Vancouver Island has long been a destination of retirees from across Western Canada. With dreams of daffodils in February, and temperate coastal weather, those in the latter years of their professional lives often begin scouting properties in the rustic, laid-back communities that run up-island from Victoria.
Cobble Hill, Chemainus and the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Parksville and Courtenay-Comox are among the popular destinations. The communities are small and close-knit, often with quaint character homes or newly designed cottages. Many developments are also strategically located near ferry and float-plane terminals, reinforcing the sense of compact communities connected to the major centres.
Refugees from the big city are a fact of life here, and with an established base of seniors, there’s a welcome waiting. Despite an above-average concentration of seniors on Vancouver Island, many communities bring together people of different ages.
Bear Mountain, a development outside Victoria, was launched a decade ago as a golf-oriented resort. It has since evolved into a community with a mix of ages and activity levels. While the town of Sidney has the biggest concentration of seniors on the Island at approximately 47 per cent, affordable housing and an ethic that isn’t all about work bring young and old together at Bear Mountain. Besides the golf community’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, the surrounding area includes Goldstream Provincial Park with its wealth of trails and natural wonders.
It’s a similar story in the coastal communities of Qualicum Beach and Courtenay, home to Crown Isle Golf & Community Resort, where retirees can enjoy salt air and coastal splendour.
Key health-care facilities include Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and three new hospitals serving the north Island.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo is home to Elder College, a volunteer initiative that focuses on lifelong learning. The program provides an opportunity for retired professors and keen seniors to remain engaged.
Complementing the feasts for eye and ear is the fruit of local farms and wineries.
Victoria is the capital of local food culture, with Ucluelet and Tofino – home to the fabled Wickaninnish Inn – the outposts of fine dining. Those seeking less pretentious offerings, however, will find their fill in the Cowichan and Comox valleys, areas that have won fame as the Provence of Canada.
Slow food and pride of place are part of the Island ethos, as are the many family-run farms and cottage processors. While these supply restaurants across the Island with top-quality local produce, it’s also comfort food for retirees living in Island time.
