Vancouver Island has long been known as a destination for retirees, outdoor lovers, and lifestyle seekers — but the profile of people moving here is changing fast. As we head into 2025, new migration and economic data paints a clear picture: Vancouver Island is attracting younger families, remote workers, and inter-provincial buyers in record numbers, not just retirees.
If you’re thinking about moving to Vancouver Island, investing in regional real estate, or relocating specifically to areas like Campbell River, this migration shift directly affects pricing, housing demand, and long-term market stability.
Here’s a clear, data-backed breakdown of who’s moving to Vancouver Island in 2025 and why they’re choosing it.
Where Are Buyers Moving From?
1. Lower Mainland (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey & Fraser Valley)
The Lower Mainland remains the #1 source of new Vancouver Island residents. Many buyers are:
Priced out of Metro Vancouver
Seeking quieter communities
Working remotely
Downsizing from high-density living
For many, selling a condo or home in Greater Vancouver unlocks the ability to purchase a detached home on Vancouver Island with cash left over, especially in mid-Island and North Island communities.
This trend has been particularly strong since 2020 and continues into 2025 as housing affordability remains a major issue in Metro Vancouver.
2. Alberta Buyers (Calgary, Edmonton & Oil Patch Regions)
Alberta continues to supply a steady stream of buyers to Vancouver Island, especially:
Semi-retired professionals
Tradespeople
Remote tech workers
Snowbirds relocating full-time
Key motivations:
Milder coastal climate
Access to ocean recreation year-round
Lower property taxes compared to some Alberta cities
Lifestyle upgrade without major time-zone disruption
Many Alberta movers focus on Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox, and Nanaimo as they offer strong value relative to Southern Vancouver Island.
3. Inter-Provincial Migration Across Canada
Over the past decade, tens of thousands of people from Ontario, Saskatchewan, and the Prairies have relocated to Vancouver Island. While inter-provincial migration has softened slightly in the last year due to economic conditions, the long-term trend remains positive.
Buyers are motivated by:
Climate stability
Access to healthcare hubs
Coastal lifestyle
Retirement planning
Investment diversification
4. European Buyers & International Movers
International migration continues to play a role — particularly from:
United Kingdom
Germany
Netherlands
France
Many are:
Returning Canadians who previously lived abroad
Lifestyle migrants seeking coastal living
Retirees with long-term immigration status
International buyers are particularly drawn to:
Ocean-view properties
Acreage
Rural lifestyle markets
Eco-friendly homes
5. Remote Workers & Digital Professionals
One of the biggest drivers of Vancouver Island migration in 2025 is remote and hybrid work. High-income professionals in:
Tech
Marketing
Finance
Design
Consulting
are no longer tied to physical offices. This allows them to choose lifestyle first — location second.
These buyers typically seek:
Reliable high-speed internet
Ocean access
Hiking and outdoor recreation
Larger homes with office space
This group is significantly impacting markets like Campbell River, where affordability, nature, and infrastructure intersect.
Who Is Actually Moving? (Age & Demographics)
Vancouver Island is no longer just a retirement destination.
Recent demographic data shows:
A sharp increase in younger working-age adults
A decline in strictly retiree-driven migration
More families relocating with children
More dual-income remote households
This change is extremely important for long-term real estate stability, because it:
Increases demand for schools and family housing
Supports local employment and services
Creates healthier, multi-generational communities
Where Are They Moving on Vancouver Island?
Historically, most newcomers settled in:
Victoria
Saanich
Nanaimo
Today, however, buyers are being pushed outward by affordability, and we are seeing strong growth in:
Campbell River
Courtenay & Comox Valley
Cowichan Valley
Smaller coastal and rural communities
For many buyers priced out of Victoria, Campbell River offers one of the best balances of affordability, infrastructure, and lifestyle on the Island.
What Are Buyers Looking For in 2025?
Based on purchase trends and buyer behavior, the most in-demand property types include:
Single-family detached homes with yards
3–4 bedroom family homes
Ocean-view properties
Acreage and hobby farms
Homes with legal suites for rental income
Properties with home-office potential
There is also rising interest in:
Energy-efficient construction
Newer builds
Low-maintenance properties
Proximity to nature without sacrificing amenities
What This Means for Vancouver Island Real Estate in 2025 and beyond.
1. Continued Demand in Secondary Markets
As Victoria and Nanaimo remain expensive, mid-Island and North Island markets will continue to absorb overflow demand from buyers seeking relative affordability.
2. Strong Support for Long-Term Price Stability
Younger buyers entering the market help stabilize pricing long-term, rather than relying solely on retirement-driven demand.
3. Increased Competition for Family Housing
Detached homes in livable neighborhoods with schools, parks, and services will remain highly competitive.
4. Growing Rental Demand
With a mix of remote workers, trades, and service workers relocating, rental demand continues to intensify, especially in Campbell River and surrounding communities.
Why Campbell River Is Benefiting from This Migration Shift
Campbell River has quietly become one of the strongest relocation markets on Vancouver Island due to:
More affordable pricing compared to southern markets
Direct access to ocean, mountains, and outdoor recreation
Expanding infrastructure and employment base
Growing appeal to both families and remote workers
Accessibility via air, highway, and ferry routes
For buyers who want Vancouver Island lifestyle without Victoria-level pricing, Campbell River is increasingly one of the top relocation choices.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for You as a Buyer or Seller
If you’re considering:
Moving to Vancouver Island
Relocating to Campbell River
Selling a home to capitalize on incoming demand
Investing in Vancouver Island real estate
The migration trends going into 2025 strongly support:
Continued demand for family housing
Strong interest from out-of-province buyers
Rising impact from remote workers
Growing opportunities in secondary and emerging markets
Understanding who is moving here and why is the key to making smart real-estate decisions in the years ahead.
Data Sources
If you would like to reference the original data behind this report, here are the main research sources used:
Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) – BC Check-Up: Live Regional Population & Labour Market Reports
Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) – Migration & Demographic Analysis (2014–2023)
Statistics Canada – Inter-Provincial & International Migration Data
Global News – Demographic Shifts & Remote Work Trends on Vancouver Island
CREA & BC Real Estate Association – Regional Housing & Buyer Migration Trends
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