Spot Prawns

Now more than ever, the dream of owning a holiday home in British Columbia is more accessible. With interest rates low and housing prices falling, it's really a buyer's market. In fact, the most difficult to take this step is deciding where to purchase your second home. With so many wonderful places that are available to you, it can be difficult to choose. Here's a sample of a few spots BC vacation homes and why they are special.

1. Big White

For those looking for a ski getaway exceptional, Big White is an excellent choice. Ideal for families and singles, is the largest village ski-in/ski-out resort properties in Canada. The resort has 15 lifts to access 2,765 acres of skiing first, the longest term of 7.2 km.

Big White is located 56 km southeast of Kelowna, just off Highway 33 in the Okanagan Valley.

2. Gold

A house in this city will probably be a nice view of the snowy peaks of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. In summer, hiking in the fresh mountain air is sure that you recharge on weekend stays. Stroll downtown in the evening and grab a quick bite, or free street performances at the Fountain Square. The proximity of Kicking Horse Resort offers world class skiing, cross country and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking and hiking in summer. The Kicking Horse has some of the world's best whitewater rafting and fly fishing.

Golden is located on Highway 95 and Highway 1, 281 km northeast of Cranbrook.

3. Kelowna

For the countries of the lake relaxing living in the heart of the Okanagan, Kelowna is the choice for many. In fact, this place is so difficult to leave that many who have started with a holiday home became permanent residents. Built around Lake Okanagan, it is easy to locate a place with a magnificent view. For those who love water sports, this is the place. Kelowna is known for its wakeboarding, boating, swimming and fishing. The city is full of charming shops and restaurants and entertainment is available free summer in the city park and riverside park.

Kelowna is situated at the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 33-395 km north of Vancouver.

4. Radium Hot Springs

Nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges, Radium Hot Springs is the perfect vacation home, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, climbing, bird watching, and of course relaxing in warm water, hot mineral springs after a long day are popular activities in this picturesque region.

Radium Hot Springs is located 143 km north of Cranbrook, at the junction of Highway 93 and 95.

5. Revelstoke

Revelstoke is hailed as the next Whistler. " Real estate opportunities here are properties along picturesque meadows and forests and lakeside villages on the mountainside. Located between the Selkirk and Monashee mountains, it is considered the "Gateway to Mountain Adventure and National Parks." Local attractions include Glacier National Park Revelstoke (home to more than 400 glaciers), BC Hydro's Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station, the world-class skiing, hiking and photography opportunities for wilderness.

Revelstoke is located at the junction of Route 1 and Route 23, 565 km north of Vancouver and 192 km north of Kelowna.

6. Salmon Beach, Tofino

The lots in Salmon Beach offers seasonal cottage living in a remote area of the west coast, bordering the Barkley Sound. Residents have access to a range of Community and provides access to water ideal for long hours of kayaking, fishing or prawning. Visit this area on a hot sunny day and you'll never want to leave.

Salmon Beach is located midway between Ucluelet and Toquart Bay, near Route 4.

7. Ucluelet

For those who want the wild coast of the west coast, but with more amenities.