Moving from Vancouver to Nanaimo: An Islander’s Guide

My Experience Helping Families Relocate

As a realtor with 18 years of experience who has helped numerous families make the move from Vancouver to Nanaimo and surrounding locations, I’ve gained valuable insights into what makes for a successful transition. My clients often tell me that the decision to trade urban living for our island community has been transformative – offering a better balance between work, family, and enjoying nature.

Moving Options I Recommend After years of experience, I’ve found these are your best options when planning your move:

Professional Moving Services

In my experience, full-service movers offer convenience but come at a premium:

• You’ll get comprehensive handling of belongings from door to door

• Expect packing/unpacking services if needed

• They’ll navigate the ferry logistics professionally

• Budget range typically falls between $6,000-$8,000 based on recent client quotes

• You might sacrifice some scheduling flexibility

When my clients choose this option, they typically see costs that include:

• Travel fees (~$600)

• Hourly labor ($120/hr from arrival until completion)

• Ferry costs (approximately $450)

• Reservation fees ($40)

• Packing materials plus taxes

• Possible overnight storage ($100)

• Accommodations for movers if needed ($120)

• 5% GST on labor

Self-Move with Hired Help

Many of my clients find this middle-ground approach balances cost and convenience:

• It’s significantly more budget-friendly than full-service options

• You maintain control over the process and timing

• You can strategically hire help just for loading and unloading

• You’ll handle the driving and ferry logistics yourself

One important tip I share with all my clients: rental trucks like U-Haul require commercial vehicle ferry reservations, not standard ones. I’ve seen clients miss their sailing by making this mistake!

Hybrid Options That Work Well

I’ve had clients successfully use:

• Container services like BigSteelBox where you pack and they transport

• Nanaimo-based movers who offer pickup service in Vancouver

• DIY rental truck with friend/family assistance

Money-Saving Tips From My Experience

• Book ferry reservations as early as possible – especially if moving May-September

• Measure your furniture accurately to avoid renting a truck larger than needed

• Get at least three moving quotes – prices can vary dramatically

• Consider moving mid-week when rates are typically lower

• Declutter before your move – I always tell clients this is the perfect opportunity!

• Check for one-way truck rental promotions that sometimes appear for specific routes

What I Love About Nanaimo Living

The Housing Market

As someone who works with this market daily:

• Bench mark price for single family home values hover around CAD 813,000 Jan 2025, townhome home bench mark is around CAD 502,000 Jan 2025.

• I’m always happy to provide current market insights based on your needs

• I advise my clients to be aware of upcoming school catchment changes for September 2025, with a new elementary school opening and Rutherford reopening

Education Options

When clients ask about schools, I share these options:

• Public Schools:
  

• Traditional English program schools throughout the district

• Excellent French Immersion programs at select schools

• Francophone program at École Océane for children with French-speaking parents

• Specialty programs including fine arts and eco-school options

• Private Schools:
  

• Faith-based options including Aspengrove School and Nanaimo Christian School

• Montessori schools for alternative approaches

• Island ConnectED for distributed learning

• Homeschooling Community:
  

• We have an active homeschool network with regular meetups

• Support resources through School District 68

• Hybrid programs combining homeschooling with classroom time

I always remind clients that school catchment areas should be a consideration when selecting housing.

Family Activities I Recommend

My clients with children appreciate:

• Early Childhood Programs:

• Strong Start programs (weekdays)

• Boys and Girls Club locations in Lantzville and Chase River

• Nanaimo Child Development Center playgroups

• Tiny Tots at Country Club Mall

• Library story times at our local branches

• Recreational Options:

• Multiple dance studios throughout the city

• Parks and recreation programs for all ages

• Baseball, rugby, soccer, ice hockey through local organizations (a big part of our community!)

• Indoor play centers for rainy days, a newer one opened 2024 at Wood Grove mall.

• Two public swimming pools and multiple public skating rinks

Healthcare Realities

I’m always transparent with my clients about:

• The challenge of finding family physicians (waitlists are common)

• Limited walk-in clinic availability

• Variable wait times at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

• Growing telehealth options as an alternative

Childcare Insights

Based on feedback from my clients:

• Waitlist situations vary significantly by facility and neighborhood

• After-school care programs are limited

• I recommend applying to multiple providers as early as possible

My Favorite Places to Visit in Nanaimo

When my clients first arrive, I always recommend these special places:

Natural Attractions

• Neck Point Park – My absolute favorite for coastal views and well-maintained trails

• Pipers Lagoon – A perfect quick visit with beautiful shoreline paths and ocean views

• Ammonite Falls – A wonderful waterfall hike that showcases our island’s beauty

• Jack Point Trail – I love the dramatic sandstone formations along this coastal path

• Mount Benson – The summit offers the best panoramic view of the city and surrounding islands

• Westwood Lake – Perfect for a family walk or swim in summer

• Morrell Nature Sanctuary – Peaceful forest trails when you need a quick nature escape

• Gabriola Island – Worth the short ferry ride for stunning beaches and unique sandstone formations

City Landmarks

• Nanaimo Harbour & Waterfront – I often meet clients here for coffee along the vibrant boardwalk

• Bastion – Our historic wooden tower from 1853 is a quick must-see

• Maffeo Sutton Park – Central waterfront park great for families

• Newcastle Island – A car-free island paradise just a short passenger ferry away
• Departure Bay Beach – My favorite spot to watch the sunset and enjoy mountain views

Cultural Experiences

• Nanaimo Museum – Learn about our city’s fascinating history

• Vancouver Island Military Museum – Small but impressive collection

• Old City Quarter – I love the unique shops and eateries in this historic area

• Petroglyph Provincial Park – Ancient rock carvings that connect us to the past

Vancouver vs. Nanaimo: The Real Comparison

What My Clients Love About Nanaimo

• Housing costs that allow for more living space

• Commute times that rarely exceed 20 minutes

• Easy access to beaches, parks, and outdoor recreation

• The strong sense of community that develops quickly

• Significantly less traffic congestion

Adjustment Challenges My Clients Face

• Adapting to more limited public transit

• Job market transitions in certain industries

• Learning to plan around ferry schedules for mainland travel

My Advice for a Successful Transition

• Research Neighbourhoods – Each area of Nanaimo has its own distinct feel

• Visit Before Deciding – I always recommend experiencing different neighborhoods firsthand

• Connect with Locals – Join online forums and community groups

• Secure Employment – If possible, arrange work before relocating

• Plan School Registration – Contact the school district early about enrollment

• Prepare for Healthcare Changes – Research options and join waitlists as soon as possible

Final Thoughts

In my years helping families move from Vancouver to Nanaimo, I’ve seen how this transition offers a more balanced lifestyle with incredible access to nature, strong community connections, and a pace of life that allows for genuine family time. While there are certainly adjustments to make, most of my clients tell me they wouldn’t trade their island life for anything.

The scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and community spirit make Nanaimo special in ways that can’t be captured in housing prices or statistics. I’d be happy to answer any specific questions about neighborhoods or properties as you consider your own move to our beautiful island city.

Shanon Kelley with The Shanon Kelley Realty Group, Licensed Realtor with Royal LePage Nanaimo