Ian_sea

Hi, we have finally got our visas and have to land by 15th May, just the small issue of selling the house now! However, we really like Nanaimo and want to make that our home but realise that we are more likely to get jobs in Victoria. We have driven the route and although it is not too bad when compared with driving in the UK, although it would be quicker if there were less traffic lights, we wanted to know how feasible it is to commute and whether many people do. Also how long does it take during the morning and evening run. Thanks.

PaulandNikki

It's *just* about viable I guess, if you like spending 5 hours a day commuting, I know some people who commute from Duncan and it takes them an hour on a normal day, slightest bit of weather, crash etc though and it really slows down as you don't have any choice of route.
Personally, if you want to live in Nanaimo, find work near Nanaimo. If you want to work in Victoria, find somewhere nearer Victoria to live.

maddhobs

Hi, Nanaimo to Victoria is around 110 kms each way and can take from 1 1/2 hours to 2 plus hours each way, depending on traffic. There is a poster on here Bananahammock whose partner does this commute and another poster Sans partner used to do this commute so may be worth talking to them. Hope this helps.

bananahammock

Yep, Darren is right, 90mins to 2hrs is pretty accurate. I asked OH when he came in today what he really thought about the travelling & like he said, it depends on what kind of job you want ...... he's had 2 jobs in almost 3yrs here in Nanaimo but wanted the security of working for VIHA, but specialises in Paediatric Seating Systems so all of the work is in Victoria. It's a trade off ...... here he had a company car/fuel card/cell phone but was worried his job was going nowhere ~ whereas now he pays his own fuel costs, we bought a second car, 2 lots of car insurance but better job.

It's far from an ideal situation but once your hoof is in the door with the health service it's easier to move around so we wait for something to come up at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital or consider moving closer to Victoria at some point .

On the downside, winter is about to smack us in the butt & driving the Malahat in fog/sleet/shite weather is crap for OH, plus if there's an accident he can be stuck for hours coz as the South Park episode says ....... 'there's only 1 road in Canada'!

On the up ..... he's usually back here a bit before 6pm as they let him go at 4pm & with the other benefits he's gonna stick with it for now