Looking for something to do this Summer, what about a Road Trip!

If you’re looking for a scenic drive in BC, you don’t have to go far here are some road trips for you. The top 5 scenic drives in BC that each feature a spectacular 150-kilometre (93-mile) stretch.

Smithers to Terrace and Prince Rupert along Highway 16

In Northern BC, Smithers and Terrace draw outdoor enthusiasts for salmon fishing, boating, and camping in the summer and skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. From small-town Smithers, drive north to the Hazelton's area, where you can learn about First Nations culture at Ksan Historical Village and Museum. Then follow Highway 16 west along the mighty Skeena River and take in the glorious Seven Sisters Peaks in the Seven Sisters Park and Protected Area. Here, you may spot everything from mountain goats to grizzly and black bears. The park is roughly 115 km (71 miles) from Smithers, but the roadside views continue another 85 km (53 miles) to Terrace. From Terrace to Prince Rupert, the drive is equally spectacular, with glimpses of tall waterfalls trickling down the mountains. This 145-km (90-mi) stretch curves along the Skeena River before opening up at the river’s mouth with expansive views near Port Essington. Then, all of a sudden, you’re at the Pacific Ocean in Prince Rupert. From the port city of Prince Rupert, you can charter a boat to go fishing for salmon and halibut if you’re lucky, on the way you can spot orcas and humpback whales from the boat, as well as seals on the rocky outcroppings. Or take a day trip to Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary.

Vancouver to Whistler and Pemberton along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway.

The name of the highway says it all: from sparkling ocean right on up to craggy peaks, this is one beautiful drive. Pull over at Porteau Cove for a view of Howe Sound on the 120 km (75-mile) drive from Vancouver to Whistler, or stop in Squamish and ascend high above the turquoise waters on the Sea to Sky Gondola. From Whistler, another 35 km (22 miles) brings you to Pemberton, a pastoral valley that rewards those who go the distance with golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more.

Osoyoos to Lake Country and Vernon down Route 97

North America’s longest continuous north-south highway crosses the United States/Canada border near Oroville, Washington, a short jaunt from Osoyoos, British Columbia. The following 150 km wind north through the fertile Okanagan Valley toward the summertime playgrounds of Kelowna and Lake Country. Stop for a refreshing dip in Lake Okanagan, go wine tasting through the area’s many vineyards, and continue to Vernon for paddle boarding on Kalamalka Lake. Along the way, brake for a snack at one of the many fruit stands piled high seasonally with ripe cherries, peaches, or apples.

Revelstoke to Golden along the Trans Canada Highway 1

Mountain majesty dominates this route, where you can hike through alpine flowers just a short walk from your car at Mount Revelstoke National Park. The 148 km (92 mile) stretch between Revelstoke and Golden traverses one of BC’s great mountain crossings: Rogers Pass. That’s where, in 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company sliced through the Selkirk Mountains and connected the country from coast to coast. In the summer, learn more at the Rogers Pass National Historic Site in Glacier National Park. Then drive on to Golden for its river rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. From Golden, it’s another 83 km (52 miles) to Lake Louise, Alberta, via Yoho National Park.

Hope to Cache Creek Trans-Canada Highway 1

The Fraser River pumped life into the Gold Rush Trail back in the 1850s, when prospectors headed north to Barkerville to seek their fortune. You can experience gold rush history in 150 to 200 km (93 to 124 miles) starting in Hope. But first, take a quick detour to the Othello Tunnels, which are cut through solid granite, in nearby Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. Then follow the Trans-Canada Highway that hugs the Fraser north to Hell’s Gate, the deepest and narrowest point of the river. Here, you can take a dramatic air-tram ride over the raging waters. Continue north to Tuckkwiowhum Village, a First Nations heritage site near Boston Bar that offers lessons in Nlaka’pamux culture. Further on in Cache Creek, which once served as the halfway point for prospectors on their way to the Cariboo gold fields, you can go geo-caching to uncover your own treasures.

You can go wrong choosing any one of these road trips or all of them!

Now is the Time to Buy as Prices are going UP!

The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that a record number of  residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service in April, there were 12,969 that is up 30.3 per cent from the same month last year. Home sales last month beat March’s record of 12,560 units. Total sales dollar volume was $9.64 billion in April, up 52.7 per cent compared to the previous year. The average MLS  residential price in the province was up 17.2 per cent year-over-year, to $743,640. The housing demand has been exceptionally strong across the southern regions of the province. Who doesn't want to live in the sunny Okanagan!! The consumers appear to be particularly active in the Thompson/Okanagan, the Vancouver Island, and the Fraser Valley regions.

Strong employment growth is helping boost the consumer confidence. The BC economy has employed more than 78,000 additional workers during the first four months of the year, that is an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. The year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume increased 64.3 per cent to $31.2 billion, when compared with the same period in 2015. Residential unit sales climbed by 36.2 per cent to 28,028 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 20.6 per cent to $761,860.

2016 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update

The British Columbia Real Estate Association has released 2016 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update the other day. The Multiple Listing Service residential sales in the province look like they may have a slight turn back 6.2 per cent to 96,100 units this year, after reaching 102,517 units in 2015. Strong consumer demand is expected to push MLS residential sales up by 2 per cent to 98,000 units in 2017.

Housing demand in the province is being supported by a relatively robust economy, leading to strong employment growth and rising wages. In addition, with net inter-provincial migration on an upswing as many Albertans look to BC for job opportunities. BC home sales are forecast to remain well above the ten-year average of 83,200 units over the next two years.

The inventory of homes for sale is now at its lowest level in almost a decade. Fewer homes for sale and strong consumer demand are expected to push home prices higher in most BC regions this year and in 2017. The average MLS residential price in the province is projected to increase 6.4 per cent to $677,200 this year and a further 4.1 per cent to $705,300 in 2017. All good news for those selling their homes!

New home construction activity is expected to remain at elevated levels corresponding to strong consumer demand and relatively low inventories, particularly on the South Coast.  Total housing starts in the province are forecast to remain close to an annual pace of 30,000 units through 2017, which will be the strongest two year performance since the 2007-2008 period.

BC Housing Market

The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that a total of 8,032 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service in November, up 34.5 per cent from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $5.38 billion, up 56.4 per cent compared to the previous year. The average MLS residential price in the province rose to $668,317, up 16.3 per cent from November 2014. 

Housing demand last month was the second strongest ever recorded for the month of November. You need to look all the way back to the market of 1989 to find more homes trading hands in November. The largest increase in consumer demand occurred in the Fraser Valley, where home sales climbed over 60 per cent from November 2014. Vancouver and Chilliwack experienced an increase of over 40 per cent, while Kamloops home sales were up 30 per cent. The year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume increased 35.4 per cent to $60.7 billion, when compared with the same period in 2014. 

Residential unit sales climbed by 21.5 per cent to 95,927 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 11.4 per cent to $632,209.

The Consumer Demand in 2014 was the Strongest in Five Years

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is reporting that a total of 84,049 residential unit sales were recorded by the MLS in 2014, up 15.2 per cent from 2013. After lagging for several years, BC home sales have eclipsed the ten-year average of 82,000 units and the 15-year average of 83,600 units. 

Total sales dollar volume was $47.8 billion, an increase of 21.9 per cent from 2013. With the average MLS residential price in the province of BC rising to $568,405, up 5.8 per cent from the previous year.

BC has experienced a significant increase in housing demand last year. Not since the post-recession rebound of 2009 has the market posted such a turn around. Home buyers were out in full force in nearly every region of the province, with unit sales climbing 8 to 25 per cent in all BC real estate boards, except in Kamloops where the number of transactions dropped nearly 5 per cent. Stronger consumer demand not only pushed down the inventory of homes for sale, but also firmed market conditions throughout the province.

In December, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 18.2 per cent to $2.97 billion, compared to the same month last year. Residential unit sales were up 14.7 per cent to 4,426 units, with the average MLS residential price was up 3 per cent to $585,718.

Year-to-Date Home Sales for October 2014 compared to 2013

The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that a total of 7,648 residential unit sales were recorded by the MLS in October, up 14.6 per cent from October 2013. Total sales dollar volume was $4.4 billion, an increase of 22 per cent compared to a year ago. The average MLS residential price in the province rose to $575,504, up 7.1 per cent from the same month last year. Great news for all those that are selling!

Consumer demand for housing continues at an elevated level. There were more homes purchased during the first ten months of the year than during all of 2013. To the end of October 73,001 homes have traded hands in the province compared to 72,936 for all of last year.

Strong year-over-year increases in housing demand were experienced in Chilliwack is up 31 per cent, Victoria is up 21.9 per cent and in the Kootenay they up 19.4 per cent in these market areas. Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley and here in the Okanagan  also posted a marked increase in sales activity last month.

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 23 per cent to $41.4 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 15.8 per cent to 73,001 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 6.2 per cent at $566,687.

Market Report for September.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that there were a total of 7,636 residential sales were recorded by the MLS in September, up 17.5 per cent from September 2013. Total sales dollar volume was  also up $4.4 billion an increase of 25.8 per cent compared to a year ago. The average residential price in the province rose to $574,641, up 7.1 per cent from the same month last year. 

Consumer demand remains strong in most BC regions.  More homes traded hands last month in BC than any September since 2009 while the Okanagan had its best September in nine years which is great news for us here in the Okanagan. With Population growth, low interest rates and strengthening economic conditions continue to be supportive of housing demand. 

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 23.2 per cent to $37 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 16 per cent to 65,353 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 6.2 per cent at $565,655.