One of the best and perhaps most under appreciated tools in the local tourist’s travel playbook is the de Havilland Beaver (a.k.a. DHC- 2), an extraordinarily versatile and rugged aircraft built right here in Canada from 1948-1967. Recently, I had the opportunity to fly in one with Saltspring Air on a recent visit to the idyllic Painted Boat Resort and Spa at Madeira Park on the Sunshine Coast.
We boarded the plane right at the base of Lift Bar and Grill behind the Westin Bayshore Hotel. After a quick and scenic 20 minute flight up the coast, we were at the resort, fresh and ready to play.
One look up and I knew I was in a sweet spot as bald eagles soared on the thermals overhead.
First, we took a tour of the accommodations. The luxury 2 bedroom villas come complete with full gourmet kitchens and gas barbecues on oversized decks and range from 1152-1668 square feet in size and can be rented or purchased as 1/4 ownership vacation properties.
The one year old resort is well-run by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts, who also own and or manage 4 other vacation properties in western Canada with 2 in Alberta (Deer Lodge on Lake Louise and Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff) and 2 more in BC (Emerald Lake Lodge in Field and Bulmer’s Pointe on Kooteney Lake).
The Painted Boat Resort amenities include: a deep water marina with moorage, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a full-service luxury spa with a water-fall hot tub, a conference room, wi-fi access, and kayak rentals. Other activities in the area include, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, guided kayak or slow boat tours, and visits to local artist studios and galleries.
After a lovely wine-paired lunch, a short and relaxing guided paddle around the protected cove and a quick dip in the hot-tub, we were once again airborne headed back to the hustle of Vancouver somewhat refreshed from the short trip, albeit silently wishing to have had more time to spend tucked away in such lovely natural seclusion. ~ PK
Painted Boat Resort
12849 Lagoon Road
Madeira Park, BC, Canada
Phone: 604-883-2456
Toll free: 866-902-3955
Email: admin@paintedboat.com
paintedboat.com
Saltspring Air
Grace Point Square
3102-115 Fulford Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island BC
Toll free: 1-877-537-9880
Email: general@saltspringair.com
saltspringair.com
Value Added Super Bonus Content: Harrison Ford talking about his Beaver, here.
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A well researched and written article. If I could just add that Painted Boat Resort is a perfect location for executive retreats and almost all things social like book club retreats, family reunions, girl friends get a ways, etc. Just 2 hours from Vancouver by car and ferry as an alternative to flying in.
Kind Regards,
Marci Wright-Smith, Regional Sales Manager