Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about fleeing the big city and moving to quieter climes? Then why not consider one of Canada's 52,455 idyllic islands, where ocean backdrops and stunning properties go hand-in-hand. From a hilltop home on Cape Breton to a magnificent 1920s mansion off the coast of Vancouver, these aspirational archipelago abodes will make you want to place a bid and pack your bags! All house prices are listed in Canadian dollars.
With a rich history, Cape Breton Island lies at the eastern tip of Nova Scotia and stretches for 3,981 square miles. Named the Number One Island in The Americas by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in 2019, the isle boasts a rugged coastline and intoxicating national parks. Yet there's also something for culture vultures, too, thanks to the island's 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg, the music-loving town of Sydney, and the annual Cape Breton Craft Beer Fest.
Benefiting from a stunning hilltop position overlooking the landscape of Cape Breton Island, this magnificent home could be all yours for just $595,000 (£348k). Listed for sale with RE/MAX, the killer property has plenty of curb appeal and boasts three acres of custom-designed landscaped gardens. As well as a long private driveway, numerous covered decks and an attached double garage, the property also offers plenty of interior wow-factor, too!
The exclusive Cape Cod-style home was built in 1999 and has a grand, two-storey entrance foyer with a curving staircase that draws the eye upstairs. The large, open-plan house beautifully blends traditional and modern decor, with hardwood floors, mahogany detailing, dark cherry cabinetry and built-in fireplaces. There are also four bedrooms and four bathrooms, meaning there's plenty of space for visiting guests.
The main open-plan family room boasts a modern kitchen, a dining zone and a chill-out space. There's also a heated sunroom and a converted basement with an oversized rec room, ideal for the winter months. If all that wasn't enough, the master bedroom is home to a 40-inch terrace, a spa bathroom, a laundry area and a walk-in closet. Plus, you can enjoy incredible views over the neighbouring village of Baddeck and the world-famous Bras D'Or Lake from almost every window.
Nestled just off Canada's captivating east coast, the island of Newfoundland benefits from a versatile landscape and 18,000 miles of shoreline. From lush forests to tranquil hidden coves, the isle is diverse and beautiful in equal measure. Explore the landscapes of Gros Morne or Torngat Mountains National Parks, and enjoy the colourful houses and artisan cafes of quaint St. Johns. Here, there's also the chance to witness polar bears, glaciers and the Northern Lights!
Standing proud at 3,772 square feet, this attractive turn-of-the-century home dates back to 1896 and oozes period charm. Sitting on 1.7 acres of land in St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland, this property is a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. The home's quaint front porch is ever-so seductive and we can just imagine growing old here.
With soaring 10-foot ceilings and plenty of windows, every room was designed to make the most of the amazing landscape around which the home sits. Retaining its gorgeous heritage appeal, the house features original mantles, attractive cornicing and hardwood floors throughout.
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While the sleek kitchen features its own pantry, the top floor offers a laundry room, an office and a recreational space. With a total of five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property is an absolute steal. Listed for sale with RE/MAX for just $699,900 (£410k), this pad offers plenty of bang for your buck!
Nestled in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island can be found on Canada's eastern shoreline, a stone’s throw from picturesque Nova Scotia. Characterised by its sandstone cliffs and red-sand beaches, this attractive isle offers 2,185 square miles of picture-perfect landscapes. The capital city, Charlottetown is a foodie paradise known for its seafood, artisan cafes and art galleries, so there's plenty for townies, too!
If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a colossal waterfront mansion, then this listing is for you! Located on the northern shoreline of Prince Edward Island, the extensive family abode is currently for sale with Century 21 for $1.25 million (£729k). Positioned just moments from the beach, the house is also less than 40 minutes away from central Charlottetown, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds!
The house is accessed via a long, winding driveway through a meadow, which bursts into life in spring and summer. The home's grand entrance hall leads to a large living zone, an open-plan gourmet kitchen, a library, and a cosy family room. With three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, the master suite also comes with its own private sitting room, while the billiard room will keep you occupied while you wait out the winter.
With almost 31 acres of private land and 4,763 square feet of inside space, this prominent pad benefits from incredible ocean views from almost every room. If all this wasn’t enough, there’s also a natural grass tennis court and an outdoor deck with its very own hot tub, so you can watch the hours melt away, taking in gorgeous coastal views from your own private paradise.
Sandwiched between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island can be found in the Strait of Georgia and remained uninhabited until 1859. No matter what the season, this stunning isle has something to offer. Throughout summer, head to one of its many beaches or open-air farmers' markets and enjoy crisp autumnal walks as the leaves begin to fall. A fantastic recreational island, everyone from golf enthusiasts to sailors will find something to entertain them here.
Listed with Sotheby's International Realty for $1.55 million (£903k), this brand new custom-built retreat was constructed in 2018 and is a contemporary gem worthy of your attention. The sleek home, known as Design Dialogue, is nestled on an attractive sloping plot inside the notable Maracaibo Estates and benefits from 3.44 acres of private woodland grounds. Let's take a sneak peek inside...
Spread over 2,846 square feet, the chic property is bright and spacious with a crisp colour scheme and extensive glazing. There are three bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a sophisticated entertainer's kitchen that's equipped with high-end appliances, a butler's pantry, and a beverage station – the perfect space for entertaining.
The master wing can be accessed by a gallery walkway and features an all-white palette and a brushed concrete accent wall for a real sense of luxury and calm. The home also boasts its own private balcony, kitted out with a seating area and a hot tub overlooking the garden. There's also a quiet upper level that acts as a private guest suite, so all your friends will have somewhere to stay. What more could you possibly need?
Found in the heart of British Columbia, Galiano Island is one of Canada's Southern Gulf isles and is known for its sandstone caves, ancient forests, and the beauty of Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park. Nicknamed the Gem of the Gulf, Galiano covers just 22 square miles and is the ideal option for homeowners seeking plenty of outdoor opportunities, thanks to its wildlife hot spots and fantastic walking trails. Plus, from sailing to kayaking and whale watching to golf, there's something here for everyone.
This contemporary dwelling can be found on a secluded stretch of Galiano Island and boasts 300 feet of gorgeous water frontage. Built in 2018, the new architect-designed property measures 2,409 square feet and comes with over half-an-acre of land, so you'll gain plenty of space, both inside and out.
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For sale with Sotheby’s International Realty for $2.25 million (£1.31m), there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and striking decor throughout. Extensive glazing offers spectacular views across the landscape beyond, letting in bags of natural light in the process. With a stunning open-plan layout, the interior blends contemporary design with traditional touches, including exposed timber beams and hardwood floors.
There’s a substantial gourmet kitchen, a stunning dining area and even a Great Room that's perfect for entertaining. Many of the rooms also benefit from direct access to the home’s wraparound terrace – the only place you’ll want to enjoy your morning coffee from now on! Plus, with Vancouver and Gossip Island just a short boat ride away, you’re sure to find plenty to do on your days off.
Covering just eight square miles, Mayne Island lies halfway between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Leafy and offering an abundance of wildlife, it features beautiful bays and lush parks, from the 836-foot high peak of Mount Parke, to the stunning ocean vistas of Lighthouse Point. Perfect for families, the island also has a strong community ethos and is home to just over 1,000 residents.
Secluded behind ancient trees right by the water's edge, this stunning West Coast-style property benefits from 1,000 feet of Mayne Island frontage. As private as it is impressive, the 4,158-square-foot home is currently for sale through Sotheby's International Realty for $2.25 million (£1.3m).
Custom-built in 2001, the home comes with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as 10 acres of private land. The house was designed around the amazing view, with huge picture windows beautifully framing the scenery beyond. Though in need of some modernisation, the house offers plenty of opportunities for homeowners seeking a one-of-a-kind retreat that they can put their own stamp on.
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While the exterior is finished with cedar log pillars and a clay tile roof, the interior is light-filled and open with luxury lighting, hardwood floors, a high-end security system and a built-in sound system. Most of the rooms also boast gorgeous period touches, including vaulted timber ceilings and original fireplaces. Imagine taking a soak in this amazing bathroom, enjoying spectacular views of Kadonaga Bay while you bathe!
As one of the Southern Gulf Islands, Pender Island is located just off the coast of British Columbia and covers an area of approximately 13 square miles. With roughly 2,250 permanent residents, the island attracts plenty of visitors during the summer months, thanks to its amazing national park, the hiking trails of Mount Norman, and the beauty of Roe Lake. Quiet, picturesque and attractive in every season, Pender Island is a dream come true.
If you're seeking all-out luxury then pay attention because this property could well be your dream home. For sale with RE/MAX for $2.5million (£1.5m), the house is perched above the Salish Sea and boasts 10 private acres of land, a 3,264-square-foot main house and a self-contained 760-square-foot cottage.
The main house really has wow-factor. There are 19 large rooms including three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a full basement so the property offers bags of potential. There's a stunning gourmet kitchen, a cocktail bar, a 12-seat dining room, and a cosy living area with a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Every space also benefits from high-end finishes, including hardwood floors, exposed timber beams and frameless floor-to-ceiling windows.
No matter where you are in the house, every room offers remarkable views towards San Juan Island, Victoria and the Olympic Mountains. In fact, the soaking tub in the master bathroom provides endless archipelago panorama and connects to a private balcony that features yet another envy-inducing bathtub. We can't think of a better spot to unwind after a long day!
Kaulbach Island is just a short boat ride away from Nova Scotia and lies in the heart of the Bluenose Coast. Surrounded by stunning aquamarine waters, the private isle is also close to the region's world-class sailing and golfing opportunities, as well as the festivals, boutiques and artisan bakeries of Mahone Bay, making this island both tranquil and conveniently placed.
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If you like the sound of Kaulbach Island then you're in luck, because it's currently for sale in its entirety. The only catch is that you'd need $5.5 million (£3.2m) in the bank in order to buy it! Available through Vladi Private Islands, the extensive 57-acre lot comes with a mesmerising main house known as Osprey Nest. There's also an incredibly spacious outdoor terrace, where you can sit back and admire your own piece of paradise.
Surrounded by attractive gardens, the main house boasts 11 bedrooms and seven full bathrooms. Meticulously maintained, the property is grand and traditional, with all the modern conveniences a VIP could need. Hardwood floors, timber panelling, over-sized windows and decorative mouldings complete every space while eco-technology, including effluent disposal and aqua-thermal heat production, makes this pad highly environmentally-friendly.
Perhaps Canada's most famous outcrop, Vancouver Island covers over 12,000 square miles in the Pacific Ocean and is awash with neo-baroque architecture, English-style gardens and, of course, incredible ocean views. While the Old City Quarter of Nanaimo is renowned for its boutiques, galleries and restaurants, the island's diverse landscape is perfect for surfing, snowshoeing and kayaking. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is also famed for its formal gardens and historic castles.
This enchanting luxury home lies on Banker's Row, in the exclusive Oak Bay neighbourhood of Victoria, Vancouver Island. For sale with Christie's International Real Estate for a whopping $6.75 million (£3.9m), the prestigious pad offers 225 feet of ocean frontage and direct access to Victoria Golf Club. Plus, this absolute stunner hasn't been listed for sale for over 40 years, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Let's take a look around...
Designed by Samuel Maclure, the property enjoys spectacular views of Mount Baker and the Gulf Islands from almost every single room. The sophisticated house boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms over its 4,000-square-foot interior. Traditional touches add real style to each room, from hardwood oak to bevelled wood mouldings. Plus, all the rooms also benefit from luxury finishes and high ceilings.
Built in 1928, the home offers decorative windows and ornate fireplaces, while the recently updated kitchen is filled with natural light and looks directly onto the ocean below. There's also plenty of sea-view balconies for relaxing. Unlike any other home on the market right now, this world-class waterfront property is perfect for VIP buyers. Dream homes don't get much more aspirational than this!
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