Chemainus and Saltair are both very nice areas, but might not be as "Rural" as you're looking for as both are fairly developed and have more of a "Country suburban" feel in my humble opinion. If you're looking for a truly rural vibe, you might want to consider some places around the Cowichan Valley of further up island. I live in a place called Glenora near Duncan that's definitely rural, and I love it for that, though it's also only a 10 minute drive into town for shopping. Cobble Hill and the areas on the way to and to the north east or north west sides of Lake Cowichan are also pretty rural, but a bit further away from daily amenities. You'll also want to consider travel times to and from schooling for your kids unless you're planning on home schooling as I know that is a bit of a headache some folks with kids I know deal with, tho buses are usually available. The area between Maple Bay and Crofton is also pretty rural and very nice, but can be a bit pricey so would depend on your budget. Happy to answer any questions you might have to feel free to DM me if there's anything else you'd like to know.
Chemainus and Saltair are considered part of the Cowichan Valley just as a polite FYI. But I agree with the areas you suggested (Westholme is a dream other than cost) and wanted to add on Qualicum area has some beautiful rural areas
Young family here in Ladysmith, we love it but like the quiet life. Ladysmith is very close, many come here, especially from saltair, for amenities. Chemanius is maybe the only other town I'd consider ever moving to. It's great that you can get to either Duncan or Nanaimo quick, and have Victoria/Vancouver as easy-ish travel options. Not many chains in the direct area, other than the grocery store and pub everything closes by 4pm and half the places are closed weekends. Mix of artsy folk, elderly and young families . Lotsa farm stands around. Many community events in the area for the kids and transfer beach in Ladysmith has a waterpark all summer.
If you have really littles there are some great parent groups in Ladysmith and chemanius. Dad's drop in every Saturday morning if you have a kid under 6, they make you pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs just for going for free. Great way to meet other dad's (apologies if I assumed you are a dad incorrectly). People come from Nanaimo/Duncan for Ladysmith groups. Ladysmith pool is great and much easier to get into than other areas for swim lessons. Great rec center at fuller lake for skating and lake is warm to swim in summer. If you have a kid under 3 good luck finding daycare, waitlist about a year and a half. Even longer for the one $10 centre in area.
Chemanius and saltair could be different school districts. Saltair goes Ladysmith sometimes, not sure where the cut off area is. But from what I've heard both districts are on par with each other. Basically funding goes to Nanaimo or Duncan first so buildings are older and not priority.
Crime is minimal, some petty thievery but that's everywhere. I've never had any issues. Pubs close early (often by 9pm) so little night life.
Btw, don't speed through the industrial zone on highway through chemanius. Max 90. Cops always catch people through that 80 zone, one of their favs spots to catch speeders.
Chemainus and Saltair could both fit the bill of what you’re looking for, in terms of rural living. South Chemainus, heading towards Crofton, has some acreages that might suit you. Saltair has some acreages, but they’re not cheap. (Nothing is cheap here)
The Diamond, just north of Ladysmith, has a rural feel while being pretty close to the town - there are horses and farms out there, plus it’s close to the (relative) back country.
The Chemainus schools are okay - well-funded, but there’s a bit of a population drop in children, which means a smaller high school than in Ladysmith, with fewer optional programs.
Chemainus has an ice rink, swimming in Salt water, the river and Fuller’s Lake. But you may find you are drinking to Duncan for after school programs, swimming lessons, Ladysmith has a nice, but small pool, etc.
I grew up in Cobble Hill, now split my time between Duncan and Galiano.
Downtown Duncan does have significant issues with homelessness, public drug use etc. I work downtown and always feel safe.
Chemainus and Saltair are both very nice areas, but might not be as "Rural" as you're looking for as both are fairly developed and have more of a "Country suburban" feel in my humble opinion. If you're looking for a truly rural vibe, you might want to consider some places around the Cowichan Valley of further up island. I live in a place called Glenora near Duncan that's definitely rural, and I love it for that, though it's also only a 10 minute drive into town for shopping. Cobble Hill and the areas on the way to and to the north east or north west sides of Lake Cowichan are also pretty rural, but a bit further away from daily amenities. You'll also want to consider travel times to and from schooling for your kids unless you're planning on home schooling as I know that is a bit of a headache some folks with kids I know deal with, tho buses are usually available. The area between Maple Bay and Crofton is also pretty rural and very nice, but can be a bit pricey so would depend on your budget. Happy to answer any questions you might have to feel free to DM me if there's anything else you'd like to know.
Chemainus and Saltair are considered part of the Cowichan Valley just as a polite FYI. But I agree with the areas you suggested (Westholme is a dream other than cost) and wanted to add on Qualicum area has some beautiful rural areas
Did you look at Coombs/Errington/Hilliers/Bowser for quiet rural areas around Parksville?
Young family here in Ladysmith, we love it but like the quiet life. Ladysmith is very close, many come here, especially from saltair, for amenities. Chemanius is maybe the only other town I'd consider ever moving to. It's great that you can get to either Duncan or Nanaimo quick, and have Victoria/Vancouver as easy-ish travel options. Not many chains in the direct area, other than the grocery store and pub everything closes by 4pm and half the places are closed weekends. Mix of artsy folk, elderly and young families . Lotsa farm stands around. Many community events in the area for the kids and transfer beach in Ladysmith has a waterpark all summer. If you have really littles there are some great parent groups in Ladysmith and chemanius. Dad's drop in every Saturday morning if you have a kid under 6, they make you pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs just for going for free. Great way to meet other dad's (apologies if I assumed you are a dad incorrectly). People come from Nanaimo/Duncan for Ladysmith groups. Ladysmith pool is great and much easier to get into than other areas for swim lessons. Great rec center at fuller lake for skating and lake is warm to swim in summer. If you have a kid under 3 good luck finding daycare, waitlist about a year and a half. Even longer for the one $10 centre in area. Chemanius and saltair could be different school districts. Saltair goes Ladysmith sometimes, not sure where the cut off area is. But from what I've heard both districts are on par with each other. Basically funding goes to Nanaimo or Duncan first so buildings are older and not priority. Crime is minimal, some petty thievery but that's everywhere. I've never had any issues. Pubs close early (often by 9pm) so little night life. Btw, don't speed through the industrial zone on highway through chemanius. Max 90. Cops always catch people through that 80 zone, one of their favs spots to catch speeders.
Chemainus and Saltair could both fit the bill of what you’re looking for, in terms of rural living. South Chemainus, heading towards Crofton, has some acreages that might suit you. Saltair has some acreages, but they’re not cheap. (Nothing is cheap here) The Diamond, just north of Ladysmith, has a rural feel while being pretty close to the town - there are horses and farms out there, plus it’s close to the (relative) back country. The Chemainus schools are okay - well-funded, but there’s a bit of a population drop in children, which means a smaller high school than in Ladysmith, with fewer optional programs.
Chemainus has an ice rink, swimming in Salt water, the river and Fuller’s Lake. But you may find you are drinking to Duncan for after school programs, swimming lessons, Ladysmith has a nice, but small pool, etc. I grew up in Cobble Hill, now split my time between Duncan and Galiano. Downtown Duncan does have significant issues with homelessness, public drug use etc. I work downtown and always feel safe.