About us
Bayview Garden is an older home by Haida Gwaii standards, with a story that is very much part of its character.
According to local lore, the house was built around what was once the Military Police office—and jailhouse—of the Alliford Bay Seaplane Base in the 1940s. The original building was a simple rectangular prefabricated wooden structure, which today forms the heart of Bayview Garden’s kitchen and lounge areas.
After the Second World War, the Military Police building is believed to have been moved from Alliford Bay to Sandspit, along with several other buildings from the former seaplane base.
While the building has changed over the decades, a piece of that history remains at the heart of Bayview Garden.
The original offer seem to have been just what we now call "the cottage" and was likely a self-contained cottage (or bungalow) that was rented out. The Bayview Garden B&B started in 2007, and changed to a Guest House offer in 2019.
As is typical of homes throughout the islands, successive owners have added to the original building over the years, contributing to its unique charm—and perhaps a little of its quirkiness, too.
More recent updates have focused mainly on interior improvements, including redesigning, painting, and finishing, while preserving the character of the original home.
The name “Bayview Garden” was coined in 2007 by the previous owners, a semi-retired couple from Oregon who purchased the property when it was still known as “Bayside Bungalow.”
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The garden at Bayview Garden has been evolving for many years. The original garden design was created by the previous owners in 2006, and many of the perennial plants they planted are still thriving today.
Over time, the landscape naturally changes as plants grow, others die back, and new ideas take shape. The garden is always a work in progress, gradually developing its own character and changing with the seasons.
Meet Your Host
Your host and owner of Bayview Garden is Flavien. Originally from France and now also a Canadian citizen, Flavien has called Haida Gwaii home since 2010. Over the years, he has become actively involved in the local community through a variety of projects and organizations.
Flavien is involved with the Sandspit Community Society, serves as a Gwaii Trust Board Member, and is an Alternate Board Member of the Haida Gwaii Museum. He is also the manager of the Sandspit Visitor Centre and, during the summer months, works as a guide for Moresby Explorers, a local boat tour company.
When he’s not busy with the guest house or his community work, Flavien also works with the local ambulance station and occasionally at the local school, ALM, as a teaching assistant.
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find him sailing, camping, kayaking, or exploring somewhere new by bicycle.
Having lived on the islands since 2010, Flavien is always happy to share his knowledge of Haida Gwaii and help guests make the most of their time here.
Since 2012, Bayview Garden has welcomed volunteers from around the world, many of whom have contributed in meaningful ways to making Bayview Garden what it is today.
During the summer months, guests may have the chance to meet some of our volunteers, who stay at Bayview Garden in exchange for a few hours of help each day. Their tasks typically include cleaning, gardening, and other light duties around the property.
Over the years, we have been fortunate to host many wonderful people, and each has left their own little mark on Bayview Garden.
Below are photos of some of the helpers we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming over the years. We’re grateful to all of them for their time, energy, and contribution to our little corner of Haida Gwaii.
If you are also interested in helping out, please see our listing on Helpx or Workaway
