Situated on the West Coast of Canada, Vancouver Island sits as gateway to Asia, the U.S. Pacific Northwest Region and offers plenty of investment opportunities. Vancouver Island provides an affordable and high-quality of life for individuals as well as a strategic location for sustainable and green businesses. With an international airport, four deep seaports, plenty of competitively priced land and properties, the Vancouver Island region is a strategic hub for trade, shipping and logistics.
Key industries that provide opportunities in this region include aerospace, agrifood, forestry, tourism, and the services industry.
A combination of temperate climate, global access, business opportunities, welcoming culture, and access to nature provide a world-class quality of life.
A co-working space for Indigenous entrepreneurs, freelancers, creatives, innovators, and problem-solvers based in the Songhees Wellness Centre.
An environmentally conscious and sustainable economy is a key advantage in recruiting and retaining top talent.
Strategically located along the Strait of Georgia’s Inner passage, Campbell River boasts a reputation for one of the top salmon fishing destinations in the world for more than a century.
Situated on the mountainous coastline of the Johnstone Strait, Campbell River enjoys pristine wilderness. The City of Campbell River is located midway on Vancouver Island. The City follows the shoreline of scenic Discovery Passage in the Strait of Georgia, framed by beautiful rivers, and surrounded by the Discovery Islands and majestic mountains. As the thriving central hub of the region, Campbell River features many of the amenities of a big city without sacrificing its friendly small-town character. Long known for legendary salmon fishing by generations of anglers, Campbell River has grown into a multi-faceted travel destination.
Located in the Traditional Territories of the Tla’amin First Nation, Powell River has the coastal mountains in its backyard and the ocean on its doorstep. The community provides a wonderful mixture of world class arts, culture, recreation, heritage, festivals and the best in education, health care and infrastructure. All these things and more have drawn many people to Powell River to build a different kind of life in a safe and comfortable environment with the best that British Columbia and Canada can offer. Many people describe the coastal city of Powell River as paradise. Nestled within a lush temperate rainforest along the Salish Sea, Powell River’s moderate climate is the envy of most Canadian cities that suffer through a cold and harsh winter; the winter season in Powell River is mild with temperatures rarely below freezing.
The City of Courtenay is situated on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, within the traditional lands of the K’ómoks First Nation. Accessible by land, sea or air, Courtenay is a culturally diverse community that offers supernatural beauty at its doorstep. The City of Courtenay (approximate population 25,000) is the urban and cultural hub of the larger community, the Comox Valley (approximate population 65,000). Courtenay is an innovative, vibrant and growing City that works together to provide opportunities and excellent services making our community a great place to live, work and do business.
The Parksville-Qualicum Beach region, stretches from Nanoose Bay in the south, to Bowser in the north. It includes the residential areas of Coombs, Deep Bay, Errington, Hilliers and Qualicum Bay. With more than 44,500 residents, the region is one of the fastest growing areas on Vancouver Island. The Parksville-Qualicum Beach region of mid Vancouver Island enjoys the best of urban and rural living, including affordable housing, spectacular natural beauty, and many family-friendly amenities, including excellent public schools.
Located at the heart of the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is a friendly and affordable waterfront community. Port Alberni truly has something for everyone, from urban living to rural amenities, all set within a picturesque valley rich with natural resources, stunning views and majestic mountains and rivers. With our unique positioning at the head of the 48 kilometer long Alberni Inlet, we have one of the finest deep-sea harbours in North America.
Nestled between the mountains and the ocean Nanaimo is a 20 minute flight from downtown Vancouver or a 1.35 hour ferry ride. The economic hub of Central and North Vancouver Island, Nanaimo boasts both a vibrant business community and exceptional quality of life. Businesses choose to locate in Nanaimo because of the cost efficiencies and a complete range of telecommunications services. The city offers a skilled and motivated workforce, technological infrastructure and easy access to the world.
Duncan serves as an economic hub for the Cowichan Region. They provide healthcare, retail, professional services and cultural tourism. Downtown has a rich heritage including 100 year old City Hall and clock tower, train station and the Cowichan Valley Museum. Duncan’s goal is to be a carbon neutral, healthy and affordable community with a strong economy. The city is known for great shopping and dining and as a major employment hub for the region. The area is home to Vancouver Island University, public schools and private schools.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is a local government administrative district encompassing the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The CRD is one of several regional districts in British Columbia. The CRD encompasses the thirteen municipalities of Greater Victoria and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area on Vancouver Island, the Salt Spring Electoral Area, and the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area. Its headquarters is in the City of Victoria, although there are many office and operational facilities throughout the region.
Vancouver Island and Coasts holds the second largest population in the province with over 881,700 residents. Key cities in this region include Victoria and Nanaimo on southern Vancouver Island, Campbell River and Courtenay on northern Vancouver Island, and Powell River on the Sunshine Coast. This region has a combination of urban and rural areas and an economy that reflects this diversity.
Discover more facts and statistics about this region:
Regional Economic ProfileEconomic Development Organizations
Services are the fastest growing sectors in the south. In the mid, north island and mainland coast, commercial fishing and logging continue to play a large role. First Nations communities in these regions are economically active in natural resource sectors, as well as in the tourism and ecotourism industries.
Development corporations— owned collectively by aligned First Nations or by individual First Nations— are the primary vehicles by which First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region.
Learn more about First Nations in BCEconomic Development Organizations
Royal Roads University is an accredited, publicly funded, applied research university that has focused on lifelong education in the fields of leadership, business, environment, communication, tourism, hospitality, and social justice.
An internationally renowned teaching and research hub, the University of Victoria (UVic) tackles essential issues that matter to our world and our communities, improving lives and making a vital impact across the globe.
With its main campus located in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island University (VIU) offers programs in business and management, computer and information systems, recreation, tourism, hospitality, and service, as well as many other areas of study.
Offers university transfer and applied degree programs, career, and trades training, upgrading and preparatory programs and continuing education.
North Island College is a comprehensive community college, serving more than 9,000 students annually at four campuses, a learning centre, and through online and in-community learning.
Regional experts can help familiarize you with the amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities in each region. They can introduce you to the economic development offices and industry associations that will support the integration of your business into the province.