Why Bear Mountain Resort is a Destination Where You Can Live, Work and Play 365 Days a Year

A first-class resort built with the community in mind

As a world-class destination unlike any in Canada, it’s little surprise the peak season for visitors comes early to Victoria’s Bear Mountain Resort.

In fact, as a year-round West Coast resort, it never really leaves.

“There’s nothing like it in Canada, and only a few similar properties in North America,” explains Ecoasis CEO Dan Matthews, owner of the resort located just minutes outside the city.

Experienced in resort and urban resort real estate in Whistler and Hawaii, Ecoasis was uniquely positioned to realize Bear Mountain’s potential, investing in community amenities before building out the residences. For buyers, this removes the uncertainty from a resort purchase; for visitors, it means lots to see and do while the resort takes shape around them.

“We have a unique concentration of amenities in an urban centre,” Matthews explains.

“Bear Mountain is situated adjacent to a region that encompasses 300,000 acres of parkland and contiguous greenbelt where you can experience activities year-round. For those wanting to make Bear Mountain their home—now or in the future—there’s a job base, an international airport and some of the country’s best medical care nearby. This truly is an urban resort, and an opportunity to live, work and play year-round in an area where all the amenities are exceptional.”

More than its unique location and two Nicklaus Design golf courses (Bear Mountain Resort will host the 2016 Pacific Links Championship, a PGA TOUR Champion event taking place September 19 to 25, 2016) the resort is connected with national-level golf and mountain biking training, and a red clay court tennis facility is under construction. In turn, Canada’s top athletes will bring their talents to help others of all abilities learn and play. 

For visitors, it’s enjoying world-class facilities, and learning from the best, notes James Fry, director of sales and marketing for the recently refurbished Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa.

“Appealing to the experiential and educated traveller, as a resort destination, guests tend to spend a little more time with us, so they’re looking for things to do,” Fry explains.

“The hotel is fresh for summer, and while you’re here, there’s opportunities for all family members. Every day can be a little bit different.”

For families, kids can enjoy half-day golf or tennis camps, for example, while mom and dad savour couple’s time at Santé Spa, or their own time on the fairway. Everyone can hit the trails for a group ride in the afternoon, tackle the dirt jump park or explore the local scenery on foot. Start and finish the day with varied dining opportunities, and make sure you stop by the Master’s Lounge for “the best views in all of Victoria.

“It’s about taking advantage of all the world-class facilities we have built with the local community in mind,” Fry says.

Bear Mountain will eventually welcome 4,000 homes and about 10,000 people. From the town centre, which includes a retail centre steps from the hotel, there are plans for a gondola that will climb to the top of Mt. Finlayson, one of the region’s highest mountain peaks. “It will give people of all physical abilities the opportunity to see that view and link a downhill experience with our network of mountain bike trails,” Matthews says.  Offering extraordinary experiences 20 minutes from Victoria, visit www.bearmountain.ca learn more.