VANCOUVER ISLAND


fWestward Ho


VANCOUVER ISLAND AN APPEALING OPTION FOR LONG-STAY WINTER ESCAPES


or Snowbirds by Jamie Gripich M


ore than four decades after Anne Murray sang Snowbird,


the phenomenon of f lying away from the cold shows no sign of waning. Like their avian counterparts, baby boomers are also making their annual southern winter-escape migration. However, those winds are blowing more south- west these days and landing many a migratory traveler on the soft sandy shores of Vancouver Island, in the year- round seaside destination of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.


Long-stay far away While not all human migrants want to head to warmer climes when the winter


wind begins to blow, many do. It’s estimated that between 300,000-700,000 people annually travel for long-stays in winter. The Canadian Snowbird Association, which began as a lobby group to protect out-of-country health insurance benefits, has a membership of around 70,000. We all know somebody or somebody’s parents with a mobile home in Arizona, or a condo in Florida. Traditionally the snowbird market


concentrated in the southern US and points beyond. However, more and more Canadians are f locking to a closer, safer Canadian location that lies slightly below the 49th parallel.


SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 76


A nest for every species Whether you are the rugged-outdoor- adventure types or relax-in-the-spa people, you can find the accommodation that suits you best. Te region has 33 resorts, hotels and motels, nearly 30 bed and breakfasts, and 32 vacation rental homes to choose from. Tere are also time-shares and condos for sale. And the shoulder season from October to


ISLAND LIFE (clockwise), Island waters, Enjoying the View, Englishman River, and Ocean living


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