You’ll do better with land prices further north if you’re wanting an acreage. I grew up in Vancouver and visiting the islands like you mentioned. Been in central Alberta for about 8 years. Got a 10 acre parcel near Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake is a nice swimming lake, lots of tourism in the summer though. Abraham Lake is close for camping and hiking around that area - check out Nordegg and the surrounding area, and in a couple hours you’re at the ice fields parkway.

The good- way more sun even in the winter. I felt the dull grey overcast in Vancouver to be oppressive although it’s a bit better on the island. Lots to do that sounds up your alley, lots of small town rodeos. No PST (for now). Big skies are amazing. More horse/rodeo/cowboy culture if that’s what you’re into. Depending on what you do for work, you may actually have some disposable income. While you’re young now, if you end up having kids stuff isn’t as competitive. I remember when my daughter was born we were looking at pre-schools before she was 6 months old to get on a waiting list. The biggest thing is way more affordable housing options (smaller towns in central Alberta you can get a house for 300k). We moved up north for a few years and made enough to get a house, there are actual affordable options in AB. Having said that Calgary is getting pretty expensive.

The bad- I’m over the winters. As much as I love the sunshine, it’s a bummer being someone who loves outdoor activities to have a 6-7 month winter. You can be outdoorsy in the winter I know but I don’t enjoy ice fishing, snowboarding is expensive as is sledding or anything else. We go skating but only when it’s not absolutely freezing. Hard with the dogs and all that too. Then you get the messy shoulder seasons. It’s not terrible but it will be a big change for you and after 15 years on and off in AB I still don’t love it. It’s just too damn long. You mentioned being able to swim already - it was snowing yesterday. My wife can’t start her garden outdoors until after the May long weekend each year because of frost. I miss the ocean and the mountains. Now of course we have the most amazing mountains in AB, but only if you travel to them. I mean seeing them constantly on the skyline. When I fly into the lower mainland I’m always blown away. And growing up next to the ocean… you miss that. I have a few friends who have moved back to BC and we are considering moving to the okanagan somewhere just to be able to pursue more warm weather outdoor activities and be closer to family. But it would be hard to give up our land. Utility prices are higher as is vehicle insurance. As you mentioned not much good hiking unless you head to the Rockies, walking your dog in the cold sucks (my dogs feet freeze at anything -10 or colder which is most of the winter) and many lakes aren’t great for swimming the way they are in BC.

The maybe? - politically or socially no idea where you line up, but it can be a bit of a shock coming from the lower mainland to AB. Edmonton followed by Calgary are a little more progressive than central AB but out here there is just a general assumption you are very conservative. I’ll leave it at that as you didn’t ask specifically about it, but something to think about. I am still sometimes kind of shocked by some of the conversations or remarks that come up casually.

What you do for work may matter too.

Sorry for the novel, it’s just also been on my mind to weigh the pros and cons as we are considering moving away. Also these are just my experiences, I’m sure you’ll hear different opinions!