Beachcombing for Treasure...Beachside is a Hidden Jewel by Chris McBeath Beaches surround Vancouver but how often do you get the chance to enjoy them privately? Most shore-side homes are perched atop cliffs and rocks and hardly any have sand and surf as backyard companions. Except at Beachside, a jewel of a bed and breakfast in West Vancouver. Located at the end of a quiet cul de sac in one of Canada's most picturesque residential neighbourhoods, Beachside is a country oasis only 20 minutes drive from Vancouver's city centre; a hidden away spot that's a haven from heaven. We arrived after a week in the downtown core, in need of some away-from-it-all R & R which started the moment our feet hit the sands of Beachside's natural shore. Sitting on a windswept log, the views dissolved all stress. A sea otter scurried out of the water to a hide away in the trees and as the sun started its descent, a majestic blue heron flew overhead, croaking loudly as it winged its way across the water. All this against a breathtaking backdrop. To the south, opposite, lay the forested peninsula of Vancouver's West Side; to the East the threads of Lions Gate Bridge glittered in the sun; and to the West, cruise ships en route to Alaska sailed into the sunset. And all the while, a huge freighter lingered on its moorings mere yards away - an open invitation to swim up to its world-weary hull, climb aboard and sail away. How easy it seemed. That's the charm of Beachside. Everything is so close, yet seems so far away whether it's Cypress Bowl or Grouse Mountain, the wilderness trails of Lighthouse or Capilano Parks. The specialty boutiques and cosmopolitan restaurants make the village of West Vancouver a delight and a much cosier experience than many downtown eateries; a perfect way to end a day of exploring, hiking or skiing. As the wind chilled the air, we slipped up to the guest lounge area and breakfast room - its floor to ceiling windows framing the view like an extraordinary piece of art. But that's not surprising. Throughout Beachside, we came across art, sculptures and momentos from Thailand, Indonesia, South America, and the Arctic - testimony to the world travels of owners Joan and Gordy Gibbs. Both retired teachers (they spent four years teaching in the Arctic), they have transformed their contemporary home into a spectacular - and affordable - bed and breakfast which for them was simply an evolution of 'always having house guests' to stay. And they provide all the comforts of home with personal touches such as a coffee maker, fridge and microwave in every room alongside fresh fruit, flowers and sundry travel needs from sewing materials to Band-Aids. We stayed in the Oceanfront Honeymoon Room, a beautifully appointed suite complete with private patio and, a highlight of our stay, the roman-bath styled Jacuzzi pool room. Separated from the bedroom with beautiful bevelled leaded glass doors, and with views out to sea, the mosaic-tiled Jacuzzi is large enough to hold 10 people so you can imagine, it felt like our own private swimming pool! A delicious family styled breakfast is served daily and as we tucked into croissants stuffed with scrambled eggs and hollandaise sauce, the entertainment got underway. Two seals bobbed in and out of the waves, inquisitive, playful and totally unaware of the windsurfer skipping across the waves. Then a gaggle of five Canadian geese arrived. Arrogant, nonchalant and in full command of the beach. As we picked away at the pile of fresh fruit and sipped our third cup of Java, we realized that they had discovered what we had found. A tranquil, hidden away respite with a spectacular location .... all within easy flight of a busy, downtown city. If You Go: Beachside Bed & Breakfast 408 Evergreen Avenue West Vancouver, BC Canada V7V lHl Phone: 1-800-563-3311 or: 604-922-7773 Fax: 604-926-1451 Email: beach@uniserve.com Web site: www.insite.com For our State-side Neighbors: Through Blaine, taking either the Douglas or Pacific border crossing. Vancouver and other lower mainland travelers: Take either Lions Gate or Second Narrows Bridge. Follow signs to West Vancouver, taking Marine Drive to Evergreen Avenue