5 British Columbia Waterfront Retreats from Okanagan to Gulf Islands

Perched above the shimmering turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake, this custom residence is designed around panoramic views, with expansive decks and soaring wall-to-wall windows shaping sightlines from nearly every room. Dramatic vaulted ceilings anchor the main level, where a gourmet chef’s kitchen flows into spacious living and dining areas. A stylish laundry room adds a coffee bar, while an elegant guest bedroom and powder room provide flexibility for hosting. The primary retreat is its own sanctuary, complete with a spa-inspired ensuite. Downstairs, 10-foot ceilings brighten a large family room, games room, and wet bar, alongside a full bathroom and three additional bedrooms—two with lake views, and another with a walk-in closet and ensuite. Outside: triple car garage, RV/boat parking, a putting green, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and low-maintenance artificial turf front and back, all moments from Kal Beach, Pumphouse Beach, and the Okanagan Rail Trail.

On a residential stretch of Downey Road in North Saanich, this for-sale property is presented with a substantial interior footprint and little else disclosed. The main level features oak floors, a beautifully appointed chef’s kitchen, and a spacious primary suite with a spa-inspired ensuite. Three upstairs bedrooms each offer deck access and views, while the lower level adds a fifth bedroom, family room with new wood stove, workshop, and flexible living space. Outside, three ponds, a greenhouse, deer-proof garden, and double garage complete this exceptional property.

Set on 23 acres in North Cowichan, this Hank Schubart–designed residence endures as a rare survivor of the architect’s “Hank’s Houses” era—Prairie-style horizontals reimagined for the coast, with deep overhangs floating above walls of glass. Sweeping rooflines trace the land’s contours, capturing ocean, valley, and mountain views from nearly every room. Inside, exposed fir beams and rusticated stone fireplaces ground sun-filled living spaces, while terracotta tile and reclaimed hardwood add an easy warmth underfoot. Skylights wash the great room in light, and the kitchen opens onto expansive decks made for long, lingering gatherings. Updated kitchen, bathrooms, and decks balance modern comfort with Schubart’s original intent. Upstairs, a primary suite tucked beneath vaulted wood ceilings enjoys a private valley-view balcony, while a log bunkhouse on stilts and separate log workshop extend daily life into the forest.

Along the water’s edge on south-facing Razor Point Road, this 0.87-acre waterfront retreat offers privacy with direct shoreline access on Port Browning Harbour—an easy launch point for kayaking and days spent exploring nearby islands. Inside, vaulted ceilings and large windows amplify the ocean views, while an open-concept layout keeps the main level feeling bright and connected. One-level living is available on the main floor, with a lower level that adds extra bedrooms, a bathroom, and generous storage for island gear. Outdoor decks extend the living space into the sea air, and a sauna brings a restorative ritual to cooler evenings. Practical touches—including a workshop, fenced gardens, a heat pump, and a generator—support year-round comfort, all within close reach of the marina and local amenities for an effortless Pender Island rhythm.

Along the water’s edge in Marble Bay, this solid, well-built residence unfolds behind the calm privacy of a quiet gated community. The setting is unmistakably lakeside: 200 feet of private waterfront with a sandy beach, plus a dock and moorage that make time on the water feel effortless. Inside, the mood is open and bright, anchored by a main living area crowned with 18-foot cedar vaulted ceilings and a custom stone fireplace. Large windows draw the lake into everyday life, while private balconies offer a sheltered place to linger over the view. The layout also presents clear potential for a suite—flexible space for guests, extended family, or rental income. Here, days naturally revolve around the shoreline, with a sense of security that lets the landscape take center stage.