Tod MaffinCanadian Commentator, From Far and Wide · Emotional Support Canadian

What this American doctor thinks about Vancouver Island

7 Jun 2025 · 1 min

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1:07

In this brief spoken monologue, the speaker—an American doctor living on Vancouver Island—expresses deep affection for the island, noting that despite four and a half years of residence he has yet to explore nearby Gulf Islands or the famed surf town of Tofino. He describes his home’s proximity to Willow Beach, emphasizing the beautiful sandy shoreline but also the consistently cold ocean water, recounting a recent unsuccessful attempt at swimming. He highlights the island’s abundant wildlife and easy access to outdoor activities, concluding with a clear statement that he has no regrets about his choice to live there and intends to explore more of the region in the future.

Chapters

What do you think of Vancouver Island? I absolutely love Vancouver Island. Now, I will say, I've said on my podcast a lot of times, I have not explored as much as I should have. I've still not been to Gulf Island yet, which is— I've been here for 4 and a half years. I've not been to Tofino. I really spent— yep, I know, I know. I'm going to solve that at some point soon. I live 2 blocks from the beach, 2 blocks from Willow Beach. It is a beautiful sandy beach. The water is really cold. So that part— yes, it is. The water is really cold at Willows Beach. It is warmer other places, people guarantee that. But at Willows Beach, it's cold everywhere. And on the ocean. Yeah. Yeah. So I tried to go swimming last week. It's not— it didn't go out. No, don't. Why? No. Well, yeah. Were you not briefed on this stuff? So with that part, no. But what I will tell you is that it is absolutely beautiful. And the wildlife here, the ability to get outside everything. I do not regret any of this at all.