The move everyone talks about — but few understand

“Everyone says life is different on Vancouver Island.”

That’s true.
But it is also incomplete.

Because what really changes isn’t just scenery or commute times — it’s how your days feel. And that’s what most relocation guides miss.

Whether buyers are landing in Campbell River, exploring the Comox Valley, or settling into quieter pockets like Black Creek, Oyster River, or even Sayward, the transition from Mainland life comes with a few surprises — most of them are the good kind.

The pace shifts (and then so do you)

The first thing people notice isn’t the ocean.

It’s the pace.

On Vancouver Island:

• schedules loosen

• conversations last longer

• urgency fades faster than expected

Errands don’t feel like dread. Traffic doesn’t define your mood. People still work hard — they just don’t make it their entire personality.

Most Mainland movers say the same thing within months:

“I didn’t realize how tense I was… until I wasn’t anymore.”

Commuting changes — sometimes dramatically

Mainland buyers often ask, “What’s the commute like?”

Island buyers ask, “Will I even have one?”

Remote and flexible work have made communities like Campbell River, Courtenay, and Comox far more accessible for professionals who once felt tied to urban centres.

Even for local commuters:

• drives are shorter

• routes are scenic

• stress levels are noticeably lower

Time saved quietly becomes time lived.

Housing expectations recalibrate (in a good way)

One of the biggest adjustments is psychological.

On the Mainland, buyers often ask:

• “How much can I afford?”
  .... and buy at their maximum

On Vancouver Island, they start asking:

• “How do I want to live?”
  .... and choose the lifestyle they've always wanted

That shift changes everything.

Buyers discover:

• outdoor space matters more than extra rooms

• light, layout, and VIEWS often beat square footage

• neighbourhood feel matters more than postal code prestige

Whether it’s ocean proximity in Campbell River, walkability in Comox, or trail access in Cumberland, the right home often looks different than expected — and feels better than imagined.

Contact me below if you would like local lifestyle guides!

Community becomes part of daily life

Island communities don’t just exist — they participate.

New residents quickly notice:

• neighbours say hello (and mean it)
  they even know your dogs name

• local businesses recognize you
  and give you the best recos!

• community events actually feel welcoming

Places like Cumberland, Black Creek, and Oyster River offer something many buyers didn’t realize they missed: belonging without obligation.

You can be involved — or not.
Either way, you’re welcome.

Weather myths fade fast

Yes, it rains.

But here’s what newcomers discover:

• winters are just as mild

• greenery lasts all year

• outdoor life doesn’t stop — it adapts

• it rains on the mainland too

Island residents don’t “wait out” the seasons. They dress for them, walk through them, and enjoy quieter versions of the same trails, beaches, and waterfronts that draw summer visitors.

What doesn’t change (and that matters too)

A few things stay reassuringly familiar:

• quality schools and services

• strong local economies

• reliable infrastructure

• access to amenities 

The difference is scale — not availability.

Everything you need is here.
It is just closer, calmer, easier to access, and probably comes with a scenic drive.

The biggest adjustment most people don’t expect

It’s not logistics.

It’s identity.

When life slows down, priorities surface.

People cook more.
Walk more.
Breathe more.

And they stop measuring success by busyness.

That’s the real shift — and the reason so many Mainland movers say they’d never go back. You get to find out who YOU are again, before the hustle became your identity.

A smarter way to approach the move

The smoothest relocations happen when buyers:

• choose lifestyle first, location second

• visit in different seasons

• stay flexible on the house, firm on the lifestyle and community

• work with someone who understands what it is like to relocate to Vancouver Island ... like me!

This isn’t a market you rush through.
It’s one you ease into.

Moving from the Mainland to Vancouver Island isn’t about escaping something.

It’s about choosing something better aligned.

Less noise.
More nature.
Stronger community.

And homes that support the life you actually want to live — not just the one you were managing before.

It is never too early to call your favourite Realtor to chat about your next move.
Give me a call, maybe that will be me!

Contact Ashley Wilson, Real Estate Agent – Real Broker Campbell River
250.288.1236 | hi@campbellriver.life