I really envy the residents of Vancouver Island. you guys live in such a beautiful part of the world. tons of natural beauty around and of course, the almighty Pacific Ocean.
Resident since 1970's. Notice the rain in the video - Campbell River is a Wet Zone (that is dryer now), can get windy on the seawalk. Salmon Fishing went downhill (no longer Salmon Capital of the World) but is a bit better now. More and more retirees are moving here (We are in our 70s). Finding a doctor can take a while. Staffing issues at our new hospital. Lots of outdoor views, outdoor activities and community events. Lots of camping opportunities. Recent Rapid development of four story apartments. Bus transportation is OK, but best to own a car. Excellent water! Many flights leave from Comox not Campbell River. Don't go to work for the City. Not as cheap as you think. Old Island Highway can be very slow in summer. City Center & Willow Point can sometime gridlock, (people from Vancouver just laugh at me) - New Highway 120 km/hr - 3.5 hours to Victoria
I've been considering different places all around the island, and finally decided to move to Campbell River. The nature is definitely a big part of that, but also I personally feel that the vibe is great. Sometimes there's a bit of a standoffish vibe in Nanaimo and Port Alberni and Victoria and Vancouver and so on, in my personal opinion. I mean people are nice, but there's a little bit of a wary distrust or something about it. I felt that people in Campbell River have this attitude of gratitude, a strong sense of community, and they have a grit and willingness to go DIY in the backcountry, but also are kind and compassionate and inclusive. It seems like everybody that's actually from the island, or moved to CR, or used to live there, have positive things to say and felt happy there. There is no university really, just NIC, and it a little bit on the smaller side, so it really depends on personal preferences and priorities, but I decided I want to make it home. You won't get famous, there will be no paparazzi knocking on your door, and the world won't care. You might just find your soul and live a happy life though. What a wild concept. Best luck to everyone, much love and respect to the island community. Consider having an adventure up island, you might be pleasantly surprised, and you're always welcome. ✌
Rita we moved to Campbell River 8 yrs ago .. our decision was based on: 1) more water behind the city than they will ever need plus a hydro damn that supports 80,000 homes 2) homes were cheaper than Comox valley by about $50,000. 3) much less traffic 4) extensive walkway around the waterfront.. it's over 10km wheelchair friendly. 5) Costco is only 45 minutes down the double laned road with no traffic and a 110km speed limit. 6) way less people than anywhere else on the rock. 7) it's largely flat for old bones on bikes 8) Beaver Lodge Lands... huge forest right in town that is dog off lease friendly... if left alone I suspect this will become a world heritage site as the trees are already really big having been left alone for about 100 yrs as a preserved area. I've lived in over 15 communities around BC. and I can assure you the Beaver Lodge lands are a unique draw for walkers and nature lovers...it is a very special place and an incredibly valuable asset for the city.
I love Campbell River, but I think it just comes down to priorities. Right now I live in Ladysmith, which has been a great choice. It's peaceful, famously 'cute/quaint', safe, friendly, and clean, with great access to the ferry, Nanaimo, and Victoria. I think options like Chemainus, Ladysmith, etc are best if you want better access to more socialite type activities, eg Vic and Van, and more shopping options close by with Nanaimo. Places like Campbell River, Qualicum Beach, etc north of Nanaimo are best suited for people that want to prioritize the outdoors and don't plan to run down to Victoria or go to Vancouver all that often. I think the schools in Nanaimo are a bit better, but the hospital in Campbell River is kind of better, from what I hear, so if I had kids, worked in healthcare, etc I would strongly consider that. If you just want access to some of the best natural beauty on the island and are fine with a fairly average selection of stores though, Campbell River is an absolute gem.
I love Mexico it’s my home away from home. If you’re lucky enough to be able to work remotely and receive Canadian wages that’s amazing. Otherwise housing costs so reflect how little people are paid in Mexico.
@@Ritaisrelocating no basically I rent my house in departure bay and can live off that plus save ..work here is just extra pocket money. Tourist season is Dec-April …getting a year lease in May gets you the deals …we rent a 2 bedroom furnished house for 600 a month I pay 400 my wife pays 200..
I live in Nanaimo and have looked around Campbell River and if an opportunity came up, I would certainly move there. Nanaimo council has sold out their citizens.
Campbell River sadly has a very high crime rate, mostly property crime. Shortage of doctors, many people do not have a doctor at all and all the drop in clinics are now closed. Taxes are ramping up every year, it's just not a great place to settle any more.
If you move to the island it would be a mistake to choose Nanaimo over CR. Traffic, crime, the lack of community, are calling features of Nanaimo and not Campbell River. Spend a week in each city before you buy or even rent.. (rental availability and cost is even better in CR) you’ll see the difference for yourself.
That depends on the property. This year the property taxes for my basic three bedroom rancher in Campbell River was $5,948.00 with the homeowner’s grant while for my son’s comparable house in Ottawa it was $4,448.00 with no grant as they don’t have that. His property is closer to amenities like recreation and shopping and he uses transit more than I can as there are so many options. He has to deal with a colder but sunny winter, however we have rain Campbell River. As for snow, for 2024, we had 47.1 cms and Ottawa had 79.7, and it is colder in Ottawa. A major difference is that there is more traffic in Ottawa given that there are more people. For my son, getting a family doctor is just as much of a difficulty as it has been for us on the Island, but I think that’s all over Canada. If you can deal with rain, and like small town, this is a great place.
@@Ritaisrelocating Nice video that you offered as a link. In the video the narrator stated that they went by boat from Campbell River to Toba Inlet to view grizzly bears. Toba Inlet is on the British Columbia Mainland coast, not Vancouver Island. How do I know this? I am retired but once worked in a logging camp in Toba Inlet and yes there were half a dozen huge grizzlies that hung out at the camp's garbage dump. Occasionally a grizzly shows up on The Island; most likely having drifted over on a log from the Mainland but grizzlies are most definitely NOT native to The Island, black bears however are as common as field mice.😁
I really envy the residents of Vancouver Island. you guys live in such a beautiful part of the world. tons of natural beauty around and of course, the almighty Pacific Ocean.
It's the best place on earth.
Resident since 1970's. Notice the rain in the video - Campbell River is a Wet Zone (that is dryer now), can get windy on the seawalk. Salmon Fishing went downhill (no longer Salmon Capital of the World) but is a bit better now. More and more retirees are moving here (We are in our 70s). Finding a doctor can take a while. Staffing issues at our new hospital. Lots of outdoor views, outdoor activities and community events. Lots of camping opportunities. Recent Rapid development of four story apartments. Bus transportation is OK, but best to own a car. Excellent water! Many flights leave from Comox not Campbell River. Don't go to work for the City. Not as cheap as you think. Old Island Highway can be very slow in summer. City Center & Willow Point can sometime gridlock, (people from Vancouver just laugh at me) - New Highway 120 km/hr - 3.5 hours to Victoria
Great info! Thank you for your comment.
I've been considering different places all around the island, and finally decided to move to Campbell River. The nature is definitely a big part of that, but also I personally feel that the vibe is great. Sometimes there's a bit of a standoffish vibe in Nanaimo and Port Alberni and Victoria and Vancouver and so on, in my personal opinion. I mean people are nice, but there's a little bit of a wary distrust or something about it. I felt that people in Campbell River have this attitude of gratitude, a strong sense of community, and they have a grit and willingness to go DIY in the backcountry, but also are kind and compassionate and inclusive. It seems like everybody that's actually from the island, or moved to CR, or used to live there, have positive things to say and felt happy there. There is no university really, just NIC, and it a little bit on the smaller side, so it really depends on personal preferences and priorities, but I decided I want to make it home. You won't get famous, there will be no paparazzi knocking on your door, and the world won't care. You might just find your soul and live a happy life though. What a wild concept. Best luck to everyone, much love and respect to the island community. Consider having an adventure up island, you might be pleasantly surprised, and you're always welcome. ✌
Hi Rita, thanks for all the help. You are very very informative with many connections. Look forward to working with you in the future.
Glad I can help! I look forward to meeting you too.
Rita we moved to Campbell River 8 yrs ago .. our decision was based on: 1) more water behind the city than they will ever need plus a hydro damn that supports 80,000 homes 2) homes were cheaper than Comox valley by about $50,000. 3) much less traffic 4) extensive walkway around the waterfront.. it's over 10km wheelchair friendly. 5) Costco is only 45 minutes down the double laned road with no traffic and a 110km speed limit. 6) way less people than anywhere else on the rock. 7) it's largely flat for old bones on bikes 8) Beaver Lodge Lands... huge forest right in town that is dog off lease friendly... if left alone I suspect this will become a world heritage site as the trees are already really big having been left alone for about 100 yrs as a preserved area. I've lived in over 15 communities around BC. and I can assure you the Beaver Lodge lands are a unique draw for walkers and nature lovers...it is a very special place and an incredibly valuable asset for the city.
Wonderful feedback from a local. Thanks for the valuable info :)
I love Campbell River, but I think it just comes down to priorities. Right now I live in Ladysmith, which has been a great choice. It's peaceful, famously 'cute/quaint', safe, friendly, and clean, with great access to the ferry, Nanaimo, and Victoria. I think options like Chemainus, Ladysmith, etc are best if you want better access to more socialite type activities, eg Vic and Van, and more shopping options close by with Nanaimo. Places like Campbell River, Qualicum Beach, etc north of Nanaimo are best suited for people that want to prioritize the outdoors and don't plan to run down to Victoria or go to Vancouver all that often. I think the schools in Nanaimo are a bit better, but the hospital in Campbell River is kind of better, from what I hear, so if I had kids, worked in healthcare, etc I would strongly consider that. If you just want access to some of the best natural beauty on the island and are fine with a fairly average selection of stores though, Campbell River is an absolute gem.
Great video Rita.
Thanks Les!
Taxes are extremely highh in campbell river
Left nanaimo for Mexico..where I live all in including rent, for $1000 a month . Try that on the island…
I love Mexico it’s my home away from home. If you’re lucky enough to be able to work remotely and receive Canadian wages that’s amazing. Otherwise housing costs so reflect how little people are paid in Mexico.
@@Ritaisrelocating no basically I rent my house in departure bay and can live off that plus save ..work here is just extra pocket money. Tourist season is Dec-April …getting a year lease in May gets you the deals …we rent a 2 bedroom furnished house for 600 a month I pay 400 my wife pays 200..
@@Ritaisrelocating my family has been in Nanaimo 150 years, we built much of it..but more to life then little nanaimo.
@@Mexicantourslucky you 😊 what you’re saying is you own in Nanaimo which allows you to live in Mexico?
@@Mexicantoursvery cool!
I live in Nanaimo and have looked around Campbell River and if an opportunity came up, I would certainly move there.
Nanaimo council has sold out their citizens.
This video is several years old. We have a new hospital built maybe 6 years ago.
Campbell River sadly has a very high crime rate, mostly property crime. Shortage of doctors, many people do not have a doctor at all and all the drop in clinics are now closed. Taxes are ramping up every year, it's just not a great place to settle any more.
Campbell river is beautiful but we do have a homeless/drug issue.
If you move to the island it would be a mistake to choose Nanaimo over CR. Traffic, crime, the lack of community, are calling features of Nanaimo and not Campbell River. Spend a week in each city before you buy or even rent.. (rental availability and cost is even better in CR) you’ll see the difference for yourself.
Neither city is very nice. I live right in the middle in the Comox Valley, which isn't great by any stretch either.
Industry and high paying jobs left decades ago.
There’s a need for a Bigfoot burger place and a gas station near port Alberny since the gas station burned down, some new jobs there.
Your property taxes are significantly lower than ontario.
That depends on the property. This year the property taxes for my basic three bedroom rancher in Campbell River was $5,948.00 with the homeowner’s grant while for my son’s comparable house in Ottawa it was $4,448.00 with no grant as they don’t have that. His property is closer to amenities like recreation and shopping and he uses transit more than I can as there are so many options. He has to deal with a colder but sunny winter, however we have rain Campbell River. As for snow, for 2024, we had 47.1 cms and Ottawa had 79.7, and it is colder in Ottawa. A major difference is that there is more traffic in Ottawa given that there are more people. For my son, getting a family doctor is just as much of a difficulty as it has been for us on the Island, but I think that’s all over Canada. If you can deal with rain, and like small town, this is a great place.
Grizzly bears are NOT native to Vancouver Island, so there are no grizzly bear viewing tours.
not true. ua-cam.com/video/X18XftFEhME/v-deo.htmlsi=6hK6MJSLfUaCPu_I
@@Ritaisrelocating Nice video that you offered as a link. In the video the narrator stated that they went by boat from Campbell River to Toba Inlet to view grizzly bears. Toba Inlet is on the British Columbia Mainland coast, not Vancouver Island. How do I know this? I am retired but once worked in a logging camp in Toba Inlet and yes there were half a dozen huge grizzlies that hung out at the camp's garbage dump. Occasionally a grizzly shows up on The Island; most likely having drifted over on a log from the Mainland but grizzlies are most definitely NOT native to The Island, black bears however are as common as field mice.😁