I moved to British Columbia during a Pandemic.

I figured it was time to share how I ended up in B.C. during a pandemic. Those close to me know how much spending the last five summers in this province influenced me. The breathtaking boreal rainforests, towering mountains along the coast, and the vast Pacific Ocean drew me in.

At the beginning of the summer, the plan was to go home, pack up, and move into B.C.'s interior for the winter. I was set on finding a job at a resort, knowing they’d be desperate for workers during COVID. I had plenty of support from my tree-planting friends, with referrals to both ski and backcountry resorts, giving me a few solid options. It seemed like Fernie or Nelson would be the most likely places I could end up.

Fernie, a picturesque mountain town along the Crowsnest Highway, east of Cranbrook, seemed perfect. A winter wonderland and renowned ski destination, it felt like an ideal place to hunker down. After spending winters in downtown Toronto, I longed for something different. I could easily imagine myself snowshoeing, or maybe even skiing again — though the last time I wore skis was back in junior high. The town sits along the railway, and the thought of hearing those daily train horns felt like a connection to home, reminding me of growing up by the CPR tracks in Toronto.

Nelson, on the other hand, had an entirely different vibe. Nestled in the Kootenays, it's known for its tight-knit community, charming local shops, and stunning regional architecture. During a quick stop in town, I had the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted at a local favourite called Baba’s, a spot that’s been around for over 20 years. I had my heart set on working at a consignment store called Moon Monster, known for its quirky, sparkly, and eccentric vibe. The store’s concept, based on a “Moon Monster scavenging for funky treasures,” was just as magical as it sounds.

As perfect as these towns seemed, something was pulling me toward the coast. In early September, I found myself on a little island just a 15-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo—Gabriola, my new home. Call it intuition or the primal need to taste the salt air and dip my toes in the ocean, but island life felt right. I knew I could be here indefinitely. Rational people moving 8,500 kilometers from their hometown usually have a job or a place to stay lined up. I had neither. Call me irrational or maybe a bit manic, but I believe in divine timing. Sometimes life nudges you toward growth through scary choices, and those choices shape who you become.

I landed on Gabriola, partly because of a budding relationship. People come into your life unexpectedly, and when they do, they either keep you accountable and bring joy, or they don’t. I met my partner over the summer, and what I thought would be a summer romance turned into something more. He chased me, quite literally, from cherry picking to driving 8,500 kilometers to Toronto so I could pack my things and move back to B.C. I’ve never been in a long-term partnership, and if it were anyone else, I’d probably be freaking out. But he’s become my best friend. His kindness and unwavering support through this transition have helped me more than I could have imagined. For the first time, I feel seen—not as a mirror of myself, but as a whole person, appreciated for who I am. It’s pretty incredible to love and be loved in return. Home is when you are comfortable with your sense of self, made better when you can share that with someone else. It is a beautiful thing.

So, did I get a job? Yes! I’m working at a cozy café called Madronas—the only café on the island, believe it or not. I’ve been there for a little over a month now, and I’ve gotten used to seeing the same familiar faces every day. In the winter, the island’s population drops to about 4,500 people. I’m working with an amazing team of women, serving the community as essential workers. It’s temporary, but I’m counting my blessings. I start early, usually around 7 a.m., and finish by 4 p.m. While it’s not exactly what I envisioned in terms of job opportunities in my field, I know those will come in time as I get more settled.

On the side, I’m writing again for Travel and Style as a travel writer, and it's a paid gig, which is really exciting. It’s just the beginning, but it’s a start. I hope to further establish myself as a travel writer as I go. Soon, I’ll be moving into a small cabin in the woods by the ocean—a dreamy space I’ve envisioned since last year that’s finally becoming a reality.

Life is a leap into the unknown, and uncertainty can be anxiety-inducing. I struggle with not knowing every step, but I’ve learned there’s no formula to life. Fighting that fact only leads to missed opportunities and a lack of gratitude for the present moment. I remind myself often to step out of anxious thought patterns and trust that I’m on the right path. I made this decision bravely, trusting my intuition, and where I’m headed isn’t set in stone. But how I approach it, with an open heart and mind, will shape the outcome.

Stay tuned as I continue to post regular updates on my website for those who are interested in my day-to-day journey. Remember, it’s not selfish to make positive changes in your life. If you’re not happy, take those gentle leaps into the unknown. You never know where they might lead.

With love,

C.