There are compelling reasons to move to Vancouver Island. Years ago, a statistic was floating around which claimed eleven percent of Canadians want to move to Vancouver Island to raise their family or retire. While that statistic is unverified, there is no doubt many Canadians are drawn to Victoria and Vancouver Island as a uniquely beautiful place to live.

If you are considering a move here, read our top five reasons to live on Vancouver Island to help you decide if the #islandlife is right for you!

Average Price of Homes

Realtors® on the Island see many people moving here from the Lower Mainland to take advantage of average home price differentials between metro Vancouver and Victoria core. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reports the average price of single detached homes in the Metro area in January 2023 was $1,801,300, as compared with the average price of $1,296,600 in the Victoria Core as reported by enjoy the Victoria Real Estate Board.

The significant difference in price means a Lower Mainlander can sell their home, then move to a nicer Island home on the beach or pocket the difference to enhance their lifestyle.

Speaking about positive lifestyle changes, nothing enhances it like leaving behind the big-city bustle and rush hour traffic and exchanging it for a slower, small-city pace just minutes away from beaches and forests to explore. No wonder so many Lower Mainlanders are eying the Island.

Realtors® also report an influx from the Prairie cities, Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Families that are tired of traditional Canadian winters who want to live where the grass is green year-round and flowers bloom early. Can’t blame them.

Employment & Business Opportunities

Unemployment in BC is one of the lowest by province at 4.4 per cent, and the Vancouver Island + Coast economic region has the lowest unemployment rate in BC at 3.9 per cent.

Small businesses start-ups tend to do well on Vancouver Island. Our community ethos is very supportive of local businesses; local people love to support local businesses.

Opportunities exist in a variety of economic sectors:

Tourism and Hospitality: Vancouver Island is a popular tourist destination, with many opportunities to start a business in the hospitality industry and eco-tourism. There is once again a growing need for bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, make it an excellent base for eco-tourism businesses including whale watching tours, hiking tours, or kayaking tours.

Technology: Vancouver Island has a growing technology sector, with many opportunities for businesses in software development, digital marketing, and e-commerce.

Retail: Vancouver Island has a vibrant retail scene, with many opportunities for businesses in the fashion, home decor, and artisanal product sectors.

Construction: One of the fastest growing industries is in construction with just under a quarter of a million. Construction companies are in dire need of professional carpenters, plumbers, electricians, drywallers and more.

Relaxed Lifestyle

Living on the island is simply more relaxed. Less traffic and shorter commutes mean you can be anywhere in the city in a maximum of 15 minutes.

The natural beauty is an inspiration, which might explain the thriving arts community with a significant number of artists working in various disciplines. Galleries, studios, and art shows held throughout the year showcase the work of local artists.

Our city is culturally vibrant. Yearly cultural events and festivals are planned and executed by the Greater Victoria Festival Society, Victoria Jazz Festival, Victoria Fringe Festival, and Victoria Film Festival. We share some of the upcoming events in our monthly newsletters.

Outdoor Recreation

Victoria is an excellent home for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whatever your favourite outdoor activity is, be it camping, caving, birding, scuba diving, surfing, hunting, fishing, river tubing, sailing, mountain biking, or skiing, you’ll find supplies and groups of enthusiasts on the Island.

Gardens and Parks: Victoria is known as the “City of Gardens” and has many beautiful parks and gardens to explore, including the Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, and Abkhazi Garden.

Cycling: Victoria has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, making it a great place for cycling enthusiasts. The Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails are popular cycling routes.

Beaches: There are many beaches in the Victoria area, including Willows Beach, Gonzales Beach, and Cadboro Bay Beach, which offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

Golfing: Some of North America’s best golf courses here attract people from around the world: In Victoria, the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Olympic View Golf Club and Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Victoria’s harbor and nearby waterways provide great opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals and guided tours are available.

Hiking & Biking: Vancouver Island is home to many incredible waterfalls, unusual potholes where water has sculpted its way through the rocks, and old growth forests for you to explore. Hiking and biking hiking trails connect everything,

Local Charm

Every community is a little bit different and has their own local charm. Victoria is ‘The City of Flowers’. Duncan, within Cowichan Valley is the ‘City of Totems’. Nanaimo is ‘The Harbour City’, and Campbell River is ‘The Salmon Capital of The World’.

Local Farmer’s markets are overflowing with artisan goods and handcrafted ornaments found in every community. You can typically find local produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, and even local breweries with ease. If you are a fan of local high-quality, farm-to-table food, Island living will suit you. You can even pick up locally caught seafood on the docks of most Island communities.

What are you waiting for? A more relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle is waiting for you in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Come try out Island Living and see why so many mainlanders have already made the move themselves.
And when you’re ready to move, be sure to contact us to get a free quote for your moving and storage requirements.