If you had told me a few years ago that I’d pack up my life and move across the country, I probably would have laughed. After all, I was well-established in my Ontario town—I had a thriving business, a close-knit group of friends, family nearby, and a home we had built from the ground up. Some people even joked that I was the “Queen” of the neighbourhood, though I’d never claim that title myself!
So why did I leave all that behind and move to Kelowna, BC?
Post-COVID Reflections: Slowing Down and Finding Peace
The truth is, the pandemic changed a lot for me. Like many others, I found myself rethinking what was important in life. Before COVID, everything felt like a race—traffic, events, meetings, constant hustle. When I’d ask people how they were doing, the answer was almost always “busy,” as if that was something to be proud of. But I didn’t feel like it was something to celebrate. I didn’t want “busy” to be the defining feature of my life.
COVID brought us back to basics, and I wanted to keep that feeling. I longed for more peace, more time to focus on my kids, and more fresh air. I still loved the city, but I was craving a slower pace.
The Life-Changing Lunch
In January 2023, everything shifted. I had recently joined BRX Mortgage and was invited to a business development session with Scott Peckford. That conversation changed my life. Scott invited me to a four-day accelerator with other top brokers from Ontario to Kelowna, BC, and without hesitation, I said yes. I had only been out west once, but I had to go see what it was all about.
It was January, and the locals assured me it wasn’t the best time to visit. But despite the winter weather, I fell in love. Not with Scott, -- with the west cost. Kelowna specifically. What is not to love with the lake, the mountains, the hiking trails—and the slower pace of life. The mountains! You don’t have to drive hours to find adventure here; a 3-km bike ride takes you right into nature. Traffic is minimal, and everything is just 15-20 minutes away.
Why Kelowna?
Beyond the natural beauty and accessibility, Kelowna had so many advantages over life in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our home here is about three times the size of our previous house, we have a pool, and the climate is much drier—fewer rainy days, which is perfect for outdoor lovers like us. And let’s not forget, Kelowna is home to Canada’s best wine, hands down!
In terms of value, we get more bang for our buck here, and the quality of life feels unmatched.
What We Miss
Of course, no move is perfect, and there are things we miss. We left behind our friends, family, and the community we built over many years. Working on Pacific Standard Time (PST) while my clients are on Eastern Standard Time (EST) has been an adjustment, too. I’ve had to become an early riser to stay on top of business and be available for my clients. Sometimes, I worry that being so far away might cause people to stop working with me—but so far, it’s been the opposite. My clients think it’s cool that I’m living in BC, and some have even said they want to visit (which I highly recommend!).
The Adventure Is Worth It
Despite the challenges, I can confidently say that moving across Canada was the best decision I’ve ever made. Our family is happier, and life feels more balanced here.
That said, the decision wasn’t made lightly. We visited Kelowna five times before making the move, including bringing the kids so they could get a feel for the area. We rented cars, walked around different neighbourhoods, and explored the city to make sure it was the right fit for us. Communication between Josh and me was key—we checked in with each other constantly, asking, “How do you still feel about moving?”
We also kept an exit strategy in mind. At any point before selling our home in Ontario, if one of us had doubts, we agreed we’d park the dream. Fortunately, we both remained excited and aligned throughout the process.
One Mistake We Made
Involving our oldest son too much in the decision-making process was one misstep. At 8 years old, he felt more like a decision-maker than a participant, which made the move harder for him. In hindsight, we should have focused more on guiding him through the transition instead of giving him so much input. But as we settle into our new routine, he’s adjusting, and we’re all loving life in Kelowna.
Considering a Cross-Country Move? Here’s My Advice:
Do your research: Visit the area multiple times, rent a car, walk around, and really get to know the city. See if it’s a place you can truly see yourself living.
Talk about it—A LOT: Make sure everyone involved is on the same page, and keep checking in with your partner to ensure you’re both still excited.
Have an exit plan: It’s easier to take the leap if you know you have the option to change course before making any permanent decisions.
Moving across the country may seem daunting, but if you’re considering it, know that it could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. I had a million reasons not to go, but taking the plunge has made me and my family incredibly happy.
If you’re thinking about a big move and need advice, whether it’s about finding a home, financing, or just navigating the process, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you make your adventure happen, from A to Z.
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