Off-Grid Oceanfront Home

LOCATION AND SETTING

Osland occupies one of the most spectacular positions on British Columbia's coast, situated at the confluence where the legendary Skeena River meets the Pacific Ocean. This unique geography creates an environment of extraordinary natural beauty, where pristine waters, soaring mountains, and abundant wildlife define daily life.

The community sits at the north end of De Horsey Passage, a narrow tidal channel that connects the open ocean with the Skeena River system. This strategic position places residents at the heart of one of the Pacific Northwest's most productive marine ecosystems, surrounded by the protected waters that have sustained Indigenous peoples and maritime communities for thousands of years.

The snow-capped mountains of Northwestern BC rise from the water's edge, creating a backdrop that changes with the light throughout the day. The interplay of ocean tides and river current produces constantly shifting conditions that support an incredible diversity of marine life. Floatplanes are a regular sight, landing and taking off from the protected waters as they navigate between coastal communities, adding to the authentic maritime atmosphere.

The setting offers complete privacy and tranquility while maintaining connection to essential services through Prince Rupert, at only 25 kilometers away. This balance of seclusion and accessibility makes Osland an ideal location for those seeking to embrace coastal living without sacrificing modern conveniences.

HISTORY

Osland was once an active fishing and boatbuilding community on the east coast of Smith Island at the mouth of the Skeena River, approximately 110 kms southwest of Terrace and 25 kms south-southeast of Prince Rupert.  The community is located at the north end of De Horsey Passage, a narrow tidal channel between Smith Island to the west and De Horsey Island to the east.  This channel connects with Inverness Passage and the main stem of the Skeena River, placing the community near canneries and railway connections to Prince Rupert. 

Osland was founded by Icelandic-Canadians who migrated from communities in Manitoba.  The first settlers arrived around 1912 or 1913, with more joining during and after World War I.  The community thrived in the 1920’s, reaching a peak population of 90.  The main occupation was fishing; initially, most people worked for the nearby Cassiar Cannery.  In the mid-1920’s, with the introduction of gas powered boats, fishermen began working for other canneries.  Some continued using cannery gas boats, while others fished with their own vessels.  Osland had three docks: the Imperial Oil Dock and Float, used in summer to supply fish packers and the gillnet fleet, the Community Float, which went dry at low tide, and the Government Wharf, which could accommodate boats at any hour.

Osland was renowned for quality boatbuilding.  The first recorded boat built there was the Iceland, constructed by Johannes (Joe) Laurusson in 1920.  George Philippson built a troller at North Pacific Cannery in 1928 and the Julia at Osland in 1931.  The Great Depression of the 1930’s caused many families to relocate, putting the one-room school at risk of closing.  To address this, several Japanese families were encouraged to move to Osland from the canneries.  Among them was the Sakamoto family.  They established a boatbuilding shop which they operated until their internment during World War II.