Homesteading History on the BC Coast

The BC Coast is not just rich in First Nations history, it is also rich in homesteading history. Throughout the last two centuries as resource workers and other groups made their way to the coast small groups, individuals and families took up residence throughout the coast, including on the many islands between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

It is not uncommon to come across relics from homesteading in the middle of what looks like untouched forest or grassland. From broken fencelines to house foundations and even old tools, evidence is abundant when you start to look. In particular on the north end of Vancouver Island, it is easy to stumble across pieces of machinery and household items from the early 1900s. Apparently at one time 1000 people lived in an area where only a handful of people now live at the Cape Scott area of Vancouver Island.

Another visual reminder of this past history is the abundance of fruit trees scattered throughout the region, from old orchards that have been reclaimed by the surrounding wild. Going for walks in parks and along beach fronts it is not uncommon to find a gnarled old plum or apple tree, still producing fruit. Along with the fruit trees it is possible to also find overgrown domestic plants that survived long after the homestead itself has disappeared. Rhododendrons and holly bushes are common ones to come across.

People have come and gone for various reasons. A number of Scandinavian groups came in the early 1900s to places such as Cape Scott and Sointula on Malcolm Island, looking to establish a new type of community. Many of the homesteaders in the Discovery Islands were families of the local resource workers whose livelihoods depending on the fishing, mining and forestry industries. Then in the 60s there was another wave of homesteading as the hippy generation found the mild weather of the coast perfect for their communes and back-to-the-earth ideals.

As larger communities grew on the coast and on Vancouver Island especially, many of the homesteader families moved away from the more remote areas to the convenience and steady jobs that towns could offer. Now it seems the homesteading movement is gathering interest and attention, and so more people are coming to the coast to once again connect with those more remote areas.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

BCO Coastal Gems: Kyuquot

Kyuquot is a west coast village well known as a fishing destination and rich in First Nations and homesteader history. Kyuquot Sound is one of five major waterways on the west coast of Vancouver Island, north of Gold River, where the fishing is exciting and the scenery breath-taking. It is a place to experience the true west coast. 

The small village of Kyuquot is on Walter's Island in a sheltered bay. It is home to a general store, a government dock and even a seasonal restaurant. Some of the local residents are third generation of families who settled in the area. Most visitors come for the fishing, but there are also opportunities for other marine adventures, such as whale watching and kayaking.

Kyuquot is accessible by water or air only. Fair Harbour is the closest drive-to community, and that is a three and a half hour drive from Campbell River, mostly on gravel roads. It is a 30 minute boat ride and water taxi can be arranged ahead of time. One can also fly in from Gold River, or take the passenger boat from Gold River (MV Uchuck III).



The region has a true west coast history, with high First Nations significance (there is a First Nations village on Walters Island as well, pictured below), fur trading, whaling, forestry and fishing all as part of the development and story.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Non Residents and Real Estate

The coast of British Columbia is known as one of the most beautiful places on earth, offering a natural wilderness and sense of adventure not to be found in many other places. With quick access from urban centres to the more remote areas of the coast, BC is a unique offering. It is no surprise then that it appeals to people from all over the world. Whether it is a visitor who wants to have a place to retreat to once a year or someone who is seriously thinking about relocating for a different lifestyle, the coast draws people from all over the world.

Every country has its own way of dealing with non-resident buyers, and so it is important that someone coming from outside Canada and wanting to buy property educated themselves on the requirements and rules.The BC Real Estate Association has a good overview here.

For people looking to make a more permanent move to Canada, then the place to start is the Government of Canada and their requirements for immigration.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Cathedral Grove and the Trees

Vancouver Island has so much forest, we sometimes forget to look more closely at the amazing trees in these forests. Sight-seeing gets taken up by the amazing water features of the island, while we drive past acres and acres of forest.

Cathedral Grove, or as it's more formally known MacMillan Provincial Park, is found on Highway 4 on the way to Port Alberni. This small provincial park celebrates Vancouver Island forests, both their eco-systems and their history. In a very small space that is bisected by a busy road, one is quickly overwhelmed by the majesty of the trees.

largest tree in the park

rain forest moss

tall, tall trees

If the forest seems vaguely familiar, it is because scenes from Star Wars Return of the Jedi were filmed here. 

Cathedral Grove is worth a stop, even if you live on the island and think you know trees. It's worth the reminder that these forests of ours are something special.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!