Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
British Columbia’s Gulf Islands are renown for their ecologically-minded communities. But even among them, Lasqueti Island stands apart. To maintain the ecological and cultural integrity of our island, the residents refused connection to the electrical grid, chose a foot passenger ferry over a car ferry, and limit ferry runs and motorized access to avoid the tide of runaway development that has swept many of BCs coastal areas.
Thus, Lasqueti has developed into a hotbed of alternative energy systems, homesteading and self-reliance, and unique, ecologically sound building styles that rely on local materials and the varied talents of Lasqueti artists and craftspeople.
We encourage our guests to share the spirit of this island paradise with us and take part in our efforts to live sustainably. Like all of Lasqueti, we are off-grid, and like most are powered by rain and sun. If you are curious about how it all works, we will gladly answer your questions about our solar and micro-hydro systems, humanure waste management and other waste treatment options, and about our biodynamic approach to gardening and homesteading. Please be prepared to support us by leaving hair dryers and other energy-hungry heating appliances at home, and by minimizing your waste and separating it into compostables and recyclables.
We use only eco-friendly materials and cleaning products and intentionally avoid the individual sanitary packaging prescribed by many tourism accreditation organizations. We provide bikes and are happy to arrange shared rides for our guests to explore the island, visit the many roadside stands as well as the farmers market, bakery, grocery and gift store, and to take part in one of the many cultural events that bring Lasqueti residents together. Depending on the season, we may also have some of our own fresh organic produce to sell, and our herb garden is always open for use by visitors.
We encourage our guests to use local, on-island services (taxi & ride-sharing, local market & groceries, massage therapist, gift store, kayak rentals, horseback riding etc.) wherever possible and arrange appointments/bookings for these services. Our guesthouse library contains a variety of books on local culture and history.
We support local charities and community activities primarily as private citizens. For our guesthouse, we put out brochures and offer matching donations for special causes that we feel should be of special interest to our visitors (e.g., a recent local fundraising campaign to buy out a parcel of land for a local park extension).
Joseph currently maintains our local community website. We refer our guests to this site for information on local services and cultural/community events. Like all of Lasqueti, our property is off the electrical grid. Our power comes from solar panels and a small hydro turbine. Our water is heated by a mixture of solar and propane. Our water supply is surface catchment. We use only what can be sustained by local precipitation and do not draw on ground water. Our toilets are humanure-composting toilets. As such, they do not require water or chemical treatment, and do not pose any risk of septic seepage into the marine environment.
We provide our visitors with basic information on sustainable off-grid living and the functioning of our systems. We provide compost and recycling bins and ask our guests to take their garbage when they leave, to encourage them to think about how to avoid producing it in the first place and to lighten the load on the local landfill. We also encourage our visitors to use bikes, kayaks, and other forms of self-propelled transportation to explore and enjoy the island.
Our homestead is managed according to biodynamic principles. We aim to grow as much of our own food as we can. We use beach-combed wood and other local materials for construction whenever possible. A large part of our property is in unmanaged forest land, which is primarily maintained as wildlife habitat. Our personal philosophy is to buy locally and use local services whenever possible. Our guests are responsible for their own supplies and transport arrangements during their stay, but we make them aware of goods and services locally available and help them connect with the people and businesses offering these goods and services.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
