Howe Sound Real Estate Statistics
Average Price | $3.6M |
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Lowest Price | $1.8M |
Highest Price | $12.3M |
Total Listings | 8 |
Avg. Price/SQFT | $934 |
Property Types (active listings)
MLS® Listings in Howe Sound | Homes for Sale
- All Listings
- Over $1,000,000
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Living in Howe Sound: What You Need to Know Before Moving
When people think about moving to the Howe Sound region, the first things that come to mind are the dramatic mountain backdrops, sparkling fjord waters, and the small but character-filled communities that line its shores. What many don’t realize until they start researching is just how diverse this area is in terms of lifestyle, amenities, and housing options. From quiet forested enclaves like Lions Bay to ferry-connected Horseshoe Bay and historic Britannia Beach, Howe Sound offers something very different from city living while still keeping you connected to Greater Vancouver.
Lions Bay: A Retreat in the Forest
Lions Bay is one of the most sought-after communities along Howe Sound, known for its spectacular mountain and ocean views. With fewer than 1,500 residents, this is a village where privacy and tranquility come naturally.
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Outdoor lifestyle: Hiking trails start right from the village, with the world-famous Lions peaks rising behind it. Many homes here are positioned to take in panoramic water views across the Sound.
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Community feel: Lions Bay has a local school for younger children, a café, a general store, and a marina, creating a small-town atmosphere where neighbors know each other.
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Transit and access: The Sea-to-Sky Highway runs directly through the village, offering a direct route to both Vancouver and Squamish. There’s also TransLink bus service connecting residents to Horseshoe Bay and beyond.
For anyone considering a move, Lions Bay represents a balance between seclusion and accessibility. It’s quiet enough to feel removed from the city but close enough to make commuting realistic.
Horseshoe Bay: Gateway to the Coast
Horseshoe Bay is best known as the major ferry terminal connecting Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Bowen Island. But it’s more than just a transportation hub.
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Shops and restaurants: The village center features cozy cafés, seafood restaurants, and boutique stores right on the waterfront.
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Commuting options: The direct bus from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay makes it a practical choice for people who need to stay connected to the city.
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Maritime lifestyle: For those who love boating, sailing, or quick getaways to the islands, living close to Horseshoe Bay provides unmatched convenience.
This is an ideal spot for buyers who want that “gateway to everywhere” feeling — you’re as close to downtown Vancouver as you are to coastal islands and outdoor adventures.
Britannia Beach and Furry Creek: History and Natural Beauty
A short drive north of Horseshoe Bay are the communities of Britannia Beach and Furry Creek.
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Britannia Beach has transformed from a historic mining town into a charming residential and tourist destination. The Britannia Mine Museum draws visitors year-round, while local cafés and galleries give the community new life. Homes here often have commanding water views and quick access to Squamish.
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Furry Creek is best known for its golf course, which is one of the most scenic in British Columbia. The community is tucked between the ocean and forest, offering a peaceful lifestyle that appeals to buyers seeking a private retreat.
Both areas are ideal for those who want something quieter than Squamish but still want easy access to Highway 99.
Islands and Coastal Living
The islands of Howe Sound — including Bowen Island, Gambier Island, Keats Island, and Anvil Island — are central to the character of the region.
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Bowen Island is the most developed, with schools, restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene, all just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.
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Gambier and Keats Islands are more rustic, popular for cottages and seasonal retreats, but they also have small year-round populations.
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Marine wildlife has made a comeback thanks to conservation efforts, meaning residents often spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and eagles from their own backyards or boats.
For buyers, island living in Howe Sound can mean anything from a full-time residence on Bowen to a seasonal cottage on a more remote shoreline.
Squamish: The Urban Anchor
At the head of Howe Sound sits Squamish, one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia. Known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” it offers a very different lifestyle than Lions Bay or Britannia.
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Full amenities: Squamish has schools, healthcare facilities, shopping, and a growing restaurant scene.
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Outdoor sports: The Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls, and endless mountain biking and climbing trails put Squamish on the global adventure map.
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Commuter balance: Many people live in Squamish and work either in Vancouver or Whistler, with Highway 99 serving as the daily link.
For families and professionals who want a mix of natural beauty and modern convenience, Squamish is often the most practical choice in the Howe Sound corridor.
Connectivity and Infrastructure
Moving to Howe Sound means weighing lifestyle with logistics:
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Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) is the lifeline connecting all the communities, stretching from West Vancouver to Whistler.
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Transit: Public bus routes link Lions Bay, Horseshoe Bay, and Squamish to Vancouver. BC Ferries and water taxis expand the options for island access.
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Utilities and services: Some smaller communities rely on septic systems, electric heating, or local water sources, so it’s important to consider these factors when buying property.
Why Buyers Choose Howe Sound
For many buyers, the appeal of Howe Sound is simple: it offers the kind of scenery and access to nature that feels out of reach in the city, yet it’s still close enough to commute when needed. Whether you want the tight-knit community of Lions Bay, the connectivity of Horseshoe Bay, the character of Britannia Beach, or the growing energy of Squamish, the Howe Sound region provides a range of lifestyles for different buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howe Sound a good place to live for families?
Yes. The Howe Sound region offers quiet, close-knit communities with excellent access to nature. Families in Lions Bay often start at Lions Bay Elementary (K–3) before moving into West Vancouver schools, while Squamish provides full K–12 options, community centres, and youth sports. Parks, beaches, and trails are minutes from most homes, making weekend adventures easy.
What types of homes are available in Howe Sound real estate?
Howe Sound real estate includes oceanfront and view homes in Lions Bay and Furry Creek, character houses and cottages in Britannia Beach, ferry-access homes on Bowen Island, and a broad mix of townhomes and detached homes in Squamish. Many properties sit on hillside lots to capture water and mountain views.
Which communities should I consider: Lions Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, Bowen Island, or Squamish?
Lions Bay is a serene, view-driven village. Horseshoe Bay offers walkable shops and the ferry hub. Britannia Beach blends history and new cafés. Furry Creek is known for privacy and golf. Bowen Island delivers island lifestyle with a short ferry. Squamish is the urban anchor with full amenities and a big outdoor scene.
How accessible is commuting from Howe Sound to Vancouver or Whistler?
The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) is the main spine for drivers heading south to West Vancouver and downtown Vancouver or north to Squamish and Whistler. Horseshoe Bay connects to downtown via express bus, Lions Bay has regional bus service, and Squamish operates local transit. Commute times vary with weather and traffic; many residents adopt hybrid schedules or flexible hours.
What parks, beaches, and outdoor activities are nearby?
Highlights include Porteau Cove for beach walks and diving, Whytecliff Park for marine views, Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief for hiking, and a network of local trails above Lions Bay. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, mountain biking, and kite sports are part of everyday life throughout the Sound.
How does ferry access work for Bowen Island and other destinations?
BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay provide frequent service to Bowen Island (Snug Cove) and routes to the Sunshine Coast and Nanaimo. Water taxis also operate seasonally to select islands. Many residents value the ability to reach islands for commuting, day trips, or hosting visitors without long travel days.
Are there good shopping, dining, and day-to-day services?
Horseshoe Bay offers cafés, restaurants, marine services, and everyday essentials. Caulfeild Village and Park Royal in West Vancouver are popular for larger shops and groceries. Britannia Beach has new eateries and galleries, while Squamish provides full-service supermarkets, clinics, gyms, breweries, and an expanding dining scene.
What should buyers know about utilities, terrain, and property considerations?
Hillside properties may require specialized engineering, drainage planning, and snow/driveway access strategies. Some communities rely on septic and electric heating or heat pumps, and natural gas may be limited in select pockets. Buyers should review slope stability, parking, ferry or highway access, and local bylaws before writing an offer.
How is the real estate market in Howe Sound right now?
Inventory is typically limited in view and waterfront corridors, with premiums for renovated, well-sited homes. Squamish offers the broadest selection and relative affordability, while Lions Bay, Furry Creek, Horseshoe Bay, Britannia Beach, and Bowen Island tend to trade on lifestyle and outlook. Market dynamics vary by micro-area and property type.
Is moving to Howe Sound right for me?
Choose Howe Sound if you value nature-first living, ocean and mountain views, and smaller communities with real character. Confirm your commute plan, access to schools and services, and comfort with hillside or ferry logistics. For many buyers, the trade-off is simple: extraordinary setting, calmer pace, and a home that feels like a year-round retreat.

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