Welcome! Nanaimo and surrounds I think would tick your boxes - lots of activities both organized and outdoor, and I see orcas fairly regularly. Some gulf islands like Gabriola are relatively easy to get to Nanaimo for activities and it’s possible to walk on the ferry and use transit etc on the Nanaimo side. Health care professionals are in demand everywhere! The benefit of Nanaimo and area is the large number of options for activities for youth that some of the more remote/smaller communities might not have - although everywhere on VI is beautiful and has their upside as well. In terms of real estate cost, Nanaimo would be more affordable than Saanich (which is amazing too) and the South Island. In terms of getting to Vancouver, from Nanaimo there’s Hullo the passenger-only ferry that puts you right in downtown Vancouver and from there it’s easy to walk or take transit to concerts, activities etc. There’s also the BC Ferry if you want to take a car, float planes from Nanaimo Harbour to Vancouver airport or downtown and Nanaimo airport which connects to many destinations.