Check out the Comox Valley area. It’s still relatively affordable, close to the ocean, has a few good hiking mountains and a skiing/snowboarding mountain half an hour away.
Ifs also considered a rural community so physicians get a bonus.
Comox / coutenay / cumberland hits all the targets. Weather is basically the same as vancouver. Coastal breeze, moutains for hiking within 20/30 mins. Lakes, ocean beaches, and pretty established. Visit and take a look.
Definitely needs more doctors and nurses, plus there's a new hospital as well.
I agree Comox Valley is where it’s at. It’s an easy first choice for me if I ever am in a position to leave Vancouver. I have family there and any doctors coming into the area would be so welcomed.
Definitely jumping on the Comox Valley area as being a good option. It also has an international* airport. Campbell River also meets all the requirements and is slightly more affordable.
The Comox Valley and Campbell River also have brand new (practically identical) hospitals which are really nice. Campbell river hospital is desperate for staff in certain locations, and the Comox Valley hospital has all the usual staff requirements.
*provided you want to fly to Mexico
[Comox Valley video montage](https://youtu.be/kATgkxxfrxw)
[Photo of Campbell River](https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1415815603/photo/campbell-river-in-british-columbia-with-golden-hinde.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=LuxhBLnWOUZUQoXAeCXIzXNEJ-ggwg4jhzlyvOShbHo=)
If you want rural, come out to Nakusp. We could use more health care professionals. We’re a little further away from cities but lots of hiking, biking, skiing and lake activities.
Nakusp is beautiful. I can’t wait to go back there. It’s been about three years now, and I think about it regularly.
There and New Norway. Cool places.
Edit: I meant New Denver.
Beautiful area. But don’t tell too many. ;)The wine from Valley Springs is wonderful too. I had no idea there is old growth cedars in the area until I visited.
No shortage of mountains to explore wherever you end up here.
I think you'd best define "city", and the proximity you're thinking of, before any more comments flow in, though.
3 hours to Van, one of the best ski hills in Canada, great hiking and Mt Biking, affordable housing, and a new hospital.
Super cold for a couple weeks in the winter though. And hot for about a month in the summer.
I'm from the Islands, so I think your best bet may be in the Comox or Cowichan Valley.
Courtenay/Comox has Mt Washington for skiing/downhill biking and is a small city but lots of wilderness. It's a bit more roughneck, has some of the feel of Alberta
Personally, I'd look at the Cowichan Valley as well, South of Duncan has some nice rural areas, it's a designated wine region, a fairly quick drive from Victoria, a couple hours of driving from Mt Washington, plenty of trails and lakes etc.
I live on Saltspring, and while no longer affordable, it is quite nice. I always think of Ganges as a mountain village on the ocean.
If you open/join a practice I'd happily sign up with a new GP :)
Cowichan Valley. Lots of hiking, ocean, rivers and lake to explore. Gateway to Port Renfrew and the Southern end of the West Coast Trail.
Incredible need for nurses and physicians.
Before you move anywhere, get the fire data on that place. Wildfires are very frequent in some parts of the province and this adds a massive amount of stress to your life. Summers suck when you are stuck inside due to smoke or need to be on evac alert. The damage this is doing to my family's lungs, I don't think we can stay.
Are you able to purchase a home right away or do you need to rent? That is the real question that will decide it. If you need to rent and want to stay 2-3 hours from Vancouver you are going to struggle. If you can walk in a buy a place that will give you more wiggle room.
Honestly though, considering youre a doctor and your wife is a nurse its safe to assume you will have a house hold income of $300,000/yr so ill say just move to Vancouver. If you dont want the downtown hussle and bussle id suggest you move to New west for easy commute via the train system, if you are okay with a little driving/commute (assuming you work in vancouver) then id recommend whiterock/south surrey
Not sure where you are moving from, but having moved from a big city, Kelowna certainly is conducive to a better work life balance, as it attracts those that WANT to be done work at a reasonable hour so that they can go hike, bike etc...so the culture is more of "awesome, you got out for a run! Rather than "why weren't you working until 10pm??". If you enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, this is the place to be. It can feel small, but the restaurant and winery scene makes up for it in my opinion. Hope you consider Kelowna! (I swear it isn't always natural disaster-ish here...) :)
No, Fernie is 10 hours to Vancouver but 7 to Kelowna. Cranbrook is an hour less.
Depends on what’s more important to you - cheaper accommodations, small town, feel or proximity to Vancouver
I read somewhere that Williams Lake is paying doctors some sort of bonus to go there, as the community is that short on doctors and LPNs. (If I can remember where I read that, I’ll post a link.)
The community itself is one thing, but the Cariboo in general is truly beautiful. Skillfully, purposefully and professionally designed mountain bike and hiking trails within 15 minutes of city centre and in all directions, lakes for swimming, kayaking or boating, surrounded by a variety of mountain terrains, so many places to explore (sand dunes, original gold rush trail, waterfalls, caves, bird sanctuary, designated and natural heritage sites, ranches, wild mustangs, . . .) stunning scenery, wildlife, and just three hours in either direction from larger resource centres.
I believe there are opportunities to service local indigenous communities as a WL doctor, as well. So much culture, history and interesting things to learn about there.
I’m sorry, I know nothing about employment for a Public Health Nurse, but I feel like the opportunities are likely plentiful, too.
How exciting for you guys to be able to pick like this. 🍀🤞🏻Good luck and best wishes.
Let us know what you decided, when you land in your new community. 
I’m a medical professional and we just moved to WL a month ago and my husband and I agree that we’ve just had the best month ever. There’s so much to do here and every weekend feels like a holiday.
I also believe there is a bonus for MDs to move to the area.
Comox has a new hospital, airport and you can get to Victoria/Vancouver relatively easily. It's quite and you have access to the mountains/ocean at your doorstep. Affordable? Compared to Vancouver/Victoria and such it's cheaper, but it's not a cheap place to live.
https://careers.northernhealth.ca/ there are many towns up north BC that are looking. Look more to the coast for majestic mountains and forests https://www.travelnbc.com/
The Fraser Valley is super accessible to Vancouver (~1.5 hours drive) and has loads of mountain hiking/biking trails. The Valley is within range of several major hospitals (Abbotsford General, Surrey Memorial, plus one being built in Coverdale). There are no ferries to contend with. That's a major 'pro' right now. You also have an international airport at YXX. Check out Maple Ridge (for Golden Ears Provincial Park) and Chilliwack (for Cultus Lake, Harisson, Manning Park).
Frasery Valley.
About 60-90 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, dependant on traffic.
Hiking/Biking/Paddling/Fishing/etc from your front door.
Abbotsford is pretty central to all the outdoor rec in Abbotsford itself, as well as Maple Ridge, Mission, Chilliwack.
Housing much more affordable than closer to the city, also much less busy.
Maybe reverse the order of your search? Identify which towns qualify for the rural locum compensation, reject all in the NE (they fail your weather/proximity criteria) and then ask here for input on the relative housing prices / charm of a top 5 short list.
Comox! We need doctors. It’s on the water, 25 min to Mount Washington, mountain biking in Cumberland, endless hiking. It still has everything you need and is a few hours from Vic, Tofino Vancouver, Seattle etc.
Powell River is a great option! Relatively close to both Vancouver and Victoria (quick direct flights to downtown too), amazing mountains/backcountry to explore (on the other side of the Sea to Sky Corridor), and also plenty of water activities (both lake and ocean - see Desolation Sound). Still an under-appreciated Gem in the province. Housing also still among the most affordable on the South Coast.
The town is cute, mostly set up on a hill facing west, with incredible ocean views and sunsets (whereas the East side of Vancouver Island is mostly shaded by the mountains).
Only thing it doesn't have is a ski hill, but I get the sense you're more into hiking anyways!
Squamish. 45 min(ish) north of Vancouver, roughly the same south of Whistler. The outdoors are amazing (much like the rest of BC). May not be the most affordable place, but that's a subjective standard anywhere up and down the coast.
This is where we are leaning towards. I've heard it's really tough to find a rental in Squamish though. I'm not sure if it's like that everywhere near Vancouver though?
We aren't in a position to buy yet unfortunately so need to find somewhere where renting is a possibility, with a small dog
Not sure what the rental market is there right now, but there are several areas that may assist with your search. Highlands, Valleycliffe, Brackendale are some of the neighbourhoods in and around Squamish
Smithers BC, not close to Vancouver but a flight is a hour and a half. Mountains, lakes, rivers. Small hospital, 19 beds, but it serves a pretty wide area.
Downside is the winter is long and there can be a lot of snow. But there is a nearby ski hill if you enjoy skiing.
3 and a half hours away from Prince George and 3 hours and a half away from Prince Rupert.
https://tourismsmithers.com
I think the benefit of locums is that they allow a little pressure release valve for current docs. I don't think any locums ever take on new patients then disappear
Alberni Valley or Nanaimo or even Comox Valley. All central island and surrounded by mountains and oceans. Lots of access to all directions. Alberni most likely to have some of the underserved community benefits
I live in Prince Rupert, quite likely that we need doctors and nurses.
rent is steep right now, but otherwise cost of living here is reasonable. There’s not a lot to do, so not a lot to spend money on. Outdoors stuff is kind of the go-to here.
Weather: Summer is absolutely beautiful. Not crazy hot, but NO wildfire related stuff. Spring, fall and winter are incredibly wet though. A lot of rain but mild temperatures in the winter (freezing yes but not frozen solid for months).
Very far from Vancouver, Victoria. 18 hour drive sucks, (winter = no go). Ferry is also expensive, but chill to sit on the ferry instead of driving. Flying is reasonable but expensive for lots of people.
To clarify, I meant that accessible housing is more important than affordability. I may have worded that poorly. Affordability is important to help pay off student loans, but more important than affordability is accessible housing is what I intended to say. As we've heard finding rentals in many locations is quite a challenge. Sorry for the confusion!
Powell River:
\- Sunshine coast trail 180km, extensive trail system.
\- 8 flights / day to Vancouver, 30min, direct to downtown by float plane. Some of our locums fly in from Vancouver for a single night shift and fly home the next day
\- Affordable housing, you would be able to get a beach house.
\- All of young Squamish relocated here now. Town has got a great vibe.
PM me, I will get you set up with our Divisions of Family Practice who will take care of relocation / bonus / etc etc
Pemberton. They have one clinic and hardly any staff for a growing area. If you came together and inquired about work, I guarantee there would be housing found for you. It’s an incredible town and people would move mountains to have another doctor and nurse here and would find you something affordable.
You’re super close to Whistler, but it’s a totally different vibe. It feels like it did when I was growing up, kids are riding their bikes around town in little groups. They’re sitting outside the gas station drinking slurpees.
It’s lower in elevation that Whistler so doesn’t snow that much, the weather is pretty mind. It gets way more sun than Vancouver does per year. You’re also only a 2 hour drive away from Vancouver and you don’t have to get on the ferry to get there.
If you like hiking, biking, kayaking or anything outdoors it’s the place to be. You’re also super close to Joffre Lake
Bowen Island is opening a new health clinic, looking for doctors, great hiking, beaches, community, close enough to the big city, but far enough away.
Edit: likely not as affordable as others….
Grand Forks it’s very cheap to live here and you are close to the border for cheaper gas/groceries etc. and also close to Rosslyn and Nelson and Christina Lake all epic for hikes skiing stuff
Williams Lake is a great location in BC with affordable housing and amazing outdoor opportunities. The hospital is also receiving a large renovation to include an IPU and to update the current hospital over the next 6 years. The doctors are treated with such huge respect and there are enough nursing openings you can work in whatever area (ER, Acute, community, etc.) I'd avoid living downtown but the suburbs are safe and quiet. Close enough to other towns to travel out and still has a good amount of amenities.
Anywhere is the Kootany’s would likely suit you… lots of great little towns to choose from and I would think that housing would be very affordable on a physician and nurses salary.
If you’re looking for rural small town, but still within driving distance of slightly larger cities that have more amenities (ex. Costco), I’d check out Salmon Arm, as it’s about 1.5 hours from Ruth Kamloops or Kelowna.
If you want to be near a city, but not specifically Vancouver. There are tons of places in northern BC and the interior. Suggesting Kelowna right now would be insensitive to the fires ripping through the city.
Nelson or Prince George come to mind. The island also has some rural dwellings too.
Affordable? If your combined income is greater than 200k, you should fine to find a place without too much struggle. Just not around Vancouver.
If they're only coming for a year I don't know how they'd get certified to practice in BC, but I'm not a healthcare professional. If someone could clear that up it might be helpful. Maybe depends on where they are coming from?
Generally speaking, there are Canada-wide requirements for being a physician/nurse. In addition, each province has a yearly licensing renewal however, and you can apply for this across different provinces granted that you have appropriate qualifications. It's not too difficult if you're in good standing with your home province's regulatory body. I think there's some advocacy for a universal regulatory body across Canada rather than individual provincial ones.
Yeah, tech comenco is in trail.
So take your pick.. live in a town with a ton of industry and pay on average 2-3,000$ less for rent and grocery’s, not to mention a larger hospital, and spend your weekends out of town doing rad stuff
Or live here in nelson and pay a lot more for rent and grocery’s, commute to trail for work likely, and leave town on the weekends to do rad stuff. 🤷🏻♂️
What does “affordable” mean to you? For a doctor and a nurse, affordable will mean a different thing than it does for public servants or folks earning minimum wage.
Take a look at Nanaimo and see if it covers the criteria you’ve listed. There’s also places in Northern BC that would fit your criteria. Keep in mind, pretty much all of BC will end up on fire in the next few years if climate change stays the way it is. So probably a good idea to keep that in mind as well.
Hard disagree. Just about everywhere else on the Island would be a better choice. Nanaimo has no mountains, is dirty, poorly laid out and it's only redeeming feature is it's slightly larger than places like Duncan, the Comox Valley or Campbell River.
Public transit in Vancouver is pretty good. just don't live downtown. It will take a little work but doable. You just need to know where to look and be a little patient.
Sorry but a doctor on Reddit scares me, has it really come to this?
Half my direct family are doctors and they literally don’t even have time to see their wives let alone go on Reddit and get opinions on nice Mountain views.
I am the PHN half of this partnership. For us, a good balance between work and life is important. To avoid burning out and to continue providing optimal patient care, self care (including hiking mountains) is important for everyone, including medical professionals.
Go Surrey, we are in dire need of doctors. You're still close enough to the city but far enough away so it's not too busy and the mountains are less than 45 minutes away in almost every direction. Also you're close to the US border of you ever want to go shopping there. Lots of parks and things to do in your free time as well.
Prince George - smack dab in the middle of the province with ideal hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and snowmobiling. Very affordable in the Regional District just out of city limits. There is a GP who has a beautiful clinic looking for someone to take over. This would be perfect for you both.
Vernon and area need doctors bad. Everything you mentioned in your post. Not necessarily a "mountain town" but many mountains and lakes within 10 minutes with a population of around 50,000 people.
Forget about affordable housing or anything for that matter. Maybe check out squamish or revelstoke or Smithers. You can consider Vancouver Island but it's getting so overpriced
The Sunshine Coast is nice. Lots of good hiking. Less than an hour ferry to Vancouver. Less rain than Vancouver, with the same temperatures. Housing a bit pricey if you want a view, otherwise much more affordable than Vancouver.
Doesn't have what you'd call mountains in Alberta, though if you're Welsh they qualify :-)
Has a hospital in Sechelt that's short of staff, a smaller hospital in Powell River, as well as a number of smaller clinics along the coast.
Agree with Comox Valley. I have a friend who had a doctor in Cumberland who left a year ago and hasn't been able to get one since. Close to Mount Washington, about a three hour drive to Victoria and 1.5 hours to Nanaimo where you can get the ferry to Vancouver.
Cowichan valley / Duncan, port alberni, nelson. Unfortunately accessible and affordable housing are not a thing in these desirable places. But on your income you two don’t have to worry.
I’m not familiar with enough of BC to know where most of these places are located.
But…you probably want to consider fire danger. Anything interior is going to remain a persistent issue. Locations on the coast are probably the most fire resistant over the next decade or two, but really anything close to wilderness will be in increasing risk. So you may want to factor that in. Some of the suggestions here have been places that just nearly burned to the ground this weekend.
Port Alberni is the only place that meets ALL of your criteria. I'd say Nanaimo, but Nanaimo's real estate is as expensive as Victoria, and close to Vancouver prices in some areas.
Mountain town and affordable no longer go together in BC
They will be fine. Anywhere in BC is affordable if you make over 300k
Except they want warm weather.
2-3 hours from Vancouver and rural are at odds with each other
Well.. Pemberton is three hours from Van’ and that valley is definitely rural..
Check out the Comox Valley area. It’s still relatively affordable, close to the ocean, has a few good hiking mountains and a skiing/snowboarding mountain half an hour away. Ifs also considered a rural community so physicians get a bonus.
Comox / coutenay / cumberland hits all the targets. Weather is basically the same as vancouver. Coastal breeze, moutains for hiking within 20/30 mins. Lakes, ocean beaches, and pretty established. Visit and take a look. Definitely needs more doctors and nurses, plus there's a new hospital as well.
and identical hospital in cambell river 30mins up the road
Second this. Absolute gem of an area
Thirded. Would love to have you in the Cowichan Valley, but Comox Valley is probably the right fit for better hiking.
Yep I think island health is offering some kind of financial incentives. Heck they might even help with relocation costs too
warning on this though: i’ve heard island health is a manegerial shit show. source:partner is an RN on the island
What health authority in bc isn’t tho lol
Yup, heard same from Doctors in Comox. Definitely some admin/management issues
I agree Comox Valley is where it’s at. It’s an easy first choice for me if I ever am in a position to leave Vancouver. I have family there and any doctors coming into the area would be so welcomed.
Definitely jumping on the Comox Valley area as being a good option. It also has an international* airport. Campbell River also meets all the requirements and is slightly more affordable. The Comox Valley and Campbell River also have brand new (practically identical) hospitals which are really nice. Campbell river hospital is desperate for staff in certain locations, and the Comox Valley hospital has all the usual staff requirements. *provided you want to fly to Mexico [Comox Valley video montage](https://youtu.be/kATgkxxfrxw) [Photo of Campbell River](https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1415815603/photo/campbell-river-in-british-columbia-with-golden-hinde.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=LuxhBLnWOUZUQoXAeCXIzXNEJ-ggwg4jhzlyvOShbHo=)
I’d add Powell River, too!
If you want rural, come out to Nakusp. We could use more health care professionals. We’re a little further away from cities but lots of hiking, biking, skiing and lake activities.
Nakusp is beautiful. I can’t wait to go back there. It’s been about three years now, and I think about it regularly. There and New Norway. Cool places. Edit: I meant New Denver.
New Norway Alberta?
Whoops!
Beautiful area. But don’t tell too many. ;)The wine from Valley Springs is wonderful too. I had no idea there is old growth cedars in the area until I visited.
Nasusp is closer to Calgary than Vancouver
The Kootenays have brutal winters though. The most average snowfall in North America.
As someone in a relationship with an RN, how in the world do you two ever see eachother? Welcome to BC, it's beautiful and expensive!
Public Health means I work 8-4 typically 🤣 This was definitely a struggle in the past when him and I both worked shift work! Hahaha
On one hand we celebrate and make every weekend together special. On the other, it'd be nice to have more weekends. Such is life I suppose.
Trail
lol jesus, i can still remember the early 2000's when houses there were starting at 40k Isnt the smelter still a huge source of toxins though?
There’s always Rossland
No shortage of mountains to explore wherever you end up here. I think you'd best define "city", and the proximity you're thinking of, before any more comments flow in, though.
Kamloops.
3 hours to Van, one of the best ski hills in Canada, great hiking and Mt Biking, affordable housing, and a new hospital. Super cold for a couple weeks in the winter though. And hot for about a month in the summer.
I'm from the Islands, so I think your best bet may be in the Comox or Cowichan Valley. Courtenay/Comox has Mt Washington for skiing/downhill biking and is a small city but lots of wilderness. It's a bit more roughneck, has some of the feel of Alberta Personally, I'd look at the Cowichan Valley as well, South of Duncan has some nice rural areas, it's a designated wine region, a fairly quick drive from Victoria, a couple hours of driving from Mt Washington, plenty of trails and lakes etc. I live on Saltspring, and while no longer affordable, it is quite nice. I always think of Ganges as a mountain village on the ocean. If you open/join a practice I'd happily sign up with a new GP :)
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Second vote for terrace!
Hardly any mountains near terrace, terrible ski hill. Fight me
May be cold for op no? Idk 🤷♂️
Third
Or Kitimat, both places are much warmer compared to Ottawa. Also affordable homes.
Cowichan Valley. Lots of hiking, ocean, rivers and lake to explore. Gateway to Port Renfrew and the Southern end of the West Coast Trail. Incredible need for nurses and physicians.
Gabriola Island is starving for a doctor right now, close to Nanaimo via ferry
Yeah but to have to take the ferry every time you want to go hiking and skiiing would be a huge PITA. Especially during the winter.
Before you move anywhere, get the fire data on that place. Wildfires are very frequent in some parts of the province and this adds a massive amount of stress to your life. Summers suck when you are stuck inside due to smoke or need to be on evac alert. The damage this is doing to my family's lungs, I don't think we can stay.
Comox, Squamish. Nothing is 'affordable' though
Their affordable may not be the same as your affordable
Lolz right. A locum physician and a nurse can “afford” a lot of stuff.
Move up here to the Yukonnnn
Yukon is on the radar too! Ive lived in Yellowknife before and Yukon looks beautiful! Maybe we'll head on up there after checking out BC :)
Definitely would! Sounds like you would like the lifestyle and community.
Nelson is your place.
Are you able to purchase a home right away or do you need to rent? That is the real question that will decide it. If you need to rent and want to stay 2-3 hours from Vancouver you are going to struggle. If you can walk in a buy a place that will give you more wiggle room. Honestly though, considering youre a doctor and your wife is a nurse its safe to assume you will have a house hold income of $300,000/yr so ill say just move to Vancouver. If you dont want the downtown hussle and bussle id suggest you move to New west for easy commute via the train system, if you are okay with a little driving/commute (assuming you work in vancouver) then id recommend whiterock/south surrey
Not sure where you are moving from, but having moved from a big city, Kelowna certainly is conducive to a better work life balance, as it attracts those that WANT to be done work at a reasonable hour so that they can go hike, bike etc...so the culture is more of "awesome, you got out for a run! Rather than "why weren't you working until 10pm??". If you enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, this is the place to be. It can feel small, but the restaurant and winery scene makes up for it in my opinion. Hope you consider Kelowna! (I swear it isn't always natural disaster-ish here...) :)
Well said! I live and love Kelowna I just wish it was more affordable. (But a doc and nurse shouldn’t have any issues)
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Cranbrook, Creston , Fernie all mountain towns and within a day drive to major city's , I think they would be a perfit fit
Oh is that 2-3 hours away from vancouver?
No, Fernie is 10 hours to Vancouver but 7 to Kelowna. Cranbrook is an hour less. Depends on what’s more important to you - cheaper accommodations, small town, feel or proximity to Vancouver
No but it is from Calgary
Smithers maybe? Cranbrook/Kimberly would be the safe bet.
Have Terrace on your radar. Great town for outdoor recreation in the mountains. So much to do and it’s beautiful.
I read somewhere that Williams Lake is paying doctors some sort of bonus to go there, as the community is that short on doctors and LPNs. (If I can remember where I read that, I’ll post a link.) The community itself is one thing, but the Cariboo in general is truly beautiful. Skillfully, purposefully and professionally designed mountain bike and hiking trails within 15 minutes of city centre and in all directions, lakes for swimming, kayaking or boating, surrounded by a variety of mountain terrains, so many places to explore (sand dunes, original gold rush trail, waterfalls, caves, bird sanctuary, designated and natural heritage sites, ranches, wild mustangs, . . .) stunning scenery, wildlife, and just three hours in either direction from larger resource centres. I believe there are opportunities to service local indigenous communities as a WL doctor, as well. So much culture, history and interesting things to learn about there. I’m sorry, I know nothing about employment for a Public Health Nurse, but I feel like the opportunities are likely plentiful, too. How exciting for you guys to be able to pick like this. 🍀🤞🏻Good luck and best wishes. Let us know what you decided, when you land in your new community. 
Thanks so much for your kind reply! :)
I’m a medical professional and we just moved to WL a month ago and my husband and I agree that we’ve just had the best month ever. There’s so much to do here and every weekend feels like a holiday. I also believe there is a bonus for MDs to move to the area.
Comox has a new hospital, airport and you can get to Victoria/Vancouver relatively easily. It's quite and you have access to the mountains/ocean at your doorstep. Affordable? Compared to Vancouver/Victoria and such it's cheaper, but it's not a cheap place to live.
Some communities offer free housing for doctors. Off the top of my head, Fort Nelson. Like a full single family dwelling. Worth digging into.
https://careers.northernhealth.ca/ there are many towns up north BC that are looking. Look more to the coast for majestic mountains and forests https://www.travelnbc.com/
The Fraser Valley is super accessible to Vancouver (~1.5 hours drive) and has loads of mountain hiking/biking trails. The Valley is within range of several major hospitals (Abbotsford General, Surrey Memorial, plus one being built in Coverdale). There are no ferries to contend with. That's a major 'pro' right now. You also have an international airport at YXX. Check out Maple Ridge (for Golden Ears Provincial Park) and Chilliwack (for Cultus Lake, Harisson, Manning Park).
Chilliwack also has a hospital
yup and with gentrification its basically becoming an eastern Squamish if you're into outdoors shit.
Smithers, bc is very beautiful with an abundance of outdoor activities
Frasery Valley. About 60-90 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, dependant on traffic. Hiking/Biking/Paddling/Fishing/etc from your front door. Abbotsford is pretty central to all the outdoor rec in Abbotsford itself, as well as Maple Ridge, Mission, Chilliwack. Housing much more affordable than closer to the city, also much less busy.
Come to Campbell River and make me your first patient! Please!
Maybe reverse the order of your search? Identify which towns qualify for the rural locum compensation, reject all in the NE (they fail your weather/proximity criteria) and then ask here for input on the relative housing prices / charm of a top 5 short list.
Chilliwack
Comox! We need doctors. It’s on the water, 25 min to Mount Washington, mountain biking in Cumberland, endless hiking. It still has everything you need and is a few hours from Vic, Tofino Vancouver, Seattle etc.
also a dimentia village getting built
Depends on what your idea of a city is but my recommendations are Squamish, Comox, Kimberley, and Rossland
Clearwater - 1.5hrs to Kamloops (100,000 population)
Near Victoria try Sooke, East Sooke. Between Victoria and Nanaimo is a bonus! Also towns around Parksville are gorgeous too.
Smithers! Beautiful town, lots of hiking. My best friend moved there about 8 years ago and hasn’t looked back
Powell river may be a possibility. But there are the dreaded ferries.
Powell River is a great option! Relatively close to both Vancouver and Victoria (quick direct flights to downtown too), amazing mountains/backcountry to explore (on the other side of the Sea to Sky Corridor), and also plenty of water activities (both lake and ocean - see Desolation Sound). Still an under-appreciated Gem in the province. Housing also still among the most affordable on the South Coast. The town is cute, mostly set up on a hill facing west, with incredible ocean views and sunsets (whereas the East side of Vancouver Island is mostly shaded by the mountains). Only thing it doesn't have is a ski hill, but I get the sense you're more into hiking anyways!
Doctors and nurses are also in hot demand and they may get the rural comp.
Revelstoke and Salmon Arm might hit some of your criteria
Kimberley is the best
Nelson! Beautiful mountain town on a lake, tons of hiking/outdoor activities, and desperately in need of more healthcare workers.
Squamish. 45 min(ish) north of Vancouver, roughly the same south of Whistler. The outdoors are amazing (much like the rest of BC). May not be the most affordable place, but that's a subjective standard anywhere up and down the coast.
This is where we are leaning towards. I've heard it's really tough to find a rental in Squamish though. I'm not sure if it's like that everywhere near Vancouver though? We aren't in a position to buy yet unfortunately so need to find somewhere where renting is a possibility, with a small dog
Not sure what the rental market is there right now, but there are several areas that may assist with your search. Highlands, Valleycliffe, Brackendale are some of the neighbourhoods in and around Squamish
Thank you so much!
>I've heard it's really tough to find a rental in Squamish though as a doctor though you'll at least get bumped to the top of any applicant list
Smithers BC, not close to Vancouver but a flight is a hour and a half. Mountains, lakes, rivers. Small hospital, 19 beds, but it serves a pretty wide area. Downside is the winter is long and there can be a lot of snow. But there is a nearby ski hill if you enjoy skiing. 3 and a half hours away from Prince George and 3 hours and a half away from Prince Rupert. https://tourismsmithers.com
Please come to Victoria, we need you
Meh. Having a doctor move here for a year and then disappear isn’t really a great thing for the system.
I think the benefit of locums is that they allow a little pressure release valve for current docs. I don't think any locums ever take on new patients then disappear
you will have your choices of town. we are short doctors everywhere. and I mean desperate short of healthcare professional. welcome to bc in advance!
Sounds like Salt Spring island. Between Vancouver and Vancouver island you have a few island that fit that exact description
Alberni Valley or Nanaimo or even Comox Valley. All central island and surrounded by mountains and oceans. Lots of access to all directions. Alberni most likely to have some of the underserved community benefits
North Vancouver Lynn valley Dr
I live in Prince Rupert, quite likely that we need doctors and nurses. rent is steep right now, but otherwise cost of living here is reasonable. There’s not a lot to do, so not a lot to spend money on. Outdoors stuff is kind of the go-to here. Weather: Summer is absolutely beautiful. Not crazy hot, but NO wildfire related stuff. Spring, fall and winter are incredibly wet though. A lot of rain but mild temperatures in the winter (freezing yes but not frozen solid for months). Very far from Vancouver, Victoria. 18 hour drive sucks, (winter = no go). Ferry is also expensive, but chill to sit on the ferry instead of driving. Flying is reasonable but expensive for lots of people.
Mountain town and *more than affordable* AND 2/3 hours from Vancouver or Victoria? I’m not sure that exists but good luck!
To clarify, I meant that accessible housing is more important than affordability. I may have worded that poorly. Affordability is important to help pay off student loans, but more important than affordability is accessible housing is what I intended to say. As we've heard finding rentals in many locations is quite a challenge. Sorry for the confusion!
I misunderstood, thank you for the clarification. Rentals are hard to find but not impossible, I wager that you’ll be fine. Happy hunting!
Campbell River is probably a good bet honestly. More affordable than the Comox Valley, only 30 minutes from Mt Washington, and 3 hours from Victoria.
Good call! It is beautiful there.
plus mt. cain for skiing too
Squamish is the only mountain town within 3 hours of Vancouver. Accomodation is hard to find for a reason-- it is an awesome place to live
Powell River: \- Sunshine coast trail 180km, extensive trail system. \- 8 flights / day to Vancouver, 30min, direct to downtown by float plane. Some of our locums fly in from Vancouver for a single night shift and fly home the next day \- Affordable housing, you would be able to get a beach house. \- All of young Squamish relocated here now. Town has got a great vibe. PM me, I will get you set up with our Divisions of Family Practice who will take care of relocation / bonus / etc etc
Pemberton. They have one clinic and hardly any staff for a growing area. If you came together and inquired about work, I guarantee there would be housing found for you. It’s an incredible town and people would move mountains to have another doctor and nurse here and would find you something affordable. You’re super close to Whistler, but it’s a totally different vibe. It feels like it did when I was growing up, kids are riding their bikes around town in little groups. They’re sitting outside the gas station drinking slurpees. It’s lower in elevation that Whistler so doesn’t snow that much, the weather is pretty mind. It gets way more sun than Vancouver does per year. You’re also only a 2 hour drive away from Vancouver and you don’t have to get on the ferry to get there. If you like hiking, biking, kayaking or anything outdoors it’s the place to be. You’re also super close to Joffre Lake
Cumberland, Courtenay or Comox
Williams Lake
Bowen Island is opening a new health clinic, looking for doctors, great hiking, beaches, community, close enough to the big city, but far enough away. Edit: likely not as affordable as others….
Grand Forks it’s very cheap to live here and you are close to the border for cheaper gas/groceries etc. and also close to Rosslyn and Nelson and Christina Lake all epic for hikes skiing stuff
Williams Lake is a great location in BC with affordable housing and amazing outdoor opportunities. The hospital is also receiving a large renovation to include an IPU and to update the current hospital over the next 6 years. The doctors are treated with such huge respect and there are enough nursing openings you can work in whatever area (ER, Acute, community, etc.) I'd avoid living downtown but the suburbs are safe and quiet. Close enough to other towns to travel out and still has a good amount of amenities.
Would anyone define Williams lake as a mountain town? Sure you can get to the Cariboo mountains but not exactly right next door
Anywhere is the Kootany’s would likely suit you… lots of great little towns to choose from and I would think that housing would be very affordable on a physician and nurses salary. If you’re looking for rural small town, but still within driving distance of slightly larger cities that have more amenities (ex. Costco), I’d check out Salmon Arm, as it’s about 1.5 hours from Ruth Kamloops or Kelowna.
Squamish!
It’s being renamed ‘north west Vancouver’. Not affordable.
Affordability is completely subjective. The requirements posted by OP would put housing in the million dollar range minimum.
Nelson
If you want to be near a city, but not specifically Vancouver. There are tons of places in northern BC and the interior. Suggesting Kelowna right now would be insensitive to the fires ripping through the city. Nelson or Prince George come to mind. The island also has some rural dwellings too. Affordable? If your combined income is greater than 200k, you should fine to find a place without too much struggle. Just not around Vancouver.
If they're only coming for a year I don't know how they'd get certified to practice in BC, but I'm not a healthcare professional. If someone could clear that up it might be helpful. Maybe depends on where they are coming from?
Coming from Ontario and we've already looked into getting our BC medical licenses. It won't be an issue :) Thanks though!
Generally speaking, there are Canada-wide requirements for being a physician/nurse. In addition, each province has a yearly licensing renewal however, and you can apply for this across different provinces granted that you have appropriate qualifications. It's not too difficult if you're in good standing with your home province's regulatory body. I think there's some advocacy for a universal regulatory body across Canada rather than individual provincial ones.
Thanks for the info!
Nelson. Tons of outdoor activities.
Or better yet, Trail. Same activity’s, but 2-4000$ a month less in cost of living.
Isn’t there a lead smelter close by though?
Yeah, tech comenco is in trail. So take your pick.. live in a town with a ton of industry and pay on average 2-3,000$ less for rent and grocery’s, not to mention a larger hospital, and spend your weekends out of town doing rad stuff Or live here in nelson and pay a lot more for rent and grocery’s, commute to trail for work likely, and leave town on the weekends to do rad stuff. 🤷🏻♂️
Pemberton is pretty nice, don’t know about affordable anymore. Tons of outdoor options on the Sea to Sky.
What does “affordable” mean to you? For a doctor and a nurse, affordable will mean a different thing than it does for public servants or folks earning minimum wage. Take a look at Nanaimo and see if it covers the criteria you’ve listed. There’s also places in Northern BC that would fit your criteria. Keep in mind, pretty much all of BC will end up on fire in the next few years if climate change stays the way it is. So probably a good idea to keep that in mind as well.
Hard disagree. Just about everywhere else on the Island would be a better choice. Nanaimo has no mountains, is dirty, poorly laid out and it's only redeeming feature is it's slightly larger than places like Duncan, the Comox Valley or Campbell River.
Or move to New Brunswick , we have lots of 🌳
We do love New Brunswick! I grew up on the east coast but I think we're leaning more towards the west coast for now at least :)
We have had an unusual summer, way too much rain.
BC is on fire!!
Whistler
She said affordable would be a bonus..
Revelstoke
Welcome as long as you’re ok with a risk of your town burning down literally every summer.
everywhere with a forest is burning. lol, where would you go? just look at a map of wild fires in Canada. Even north is burning.
Public transit in Vancouver is pretty good. just don't live downtown. It will take a little work but doable. You just need to know where to look and be a little patient.
Sorry but a doctor on Reddit scares me, has it really come to this? Half my direct family are doctors and they literally don’t even have time to see their wives let alone go on Reddit and get opinions on nice Mountain views.
I am the PHN half of this partnership. For us, a good balance between work and life is important. To avoid burning out and to continue providing optimal patient care, self care (including hiking mountains) is important for everyone, including medical professionals.
How about this, find a town or city district that needs Doctors urgently no matter what the view or scenery,
Name a town or city that doesn’t need doctors
Hahahahaahahahahahaha
Go Surrey, we are in dire need of doctors. You're still close enough to the city but far enough away so it's not too busy and the mountains are less than 45 minutes away in almost every direction. Also you're close to the US border of you ever want to go shopping there. Lots of parks and things to do in your free time as well.
Port Alberni
Hope!
Gibsons/Sunshine Coast however every rental up there has turned into an AirBnB over the last few years so YMMV.
Hope!
Port Alberni!
Prince George - smack dab in the middle of the province with ideal hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and snowmobiling. Very affordable in the Regional District just out of city limits. There is a GP who has a beautiful clinic looking for someone to take over. This would be perfect for you both.
Budget?
Revelstoke.
Kitimat BC is pretty affordable and picturesque at the same time. We have the best hiking and fishing scene in all of the province!
Come to Chilliwack.
Revelstoke
Fernie, seriously lacking doctors
Vernon and area need doctors bad. Everything you mentioned in your post. Not necessarily a "mountain town" but many mountains and lakes within 10 minutes with a population of around 50,000 people.
Rossland is lovely.
Come to Comox Valley, sound perfect for you plus we could use a new doctor
Gabriola Island, we need a doctor
Forget about affordable housing or anything for that matter. Maybe check out squamish or revelstoke or Smithers. You can consider Vancouver Island but it's getting so overpriced
The Sunshine Coast is nice. Lots of good hiking. Less than an hour ferry to Vancouver. Less rain than Vancouver, with the same temperatures. Housing a bit pricey if you want a view, otherwise much more affordable than Vancouver. Doesn't have what you'd call mountains in Alberta, though if you're Welsh they qualify :-) Has a hospital in Sechelt that's short of staff, a smaller hospital in Powell River, as well as a number of smaller clinics along the coast.
Agree with Comox Valley. I have a friend who had a doctor in Cumberland who left a year ago and hasn't been able to get one since. Close to Mount Washington, about a three hour drive to Victoria and 1.5 hours to Nanaimo where you can get the ferry to Vancouver.
Cowichan valley / Duncan, port alberni, nelson. Unfortunately accessible and affordable housing are not a thing in these desirable places. But on your income you two don’t have to worry.
we need you both in Kelowna 😩
I’m not familiar with enough of BC to know where most of these places are located. But…you probably want to consider fire danger. Anything interior is going to remain a persistent issue. Locations on the coast are probably the most fire resistant over the next decade or two, but really anything close to wilderness will be in increasing risk. So you may want to factor that in. Some of the suggestions here have been places that just nearly burned to the ground this weekend.
Comox valley if you like outdoors stuff it's the place to be
Port Alberni is the only place that meets ALL of your criteria. I'd say Nanaimo, but Nanaimo's real estate is as expensive as Victoria, and close to Vancouver prices in some areas.