Nanaimo, Oceanside, Alberni-Clayoquot

Broken Islands Group
Broken Islands

Stretching across central Vancouver Island this community of approximately 138,000 people includes the cities of Nanaimo, Parksville (Oceanside), and Port Alberni, the town of Qualicum Beach, the districts of Tofino and Ucluelet and the most populous of the gulf islands, Gabriola Island. 

Here you will find a relaxed island culture and attractive quality of life with diversified local economies ranging from technology and manufacturing to agriculture and tourism.  Locals and visitors alike will find plenty of recreation and relaxation opportunities within this area which boasts of a temperate climate, miles of sandy beaches, bustling harbours and multiple provincial parks.  Some of the more popular activities include whale watching, scuba diving, beachcombing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, and wilderness hiking. 

Fun fact: Tofino and Parksville (Oceanside) are both recognized by the United Nations as biosphere reserves based on marine, alpine and meadow ecosystems co-existing in a small geographic area. 

Nanaimo, Oceanside and Alberni-Clayoquot is in the traditional territory of the Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous people.

To find out more about this community please visit Health Match BC’s link Communities on the Island.

Community News & Events

Island Health Magazine Summer 2021

The summer issue of Island Health magazine includes information on the COVID vaccine; a feature on planning ahead for retirement; Primary Care Networks explained and an in-depth look at the drug-poisoning crisis and some of the projects taking place as part of Island Health’s response.

MyHealth enrollment tops 100,000

More than 100,000 Vancouver Island residents are now signed up for MyHealth, a secure online website where patients and families can conveniently access personal health information for care and services provided by Island Health. 

Island Health Magazine Spring 2021

Island Health magazine spring 2021 features articles on COVID-19 including a look back at the past year. Also included are articles on the health benefits of spending time in nature, memory loss and aging, and a moving article about one family’s journey with hospice care.