer.

Topography

West Trail Island is 16 acres with varying topography ranging from 100 feet bluffs at the easterly end to rock and shell beaches on the south and west sides. Arbutus, cedar, pine, yew, maple, and fir, trees are plentiful and interspersed with juniper, salal and mossy knolls. A ravine runs through the centre of the island providing deep woods cover for a variety of bird-life. In addition, there are numerous grassy hills and rocky outcrops. Scattered across the island are a variety of wild flowers including wild rose, which blooms throughout the spring.

Some old growth cedar and fir stand in the centre of the island. Approximately two acres of land have been cleared and planted with grass and shrubs providing for a tranquil, park-like meadow adjacent to the house. There is a pond at the upper end of the meadow and one can walk down to the water's edge at the western end.

Wildlife

The Trail Islands provide a unique stopover for wildlife transiting the Strait of Georgia and the BC coast.

Birds

Over 75 species of bird have been sighted on the island. Some are permanent residents like Bob the peacock, and a family of eagles, while others are seasonal or migratory. The easterly end of the property is high bluff and supports a cormorant rookery which is very active in late summer.

Marine Life

Sea otters, seals, sea lions, and mink make their home among the islands. Passing killer whales, porpoises, and sometimes even a gray whale can been seen from the decks. Local crab, clams, prawns, and oysters are plentiful and Salmon, cod, and red snapper can be caught in season. Some of BC's best salmon fishing grounds are located within 5-20 miles.

Unaffected by local mills or industrial outflow, the waters around the islands are clean and clear. Scuba diving and snorkelling can be year round activities and the water is warm for swimming from late June through September. The phosphorescence is remarkable on a moonless summer night.

Improvements

The 2400 sq. ft. architecturally designed house is situated on a rocky outcrop on the southwest side of the island adjacent to a cove. The 3 bedroom, 3 bath, executive style house was first built in the late 1970s, and totally renovated from 1997-2006 to a craftsman/east-coast style.

Surrounded by over 1500 sq. feet of decking, every room offers a view of Georgia Strait. On a clear day, one can see as far south to Mt. Baker in Washington State. The house is very private and situated away from views of the town and traffic noise.

The cedar shake roof and all decks were replaced in 1997. A new addition including a gourmet French country kitchen, upper master bedroom, 2 baths, and a dining room were completed in 2004.

Features include 2x4-frame construction with large exposed beams, vaulted cedar ceilings, skylights, and a mix of wood panelling and drywall finished interior. The exterior is partial stone and shingled over plywood. All walls, floors, and rooves are insulated and all new windows are double-glazed.

The house has an open plan on 3 levels - great for entertaining.

The lower level consists of the main entrance, a back door, a 3-piece bath, and a guest bedroom with french doors that open onto a south facing deck overlooking the cove. The views extend across the strait to Vancouver Island.

This level also contains a family/media room which can act as an additional bedroom and an additional sleeping loft. Features include a vaulted, beamed ceiling, skylights, floor to ceiling bookcases, an airtight stove, skylights and stonework.

Stairs ascend to the main level and directly into a 32 x 16ft. entertainment-size, living room with a 16 ft vaulted, cedar ceiling with timber beams and fireplace. There are 4 sets of sliding doors that open onto the 60-ft. deck overlooking the Strait.

Adjacent to the living room is a new (16 x 20ft) hand crafted, gourmet French country pine kitchen with slate and SS countertops, fridge, stove, DW, and a bar. The 16 x 12ft. dining room is next, with surround windows, and a vaulted and beamed cedar ceiling. French doors leading off the DR allowing for direct access onto the front deck.

A 1930 antique cook stove sits at the end of the dining room backed by a beach stone wall and crowned with a glass skylight. The stove is excellent for making pies.

Next to the kitchen is a new 2-piece day-bath with laundry and storage facilities.

The upper level of the house consists of a private, 16 x 20 ft, master bedroom with full bath. Access is by way of an open staircase off the kitchen. Large corner windows provide an unsurpassed view as far as the eye can see-down the Strait (eastward) towards Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands and (west) toward Merry, Thornmanby and Texeda Islands.

On winter days one can lie in bed and watch the gales blow by. On summer nights the stars and sometimes the northern lights are clearly visible.

All floors on the upper 2 levels are T&G, old growth Douglas fir milled from 'cants' harvested on Vancouver Island. The lower level is a mix of fir and new carpet.

Guest House

Next to the main house is a self contained, 16 x 24, guest bungalow with ocean view. It is currently being renovated to include a 3 pcs. bath and kitchenette.

Services

All plumbing in the house is new in 2004. There is 120 V. power supplied by a 5 kV propane generator (installed 2003). The main house is also equipped with a 12/120V inverter and solar power to allow everyday operations to run seamlessly - without the use of a generator. A portable, backup generator is also available for conducting work in out of the way places on the island.

The house is heated by LP gas and can also be heated by wood from 3 sources - a Heatalator stone fireplace in the living room, a large airtight stove on the lower level, and the restored 1930, Mc Clary, nickel and cast iron stove located in the dining room.

Outbuildings

A 16x 32 workshop at the top of the meadow beside the generator house is being built to provide the woodworking needs for the island. In addition, there is a bunkhouse on the north side of the island.

The Offer

The island is offered in its entirety or (as preferred) in the form of a ½ share undivided interest. This form of registered ownership provides both parties clear title ownership to ½ the island property. The island is not subdivided nor is it a tenants–in–Common form of ownership. Each ½ share interest is registered with the BC Land Title Office and is owned separately. Each interest can be mortgaged, and sold separately. The current owner intends to continue to develop and improve the property to increase its value over the coming years.