Bear Mountain Resort - A View from Paradise

Situated on the outskirts of Victoria, British Columbia, is one of Western Canada's largest real estate developments. Its name, appropriately enough is Bear Mountain Resort, in recognition of Jack Nicklaus, golf legend and course architect. Len Barrie, developer and former professional hockey player, originally designed the resort solely as an 18-hole course with a few homes along the fairways. It has clearly developed beyond this initial plan.

Bear Mountain is only minutes from Victoria International Airport, making it very accessible for international travelers. Whether or not you're a golfer, the resort has something to help you unwind and enjoy your vacation. While Bear Mountain is the permanent home to many, it also offers highly regarded vacation properties both whole and fractional ownership.

Vacation properties in British Columbia are expensive by Canadian standards, with the average price in excess of $1 million Canadian dollars. Fear not, Bear Mountain has (of course) a fractional ownership program with one-quarter shares selling from $250,000 Cdn. upwards to $300,000, which provides you with a town home ranging in size from 1900 to 2600 square feet. Plenty of room for the work weary to unwind and relax, yet cozy enough for the extended family to spend quality time together.

In addition to the two 18-hole golf courses co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve, there is a fabulous 156-room luxury Westin Hotel. Whether you are staying at a home in the resort or at the hotel, you have access to both the Mountainside Athletic Club and Santé Spa. Start your day with an invigorating workout at the 3,000 square foot fitness club, moving on to the spa for a relaxing facial or massage in their state-of-the-art facility, run by medical practitioners. Santé -- translated means health -- provides clients with several levels of service, depending on the treatment, including such medical procedures as botox injections. Finally, after pampering yourself away from the course, complete the day's activities with a meal at one of the resorts many dinner options, including Panache, the fine dining experience 1200 feet above sea level. Under the expert supervision of acclaimed Executive Chef, Iain Rennie.

Condé Nast Traveler has named Vancouver Island, North America's best island, five years running. No wonder; whether you're a golfer, sailor, hiker, biker, or horticulturalist. The Victoria area offers a plethora of choices and activities. You won't get bored, but if you do, Vancouver, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics is only a short ferry ride away.

Bear Mountain Resort is the premier resort real estate opportunity in Western Canada. To date, over $400 million in property has sold there with a projected $2.5 billion by the time the development plan is complete. Given the property's spectacular setting, its success is crystal-clear just like the views from atop the resort.

Will Ashworth - Bio

Will Ashworth is President of Ashworth Information, a Toronto-based research firm. The company specializes in leisure investments of all kinds including fractional ownership. With a background in financial services, Mr. Ashworth has worked in various roles including sales and marketing, customer service, investment research, and corporate communications. If you'd like more information on the company, please feel free to visit his blog.