This year, take your vacation in Sea Cottage, steps away from the lapping waves of Howe Sound. Awake to the sound of eagles, gulls and buzzing hummingbirds. Sunbathe, swim or hike during the day. Sip wine outdoors in the twilight and watch sea birds, seals and river otters. Smell the sea breeze, and above all, relax in the lush, west coast temperate rainforest of Gambier Island. The endless view extends beyond Howe Sound and its islands to distant Vancouver Island across the Strait of Georgia.
Sea Cottage is a restored and refurbished, electrically heated 1950’s bungalow. The warm color of the pine paneling and the artwork make the little house feel homey.
The three bedrooms are snug, the beds are comfortable and there’s lots of hanging space and storage for your luggage. A queen and two twin beds comfortably sleep a maximum of four people. All bed linens are provided.
The living room is rustic and cozy with its glass-fronted woodstove, a table for playing board games on, overstuffed furniture and lots of books. Bring your own CD’s to play on our CD player to create your own special musical ambience.
The kitchen includes an electric stove, microwave and full fridge, and the utensils you need to make holiday snacks and meals. Starter cooking supplies are provided, you bring the rest.
The bathroom features a tiled shower, towels and a 1950’s hand basin and flush toilet. For a genuine Island experience, and quick access from the beach there is an excellent restored outhouse, the only water-based two-holer on Gambier Island.
Sea Cottage is private and separate from the main house, the home of your hosts who are on-hand to assist you. The furnished patio is steps from the beach and is excellent for sunbathing or eating outdoor meals. An electric barbecue make outdoor cooking easy and pleasant on a hot summer’s day.
Gambier Island is water accessible only, so come by BC Ferry or water taxi, or anchor in front of Sea Cottage in your powerboat or sailboat, or pull out on Sea Cottage beach in your canoe or kayak. There are lots of ocean-going options to get you to Sea Cottage.
Although Gambier’s population is small, there are good services such as a small store for basic groceries; a coffee shop; a depository for outgoing mail; a public telephone; a reservable water taxi; occasional community events and activities to which everyone is invited.
For a day’s adventure, take the seven minute water taxi trip and hop on the bus to explore the delights of nearby Lower Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast.
Something About Your Hosts
Bob Switzer is retired from 37 years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation where he was the well-known television co- host of “The Canadian Gardener”. He also conceptualized and hosted several historic television documentaries and a half hour weekday television show.
Joley Switzer was a professional dancer. Most of her career was in management and as a park naturalist with the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Retirement brings the joy and passion of gardening and painting on Gambier Island.
Both of your hosts enjoy meeting Sea Cottage guests and introducing you to the Gambier Island experience.