You're interested in fresh beginnings, bold new horizons and the anticipation of what tomorrow might bring.
You're thinking about those drop-of-a-hat getaways that do so much to revive sagging spirits.
You're looking for long leisurely summer evenings in a recreational home of your own.
You're dreaming of a luxury retreat in a pristine mountain setting. Or maybe you'd prefer wiggling your toes in the sand of a sun-drenched beach, mere minutes from your own doorstep.
But these days, a dream goes only so far. Because you're also thinking in practical terms.
Increasing numbers of Canadians are investing in recreational property for a variety of good reasons: Well-positioned Canadian real estate markets are on fire, with no apparent signs that they'll cool down anytime soon.
Wise purchasers are acting now, in case they never have another chance to buy in.
And, realistically, where else can investors turn to gain a reasonable return on their money? GICs and savings accounts don't really cut it while interest rates continue to hover near historic lows.
Well, how about the equities markets? Another tempting option ... or the highway to hell?
Most Canadians got their fingers scorched - some only mildly, some more painfully - just a few years ago when first the tech stocks went south and then the rest of the markets took a swan dive.
But before the big slide, the markets had seemed so attractive. Right up to the turn of the millennium, generally robust annual returns fostered the illusion that investment in the equities market was a can't-miss proposition.
To our chagrin, many of us know differently now.
But property represents a tangible, substantial investment - far more so than the "paper" profit you record when a flavour-of-the-month stock issue gets hot during a bull market.
But bull markets always turn bearish.
There are important reasons why so many wise Canadians invest in recreational property when economic conditions are unpredictable at best, and confusing at worst.
After all, there are only so many terrific vacation spots to go around.
And the enduring long-term value of such desirable and stable assets seems assured - particularly when they can double as income-generating rental properties or a place to do business.
If you choose to rent your recreational home while you're back in town working towards your next vacation, you can easily offset your costs, perhaps with the help of a professional management company.
In this way, you can take advantage of every recreational amenity - golf, boating, skiing, camping, vineyard tours - in your vacation paradise.
At the same time, you're virtually assured of a sound investment return.
Meanwhile, corporate purchasers appreciate the usefulness of a recreational getaway as a restful meeting place for valued clients as well as a useful site for meetings, brainstorming sessions and company retreats.
Though real estate markets are tight and getting tighter, Western Canadians are lucky to enjoy multiple options.
For those who crave salt air, there's no finer vacation destination above the 49th parallel than Victoria.
Canada's Pacific Jewel has it all: deep-sea fishing, sailing, hiking or camping. Meanwhile, you're soaking up the pleasures of one of the most spectacular natural settings in North America.
From an access standpoint, downtown Victoria is easy to get to in a hurry, from almost anywhere. You can fly direct from Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton or Calgary and the city enjoys heli-jet and seaplane departure access for quick hops to and from B.C.'s Lower Mainland.
Others in the know are flocking to B.C.'s Okanagan, knowing that supply is limited and demand is red-hot and getting hotter in one of the most idyllic settings on earth.
The Okanagan Valley is famous for long, hot, lazy summers and some of the most spectacular golf courses on the continent.
Another option with everything in its favour is the Canadian Rockies. There's no denying the appeal of bracing mountain air, panoramic vistas and the refreshing scent of unspoiled coniferous forests.
Enterprising development companies are just beginning to tap the unlimited potential of the Rocky Mountain lifestyle.
They offer buyers a chance to elevate their spirits in the heart of a mountain wilderness while bringing unsurpassed craftsmanship and every conceivable modern appliance to customers who see no need to give up their creature comforts. No matter where they decide to buy, those in the market for custom-designed recreational homes understand that favorable interest rates make this an ideal time to make the big step into new surroundings.
And Western Canada's most reliable builders and developers are ready, willing and able to help you bring your dream to life. The only difficulty you'll face will be how - and where - to make your final choice.
SilverTip Resort
Located on the sunny side of Canmore, SilverTip resort offers unparallelled ownership opportunities in one of Canada's fastest-growing resort destinations. Careful thought and planning ensures the highest quality experience for residents and visitors alike, with minimal impact on the natural environment.
Construction has recently begun on the golf course clubhouse (expected to open during the 2005 golf season) and plans for the first hotel in the Resort Village are moving full speed ahead. By adding these and future village amenities, SilverTip will continue to boost values for recreational property owners who wish to join us in this uniquely beautiful setting.
"We are seeing increased interest from the American and European markets, as more people are looking for an alternative investment to the stock market, as well as a quality mountain retreat to visit throughout the year," says SilverTip Marketing Manager Linda David.
"Compared to recreational real estate at resorts in Europe, Aspen and Whistler, SilverTip offers significant value to purchasers. The spectacular mountain views, proximity to year-round activities, and environmentally sensitive planning and construction practices set SilverTip apart from other developments," she adds.
SilverTip's newest project, Wolfwillow Lodge II, features single-level condominium suites with the highest standard specifications available in Canmore.
That includes stainless steel appliances, concrete construction, engineered hardwood flooring, and granite countertops throughout. SilverTip's latest show suites are on track to open this summer, with prices starting at $600,000 Cdn.
Three Sisters Mountain Village
Adventure means different things to different people.
Whatever your pleasure, Three Sisters Mountain Village can supply it, and then some.
As the driving force behind the recreational real estate boom in Canmore, Three Sisters Mountain Village is one of Canada's largest new resort developments. Situated on 2,000 acres in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Three Sisters Mountain Village enjoys easy access to the booming city of Calgary, with the International Airport only 60 minutes away.
The vision: To create a truly unique resort community, while promoting a lifestyle built around good health and an added dose of high adventure.
Three Sisters Mountain Village brings you to the threshold of one the world's great year-round playgrounds: Four world-class ski hills. Five mountain golf courses, all set to best advantage by the beauty of Bow River, which wends its way through the resort.
Among these is the exquisite Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club, an exclusive championship layout that continues to offer limited numbers of premier and corporate memberships.
As this one-of-a-kind mountain resort grows, alpine hotels, cafés, restaurants and shopping will be added to the mix. Ultimately, the village will feature a health spa, a unique arts and cultural Village, plus an Outdoor Bound/ Wilderness Retreat.
When complete, Three Sisters Mountain Village will serve as an ideally situated base camp for those adventurers wishing to enjoy the 2.8 million acres of protected wilderness surrounding the resort.
With a broad selection of mountainside homes to choose from, purchasers from around the world continue to flock here.
What's your pleasure?
Three Sisters Mountain Resorts offers a variety of secluded riverside lots, single-family homes, golf course town homes, mountain chalets, and secure lock-and-leave apartment condominiums.
LaCasa on the Lake
20|20 Properties Inc., North America's leading real estate investment company, is proud to present an incredible real estate opportunity in the heart of the Okanagan: LaCasa on the Lake.
Combining all the charm of a lakeside community, with prices for Lakeview property that will not be seen in Kelowna again ... EVER, LaCasa on the Lake is an opportunity not to be missed.
Winter, spring, summer or fall, you can now experience the urban amenities and small-town friendliness offered by Kelowna, while savouring a lifestyle second to none.
Lake Okanagan and the surrounding mountains provide the stunning backdrop for this premier resort destination with over 2,100 feet of Okanagan lakefront - a personal oasis with amenities that will surpass your expectations.
Situated in the heart of British Columbia's breathtaking Okanagan Valley, you can let all the details fall away as you enter your craftsman-style vacation home that celebrates elegance and timeless beauty.
Priced well below the average Lakeview cottage in Kelowna, LaCasa promises to be the most exciting and affordable real estate opportunity available in the Okanagan. For more information on how you can own the lifestyle at LaCasa on the Lake, visit www.ownkelowna.com
The Rise
The Rise (www.TheRise.ca), a master plan resort community featuring spectacular views of Okanagan Lake, has been officially launched. And local golfers are already buzzing about the news that this $1-billion development will feature a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course.
But there's much, much more to the story. A project of the Okanagan Hills Development Corporation (OHDC), The Rise offers buyers a full-meal deal: winery, vineyards, hotels, village centre, tennis centre, equestrian centre and several distinct and separate neighbourhoods.
Did we mention that home sites and villas are to intertwine around the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by one of the sport's all-time greats? Perched on a hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake with south facing slopes, The Rise is a 735-acre resort community situated 3.5 km west of the city centre of Vernon, B.C.
With 1210 development units, including 660 residential resort homes, plans for The Rise include hotels and villas representing a total of 550 resort commercial units. Meanwhile, a commercial village centre, with shops and services, and a number amenity centres are on track for completion within the next eight years. "It's exciting that our vision of creating a world-class resort community that showcases the natural beauty of the Okanagan, is now a reality," says Leona Snider, president and CEO of OHDC.
"We called it The Rise because it literally makes you feel like you are on the top of the world. The Rise is for people who want to enjoy the very best the Okanagan has to offer.”
Phase One of The Rise, privately financed through Arres Capital Inc. of Calgary, is right on schedule. Construction has already begun on traffic infrastructure, home sites, the vineyard and the golf course. Consisting of 100 view home sites and 45 villas, Phase One features astonishing, one-time-only values which may never be available again.
First release of home sites is planned for May 2005, and a reservation program is primed for an April 1 launch. Go to ww.TheRise.ca to register and for more information.
The Ridge at Big Beach Estates
Visitors to Vancouver Island's wild and wonderful West Coast have fallen in love with its magic. And the coastal vacation lifestyle begins the moment you arrive at Marine Drive Properties, an exclusive resort development in Ucluelet-Long Beach. A paradise for kayaking, surfing, whale watching, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, wildlife viewing and beachcombing, the village of Ucluelet is the gateway to Barkley Sound and the world-renowned Broken Group Islands.
Connoisseurs enjoy the romance of the region as well as its fine dining, spas, galleries and crafts. The development features pathways that wind through old growth forest and connects with the Wild Pacific Trail, all within easy walking distance to the Marina and Village Center.
The latest offering is the Ridge at Big Beach Estates, where each vacation home will feature sweeping ocean views, high ceilings, slate flooring and luxurious amenities in bathrooms and kitchens. Floor plans and designs ideally lend themselves to entertaining and include generous open plans and large decks, to take full advantage of breathtaking panoramic ocean views. Sizes range from 1,364 to 2,500-plus square feet and are priced from $389,000 to $599,000.
Other ownership opportunities include rare oceanfront estate lots in the exclusive, all oceanfront, and gated subdivision of Sunset Point from $599,000 to $950,000. There is also a selection of sunny, well-treed Rainforest Estate lots from $120,000.
Marine Drive Properties includes the proposed Beach House Restaurant and Brewing Co. with casual dining overlooking the beach, plus a 5-star Resort Hotel with fine dining and spa.
Be one of the few who will discover this rare opportunity and start living a gracious coastal lifestyle.
Miraloma on the Cove
Miraloma on the Cove is a deluxe boutique on a waterfront cove only minutes from picturesque downtown Sidney on Vancouver Island.
It is adjacent to three fine dining restaurants, a neighbourhood bakery, a spa and a marine pub, all within minutes of the BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal, Victoria International Airport and the world famous Butchart Gardens.
Miraloma is an artful blend of waterfront and garden studios, one- and two- bedroom suites that are located in the spectacular gardens of the former Lt. Governor of B.C.'s summer residence that date back to 1928.
Amenities at Miraloma abound with a bright airy fitness centre complete with a hot tub and sauna. A large lobby lounge area boasts appointments that speak to a forgotten era of luxury and warmth. If business brings you to Miraloma, there is also a private meeting space available for use.
Quarter ownership allows you to own a share of this island paradise with usage or revenue coming to you one week out of every month.
This lovely boutique inn is re-opening April 22 under the watchful eye of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Management Group, which brings a wealth of experience in delivering a top-tier hotel experience.
For more information, visit www.miraloma.ca
Island Paradise Taking Shape
A luxury resort hotel within a $100-million master-planned, oceanfront resort development on the West Coast of Vancouver Island is planned for release this summer. Located on the extreme coast just outside the seaside town of Ucluelet, and part of the world-renowned tourist region that includes Tofino, the yet-to-be-named hotel site is without match in raw beauty and power.
With ancient, twisted trees framing dramatic scenes of surging waves crashing on the rocks below, the views from the hotel suites will offer unsurpassed beauty. The lodge will consist of about 120 luxury condo suites, made up of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom lock-off suites.
All suites will enjoy magnificent views, and will include luxury grade finishing specifications and well appointed furnishings.
The luxury suites will be self-owned and managed by the hotel operator, Boutique Hotels of BC. Suite prices and further details will be released in mid-May. RareEarth Project Marketing Ltd. will provide sales and marketing of the suites.
Blackcomb Lodge
Fresh off a $5-million renovation, Blackcomb Lodge presents an exceptional opportunity to grab a piece of Whistler's red-hot real estate market.
With world-class skiing, golf, hiking, backpacking and cycling right at your doorstep, Whistler is known around the world as a premier resort town. Real estate values have steadily increased over the years, and there's no sign of slowing down, particularly with the 2010 Vancouver/Whistler Winter Olympics on the horizon.
Smack in the middle of the action in Whistler Village, Blackcomb Lodge & Spa is surrounded by a remarkable selection of restaurants, shops, cinemas and art galleries. The Village gondola is just a two-minute walk.
Blackcomb Lodge offers a great range of lodging options. You can choose from Lodge Rooms that sleep two for $239,900; Lodge Suites that sleep four for $269,900; or Lofted Lodge Suites that sleep six for $359,900.
Each unit provides kitchen facilities and a variety of bed configurations for both families and couples. Relax in Whistler's only indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.
Blackcomb Lodge is indeed a fantastic investment opportunity with excellent capital growth potential as well as revenue from a hassle-free pooled rental system ... all in the heart of a world-renown resort community.
Visit www.whistlerrealtors.com /blackcomblodge for details.
