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Garnet Rock Oceanside Resort
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Garnet Rock RV
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Garnet Rock RV
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Garnet Rock RV
Story and photos contributed
Picture this - 10+ acres on the ocean in beautiful Powell River, BC. - a gorgeous little piece of paradise with manicured lawns, lush gardens and panoramic views. Ah... tranquility and serenity at its finest. Lovely scene, isn't it? Certainly not what Dennis Della Coletta first saw when he tentatively put an offer in on the property over 30 years ago. While visiting Powell River, he came across this diamond in the rough and saw the potential. When he returned home to Vancouver, he announced to his unsuspecting wife Donna, "...oh, by the way, I put an offer in on a park in Powell River." The look on her face and her subsequent silence probably spoke volumes: “What was he up to now? What were they getting themselves into?”
"Park", was a bit of an overzealous description of the property at the time. Not exactly well-kept or developed, it had “gone to seed" as they say. For the next three decades Dennis spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, blood, sweat and, at times, tears to bring it up to its current standards. With the help of family, a parade of different (and transient) managers and even a few hardy friends, they have managed to change virtually everything about the property and developed it into what can indeed now be referred to as a "Park/Resort".
When asked about the process Dennis said, "Since I bought the park back in 1981, it has come a long way, every year a little bit more. But today I can say that it has never come as far as it has in the past 3 years. We can see so much progress in these last three years last few years thanks to the managers I have now. Greg & Monique Roadknight have taken the place from an A to an A+++! Their people skills - both with tenants and guests - really are great. Greg really works magic with what he does: landscaping, building, maintenance and everything else he touches."
The property consists of two sections, the upper 5 acres is a Modular Home Park consisting of 24 sites. With access to the lower oceanfront acreage, tenants can enjoy the picnic, lookout areas and hiking trails as well as beach access. This is a tightly-knit community that is age-restricted to 55+ (with some flexibility).
The lower 5 acres is dedicated to the RV Resort, complete with three rental cabins. 10 of the 25 RV sites are oceanfront offering 30-50amp service, water, sewer and free Wi-Fi. The three cabins are newly renovated and boast a cozy modern decor, fully self-contained with full-sized kitchens and thoughtfully equipped for your convenience including bedding and towels. They have two one-bedroom cabins, with full ocean views, decks and complimentary BBQ's and one two-bedroom with a “peek-a-boo” ocean view. Manager Monique Roadknight says, “Picture yourself on the deck, mid-summer, wine in hand, BBQ cooking and a bell begins to ring... our signal that there has been a sighting of orcas, Pacific dolphins or whales! Our telephone chain goes from both ends of the Malaspina Strait and keeps eagle-eyes open for sightings. It certainly is something that makes your stay very special.”
Located just seven minutes south of Powell River, Garnet Rock Oceanside Resort is easily accessible via ferry from Comox or Vancouver. From Horseshoe Bay it's a 40 minute ferry ride to Langdale - followed by a beautiful drive along the coast through Gibsons & Sechelt to Earls Cover ferry terminal. This crossing to Saltery Bay winds its way through the Jervis Inlet. It is definitely worth planning the trip during daylight hours as you will not want to miss the spectacular scenery along this magnificent stretch of waterway. Once landed at Saltery Bay it's only a 20 minute drive to the Garnet Rock Resort or 7 minutes from the Powell River terminal, if you are coming from Comox on Vancouver Island.
For your enjoyment, kayak rentals are offered on site and can be launched right at the Resort or dropped off at any one of the various lakes in the vicinity. As an added bonus, Garnet Rock is directly across the road from multiple hiking and biking trails as well as an 18 hole, year- round golf at Myrtle Point Golf Course (which conveniently offers shuttle service from the Resort to the course).
You will surely find the peace and tranquility of Garnet Rock instantly addictive and a place you will long to return to time and time again. Come visit this little piece of paradise on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. You won't soon forget it.
WHAT OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY:
"We have had the pleasure of visiting Garnet Rock in our RV for five years now and have to say that every year it gets better and better! The Management is just wonderful, so accommodating and kind and the Resort itself just lovely. We had the pleasure of seeing a large pod of Killer Whales go by last summer as we sat at our picnic table having dinner, it is not a memory we will ever forget! Our grandkids were
just in awe and spent 80% of the next two days just staring at the ocean waiting for something else!! We have never seen such magnificent sunsets and as the sun dipped below the horizon the loons began to call as we started up our propane fire pit, does it get much better than that!?
We will continue to make this our annual trip and know that we can look forward to a guaranteed good time in paradise! Thank you for your hospitality, The Davidson Family - Seattle, Washington"
"We woke this morning to the birds singing and I walk outside my RV to find three seals playing in the water right before us. We planned on two days here at Garnet Rock but very easy we change our minds to stay longer! We like it so much here and your bathrooms are so clean and nice, you keep everything so nice. I wish I had the English to say more! I can only say thank you and we will return of this you can be sure. Thank you, Aarland Family - The Netherlands"