Vancouver Island Escape & House Hunting

Last weekend we escaped the dreary cold Alberta winter (month six and minus 20 degrees) to Vancouver Island (month 12 of good weather and plus 10 degrees). Our mission was to determine what town would be our future home.

After much research we have decided on Parksville due to proximity of an airport, price of real estate, crime statistics and employment. Our exit strategy is 6 months to 1 year depending on current jobs and property we have to sell. We explored towns, checked out local retail and even met with Realtors.

We even made the mistake of looking at a few homes - found one we loved and quickly realized we would be absolutely crazy in the current economy to buy a home before selling our existing. We don't need that kind of stress. Another "perfect home" will be waiting for us when the time is right.

Here is a photo of one of the ocean public beaches at Parksville, so called due to massive beaches and multiple parks in the town of 10,000. Sand dollars flourish on this bay and in summer you can walk out for a mile and still be only up to your knees in water. I can't wait for picnics here.


The biggest draw for us to Parksville is the weather - the most moderate climate in all of Canada. Alberta is great for work, not so great for quality of life. We are semi-retiring to working for ourselves and only at what we want to do.

In our travels we found the following bargains:


Upon landing on the island my 9 year old suitcase had seen better days and the pull handle stuck in the up position. I would be forced into purchasing a suitcase before the return home...three hours later at a flea market I found an almost brand new Samsonite black suitcase for $15! It is much better than my old one and it would have retailed new for $100.




The same day hubby found these early 1970's old Rolling Stone Magazines at an antique Market for $3 each. They retail for $10-$15 on eBay - that is if you can find them not including shipping. These will go into our personal collection.

It sure is nice to have something to look forward to....island dreaming!