Is Island Life Right for You? A Guide to Moving to Quadra Island vs. Campbell River in 2026

Relocation / Local Guides Publish Date: February 13, 2026

Imagine this: You wake up to the sound of silence, sip coffee on a deck overlooking the ocean, and your biggest traffic jam is a family of deer crossing the road. That’s the Quadra Island dream.

Now, imagine this: You wake up, drive five minutes to drop the kids at school, grab a Starbucks, and hit the gym before heading to the office—all while still having ocean views. That’s the Campbell River reality.

As a realtor working in both markets, the most common question I get from clients relocating to our beautiful part of the world is: "Should I buy in town or make the leap to the island?"

Both offer incredible access to nature, but the day-to-day lifestyles are vastly different. Here is your honest comparison for the Spring 2026 market to help you decide.

1. The Commute: Ferries

If you live on Quadra and work in Campbell River, your life is ruled by the BC Ferries schedule.

• The Reality: The crossing is only 10-15 minutes, but you need to factor in wait times. The "commuter runs" (7:30 AM / 8:00 AM leaving Quadra and 5:00 PM / 5:25 PM leaving CR) can get busy.

• The 2026 Update: We are seeing more options for foot passengers, including the new CR Shuttle service that launched last summer, making it easier to get around without a car, but this is a seasonal option.

• Pro Tip: If you buy on Quadra, you will become an expert at timing your arrival to Quathiaski Cove. It becomes a lifestyle—a time to decompress, read a book, or chat with neighbors. If you hate waiting, Campbell River is your winner.

2. Amenities: Convenience vs. Community

Campbell River is the "Big City" of the North Island.

• Healthcare: You have immediate access to the North Island Hospital.

• Shopping: Big-box stores, multiple large grocery chains, and specialty shops are 5-10 minutes away.

• Schools: High school students on Quadra generally commute to Campbell River (Carihi or Timberline Secondary). It’s a rite of passage for island kids, but something for parents to consider regarding extracurriculars and late-night pickups.

Quadra Island operates on "Island Time."

• The Basics: We have two fantastic villages (Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay) with grocery stores, a pharmacy, and a medical clinic. You can get your essentials here, but a "Costco run" is a half-day event.

• The Trade-off: What you lose in convenience, you gain in community. Quadra has a vibrant arts scene, farmers markets, and a culture where neighbors truly help neighbors.

3. The Real Estate Snapshot (Early 2026)

The market has shifted slightly as we head into spring.

• Campbell River: Assessment values have remained relatively flat this year (hovering around the +/- 0-1% change mark for many detached homes). This means buyers have more stability and less "bidding war" panic than in previous years. You are generally buying a traditional subdivision home or a condo with low maintenance.

• Quadra Island: Inventory here is always tighter. You are often buying unique properties—acreages, homes with septic systems and wells, or rustic cabins. The value here isn't just in the house; it's in the privacy. A $700k budget often buys you a very different lifestyle on Quadra (think trees and space) compared to Campbell River (think paved driveways and sewers).

The Verdict: Which "Vibe" is Yours?

Choose Campbell River if:

• You value spontaneity (want to go out for dinner at 7 PM without checking a ferry schedule).

• You have young children involved in heavy sports/activities in town.

• You want city services (sewer, gas, municipal water) and less home maintenance.

Choose Quadra Island if:

• You want your home to be a retreat from the world.

• You are okay with a slower pace and don't mind planning your day around a boat.

• You want to be part of a tight-knit, artistic, and rural community.

Still on the fence? The best way to decide is to experience the "ferry factor" yourself. Let’s book a day to tour a listing in Campbell River in the morning and hop over to Quadra in the afternoon. You’ll feel the difference immediately.

Call or text me at 604-787-4594 to set up your tour.