In 1994, I left Ottawa, where I spent nearly half of my first 30 years. For me, winters were tolerable if I wore the right clothing, but Ottawa summers were horrid: far too hot and humid for me! I still needed to work for another 30 years, and the most temperate climate (read coolest summers) in urban Canada are in southwest B.C. I spent one year in Vancouver before moving to Victoria, where I've been ever since. In April 2022, I took early retirement, and still glad to be on the coast.
Good for you David! Victoria is a wonderful city with so much to offer. We certainly feel we’ve found a slice of paradise here on the island! We agree with you about the hot, humid summers… it seems they are even more hot & humid in recent years. Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy! And thanks for watching😎
I retired back to Vancouver Island to Naniamo, I've been seeing my first boyfriend from 52 yrs ago for over two year's. He lives on Pioneer Crescent near the beach,we walk,bike ride or drive to the beach for the Sunsets near everynight and enjoy travelling around our marvelous island. My father's G.Grandfather Captain James Douglas Warren, came from P.E.I. in 1858 to open up the Trade Routes around Vancouver Island to the Haida Gwaii. He had many Schooners, Steamships and Shipwrecks, including the famous S.S.Beaver that sunk at Prospect Point in Vancouver in 1888.❤
Thanks for sharing your story Nickie! It’s wonderful to enjoy this beautiful part of Canada in retirement. Thanks also for sharing some of your family history… so interesting! Enjoy your retirement and thanks for watching!😎
Kindly...shhhhhh. Our island is already becoming like Vancouver and NYC with traffic now, insane grocery, gas and real estate prices, no ability to find a doctor, lack of timely medical care with closed clinics and 8 hr waits in emergency, and over inflation on everything. We local Islanders are now unfortunately paying the price to live, exist or buy where we and our families were born. 😢
🤫 From what everyone tells us, the majority of Vancouver Island residents aren’t actually from here so you must be one of the few locals born on the island! We understand the challenges like cost of living and medical care, many of which are happening all over Canada. Sad to say, even our home town of Ottawa is facing these very same issues. 😔 Thanks so much for watching PJ😎
Yes, I was born and raised in Victoria. Sadly, the reason so many locals have had to move, is due to being priced out and outbid for homes, often times by folks from overseas, or from the States. I imagine Ottawa is experiencing many of the same challenges. Thanks for your understanding and kind reply. I appreciate it. Not an easy subject. 😢
I agree with you, we don't need more advertising, paid or not. We have a beautiful island and hope to keep it that way. Not to forget to mention it belongs to the First Nation people and we permitted to live her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From what we understand, most residents in this area are not originally from here. You must have seen growth and changes since 2005! Thanks for watching😎
I go to Parksville often, my sister lives there, it is like the south of France where I lived for many years but Parkville is must cheaper and close to family
We love it here too. Ah ha, I see you discovered Silver Meadows. We prefer the yellow corn but feel blessed to have such great produce grown here. I never miss the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market. You've done a great job on the video.
Thanks for your kind comments Diane! We appreciate it.😊 Silver Meadows is a little gem but we stopped in at QB farmers market last weekend and there was so much fresh produce, amongst other things. Maybe it depends on time of season. We’re lucky to have many options! Thanks so much for watching 😎
Parksville is a marvelous place to retire. A beautiful place to explore all of the different sites. Love your little garden in the backyard and your little froggy pond. Looking forward to your future retirement videos.
Thanks for posting. It brings back memories. I used to travel from the east coast of the US to Seattle then drive to Vancouver to catch the ferry to Nanaimo. From there drive to Nanoose where we did testing. It’s definitely a beautiful area with Bald Eagles everywhere. That is quite a sight since we don’t have them where we live. I am hoping when we drive the west coast in out motorhome next year we can take the ferry to Victoria. That is a beautiful city reminiscent of places in the UK.
Hi Bob, thanks for sharing your memories of this area. Bald Eagles are quite a sight to behold. Nanoose is very close to us and is a beautiful area. We hope you enjoy your journey to the west coast and onto the ferry to Victoria. Many locals also travel around the island with their own motorhomes. There is so much to explore on the island itself! Thanks so much for watching!😎
Hi from Calgary, I am round and round for corn on the cob. Thanks for the informative video. Much appreciated. I used to live in Campbell River and Victoria. The west coast has always a fond place in my heart.
Hi Brandon, you probably know Vancouver Island quite well having lived in Campbell River and Victoria! We are loving the west coast. Thanks for watching!😎
Honestly, we enjoyed your loop episodes so much that I didn’t expect such interesting land videos. We have really loved watching the last few weeks and thank you for sharing. Your retirement area looks perfect and we wish you both many happy memories. Merry Christmas!
Hi Preston and thanks for watching this episode and we're so glad you enjoyed it! We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of Canada and will be sharing more of this area in coming videos. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you both! 😃
Hi guys. The island is truly a nice place to retire to. Gaylene and I enjoyed your video and your garden. We look forward to following this next chapter of your life from here in Calgary. We like Taber corn when we can get it and eat it like Malcolm does. Keep up thew great videos!
We hadn't heard of Taber corn but if we are ever in Calgary in the summer, we'll be sure to try some! What?! You both eat corn like Malcolm! 🙄🤣 Thanks so much for watching Gary and Gaylene!
Great episode! We are spending the winter just south of you near Ladysmith and then will be back to Ontario to our boat and start the Loop (having just retired this Fall). Love Vancouver Island and so it will be hard to leave and I can see us returning. Doing lots of hiking here as well so anxious to hear of the places you have found as we are travelling all over the island and have been to Parksville area a few times already. From the corn perspective - typewriter style but the other way sounds interesting - may have to try it.
Wow! We have so much in common! Ladysmith is a great spot to winter. It’s so nice to get outside and not worry about slipping on ice isn’t it? There is so much to explore on the island… it may take a few years. You eat your corn the right way!😉 All the best to you Noel as you prepare and begin your Great Loop. You’ll have so much fun! Thanks for watching 😎
Thanks for the great video.. Ive watched a few of yours these days as we are planning our 2nd trip out to VI.. My husband and I honeymooned on Vancouver Island way back in 2011 and I am guessing a lot has changed. We will be staying both in Victoria and Qualicum beach. When we were there last, we stayed at Parksville. Now we get to show our son this wonderful place. I eat my corn like a typewriter as well! And we grill it with butter, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika! Its very tasty this way! We leave just enough of the husk on to protect the seasoning while grilling. We will be there in June this time vs the Fall when we were there last. How rainy is it in June?
Hello and thanks for your kind comment and sharing your memories of VI.😊 We moved here in Oct 2021 and and are still learning a lot. While weather patterns are changing all over the world, June is normally the start of the dry season here. July, Aug and Sept are pretty dry too. You will have a wonderful time with your family! Thanks for watching and enjoy your trip!😎
Yes we are aware. Sadly it is the situation almost anywhere in Canada. Options while waiting for a GP are online Dr appointments for things like Rx renewals, and even the pharmacists can help with minor ailments. There is also an excellent Urgent Care facility in Parksville. And there are options for privately funded health care for those that can afford it. Thanks very much for watching😎
Great video! I've been thinking of moving to Vancouver Island as well, either Nanaimo or Parksville or possibly the Hudson district in Victoria. Haven't decided. I like being able to walk to do errands but having to use a car wouldn't be a deal breaker either. When eating corn you're supposed to eat one row across, then eat the rest around. That way you get your face all greasy and then you can wipe it off and not get it greasy again until the next cob. Or you can also just eat them all across. Once the first row is eaten it's six or two threes.
We can highly recommend this area for retiring. In fact, we aren't the only ones... perhaps that's why the average age here is one of the highest in Canada! Let us know if you have specific questions... I agree... eating corn along the row is the right way!! But no matter how you eat your corn, it's impossible not to enjoy it without getting messy. Thanks so much for watching this episode!😃
We understand Sandra! We have my parents out here and take regular trips back to Ontario. We may feel differently if grandkids were in the picture. For now we are enjoying retired life on the island. Thanks for watching!😎
Another travel Canada video. The only thing wrong is that you may increase the size of your neighborhood very quickly. The berries looked delicious and the corn did also. We usually fix ours in the micro for 3 minutes and then just shuck and eat. Enjoy
Parksville is growing and you’re right Buck, we don’t want it to grow too fast! I’ve never tried cooking corn-on-cob in the microwave, but I’ll have to give it a try! Nothing like fresh corn and berries. Thanks for watching😊
Hey Jim, we love Victoria too and so do thousands of tourists! I think eating corn typewriter style ensures you don’t miss one kernel of corn. 😋 Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas to you!
Looks like a nice community glad you are enjoying the land ! As to the corn : I prefer small ears and sweet. Well as an ex-brit I have a hard time eating with my hands (I can still remember the head master instructing us at school lunches) so Im a little unusual that I'll remove the corn using my knife and fork then use the fork to place them in my mouth. Last time I was in the UK I still saw people in restaurants eating pizza with a knife and fork, although Ive mastered the fold and bite technique here in the US (probably because of eating with my kids). Im close to retirement and have been looking at the southern states, close to water in FL, TX, GA, SC. Have lived in MA for a long time so no stranger to cold, but would like to be warm all year round.
Hi Alex, we both have British relatives and as a child I remember elder relatives visiting us in Canada and eating a hamburger with a knife and fork!😆 It’s definitely preferable as we age to live in a more gentle climate… or go somewhere warmer for those cold winter months. Thanks so much for watching this episode!😊
One has to have lots of money to retire anywhere in BC. especially on the Island . My son live in Nanaimo for 2 1/2 years. Could not find a Dr.plus the housing cost is insane . We are both retired and our pension is more than above average but still way too expensive for us. Plus my husband needs to live close Dr and hospital which are not on the Island or anywhere else in BC. Also we both love the Island and my husband is BC boy.
It’s getting expensive to live in many parts of Canada these days, including BC. It’s also hard finding a doctor anywhere in Canada. You’re fortunate to have a pension, that’s becoming less and less common these days and sadly many people don’t/can’t save enough for retirement. We wish you good health & happiness in your retirement. Thanks for watching Evelin 😊
Welcome to the island. I am retired in Maple Bay- some of the best places in the world to retire. If you are down this way and want to connect, let me know. Originally from teh Maritimes.
Thanks for your warm welcome Brian! We’ve learned that a large portion of Vancouver Island residents are not originally from here, but it’s certainly a great vacation spot and great place to retire. Thanks so much for watching 😎
We love the Jubilee corn from CHilliwack BC. It’s all yellow and the yellow kernels are huge and juicy. Best corn ever!. If you can find it is GMO. Most corn is GMO’d
Hi David, great idea for a video. In the meantime, you might checkout this one: ru-vid.com/group/PL2kolAzASgqEdgVxWglOgeyiB6yRIBXLX&si=tn1I6e7BpnGBF29d Thanks for watching!😎
Parksville is paradise. Craig street Parksville has a Tuesday night summer time market with fabulous food and artisans. Coombs, Cuckoo Italian restaurant (behind Goats on the Roof market) has Truffle oil mushroom pizza that is my favourite. Errington has a wonderful summer Saturday outdoor market.Back to Parksville: Pacific Brim on Craig st is a great brunch location. Brazen Poppy bakery has wonderful soup and fresh bread sandwiches (entrance on Shelly Rd, Parksville). If you just want a food store there are: Eat Fresh, Choices, Thrifty Foods, Quality foods and Save On Foods to chose from, each with a deli and bakery. You did chose a great place to call home, except if you want to see a physician. BC is the only place in Canada that has not hired back professionals, even though Moderna admitted, in UK courts, that their injections caused strokes (blood clots). The truth eventually came out.
Wow! So much wonderful information! Just read that Parksvilke’s Tuesday night markets start up in June… Cuckoos is great and I think we’ve shopped at all the grocery stores. We will have to try the other eateries you suggested. The search for a family doc continues. Thanks for watching Janet😊
Thanks for your kind comment Lucy! We highly recommend retiring as soon as you can to take advantage of your healthful years. Vancouver Island is a great place to call home! Thanks for watching😎
Welcome to the island. You seem to be blessed with sunny days. What are your thoughts of November to February? Let me know how your doctor search has gone.
Hi Glenn and thanks for welcoming us to the island! We’ve been fortunate to visit family here for a couple of decades, prior to making the move. Compared to our previous home in Ottawa, we notice the winter months are a bit shorter, quite wet and often overcast. However the winter temperatures are warmer than Ottawa and we appreciate being able to walk outside without the risk of slipping on ice. We’ve never had to mow the lawn in Ottawa during the colder months! BC is no different than all the rest of Canada when it comes to finding a doctor. Thanks for watching😎
You guys do a great job on your site. One thing you forgot....NO MOSQUITOS. lol Are you going to buy another boat and do Desolation Sound etc? Sidney, BC
Darryl, you’re so right! How could we forget to mention NO mossies!!! 😆 YES we are going to get another boat. We can’t wait to get out on the water to explore Desolation Sound and maybe even to Alaska. Thanks so much for watching😎
I bet a lot has changed since the 70s! I’m not aware of a theatre downtown Parksville. There is the McMillan Arts Centre and newer Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park. There is also the Village Theatre in nearby Qualicum Beach. Good luck with your move and thanks for watching 😎
Good question Mary! The short answer is yes! In addition to news alerts, BC uses an app for quick communication in any emergency including tsunamis. Our area, Oceanside (on the east side of Vancouver Island) is in Zone E, with a much lower risk of damage from tsunamis with anticipated sea levels rising about 2 metres. All tsunami hazard zones are marked with signs. Thanks for watching😎
hi there, would you say parksville would be suitable for a young person/family in their early 30s late 20s? seems like a fantastic place with reasonable housing prices (compared to vancouver) would we struggle to find friends our age? how is the crime? do you have any websites you recommend to track real estate prices? thanks!
Hi Joe, Parksville has been trying to attract more younger families to the area by building more housing. Generally speaking there is a mix of ages here. The average age here is 55, definitely higher than Ottawa, where we came from. Crime is minimal and the RCMP includes their report in the PQBnews. I would use Realtor.ca to search for properties. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!😊
Hi Jim and thanks for watching this episode! There will definitely be another boat in our future and we have been looking at a few. It will likely be a smaller, faster, expedition type vessel and we certainly hope to enjoy Desolation Sound and all the amazing waterways around here. AND we do plan to make it up to Alaska!😃
Janice, we feel safe here, more so than in a larger city. Sadly homelessness is an issue everywhere. Along with population increases, there would naturally be an increase in crime, however, we have not witnessed any crime or feel unsafe in our community. Thanks for watching😎