Mid Vancouver Island Houses for Sale

The 21 degree summer water helps make Sproat Lake an unmatched recreational paradise. Sproat Lake has 4 arms: Stirling Arm; Klehkoot Arm; Two Rivers Arm; and Taylor Arm. Each Arm is unique. Stirling Arm is inhabited on one shore and largely uninhabited on the other, which enjoys Fossli Provincial Park. Kleehkoot Arm is the most bustling arm on Sproat Lake and features the Sproat Lake Provincial Park. Two Rivers Arm is accessible only by unpaved road and its well sheltered shores remain sparsely inhabited. Taylor Arm is by far the longest arm on Sproat Lake and its marginally colder waters are home to Taylor Arm Provincial Park.

The clear warm waters, wide open spaces, stunning natural beauty, and central location make Sproat Lake a recreational paradise like no other. It is almost like Sproat Lake was created to offer us endless entertainment. Popular past times on the lake include water skiing, boating hiking, camping and nature watching. Part of the area surrounding the lake has been preserved as a BC Provincial Park complete with campsites and a hiking trail. Boating is another popular Sproat Lake past time and you will frequently see kayaks, canoes, houseboats, jet skis and motorboats enjoying the many arms of Sproat Lake. With so much to do on and off the water Sproat Lake truly is Vancouver Islands recreational paradise!

Mid Vancouver Island Real Estate

Mid Vancouver Island real estate is a dream come true. There are so many fantastic options that suit almost any type of buyer. Oceanfront mansions, cozy cabins in the woods, and modern condominiums are just a few examples of the breadth of residential options. Whatever you can think of, Mid Vancouver Island real estate will likely have a listing! 

Residential properties are the most abundant, given that the population on Vancouver Island has been growing for some time. Single-family suburban homes from ranchers to mansions and multi-family units like duplexes, triplexes, apartments, and condominiums are plentiful options. By default, many homes are oceanfront, oceanview, river view, lakefront, and lake view. Parksville has a collection of ocean view condominiums and houses, and Qualicum Beach is no exception, either. Port Alberni has a mixture of homes with views of the Alberni Inlet, Somass River, and Sproat Lake. Many of these are also waterfront properties. For the ones that are a bit more out in the country, access to any body of water is only a short drive away. It really is that convenient! 

Commercial and industrial properties are varied and include office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, medical centers, hotels, schools, and much more. These cities are growing, and with the increase of residential properties naturally comes a greater need for commercial and industrial buildings. These seaside communities are increasing in other industries as well, such as tourism, food services, healthcare, and other professional scientific and technical services. More commercial properties will be required to meet these growing demands.

Things To Do in Mid Vancouver Island

Swimming in the Ocean and Lakes

These three magnificent cities all have access to the Pacific Ocean. Parksville’s sandy beaches get the top spot because of their impressive length. Rathtrevor Provincial Park is a common destination, but there are seaside playgrounds just a stone’s throw from the beach to enjoy. Qualicum Beach has a long beachline with restaurants and ice cream parlours along the way. Port Alberni has Sproat Lake - a large, pristine lake that is a local favourite. Between Parksville and Port Alberni is another excellent swimming spot - Cameron Lake. This lake is right on the highway, so you can’t miss it! There are many other options for beaches and lakes to swim in. That’s the beauty of living on Vancouver Island!

Parksville Beach Festival (Sand Sculpting Competition!)

The sandy beaches in Parksville are not just famous for a relaxing day on the beach. The Parksville Beach Festival has a segment on building works of art out of the sand. The Sand Sculpting Competition offers sculptors a designated area, timeframe, and theme to build their masterpiece. This is a truly impressive event and showcases the vibrant creativity of competitors. Even when the event is not running, you can’t help but dig in the sand and create your masterpiece under the warm sun. 

Cathedral Grove 

Imagine walking through a majestic old-growth forest that has been there for hundreds of years. This rare ecosystem is a sanctuary for wildlife and ancient plant life. Cathedral Grove, located within MacMillan Provincial Park, is a peaceful walking trail through an old-growth forest. You will see giant Douglas Fir trees, Western Red Cedar trees, and an ecosystem of plant life that has taken centuries to develop. This is truly a special place in nature, just a short 20-minute drive from Port Alberni.

Fishing in the Alberni Inlet

The long Alberni Inlet is perfect for anglers to hop on a boat and sail toward the Pacific Ocean. Known for its abundance of Sockeye Salmon, Port Alberni is a fisherman’s paradise come summertime. Each September, the annual fishing derby comes with a first-place prize of $10 000 - enough incentive even for the younger, less experienced reels! Some other common fish include lingcod, trout, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and steelhead. The Somass River connects to the inlet, allowing for some freshwater options. 

Vancouver Island Campgrounds

Camping on Vancouver Island is an ideal recreational activity that you must experience. Whether you like to rough it in a tent or roll up in a luxury RV, there are many unique campgrounds to suit your lifestyle—camp by the ocean, lakes, and rivers with a forested canopy above you. Many campsites offer amenities like drinking water, showers, electricity, fire pits, toilets, boat launches, and much more. Some even offer cottages and cabins with gas fireplaces. Mid Vancouver Island camping involves fun and relaxing activities like swimming, water sports, hiking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire.

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