Four Women, One Island, Endless Adventures

Welcome to VanIsleSisters, a blog created by four local women who live, love, and explore beautiful Vancouver Island. While we each call different parts of the island home, what connects us is a shared love for nature, good food, supporting locals, and finding those everyday moments that make living here so special.

In this post, you’ll meet the women behind the words. You’ll get to know a little about where we live, what we love about our communities, and what you can expect from our corner of the internet.

Michaelia - Nanaimo

Born in southern Ontario, I first visited Vancouver Island over 12 years ago to surprise two of my closest childhood friends. After spending a snow-free November week in Victoria, my mind was made up - I was moving to the Island as soon as I could. My boyfriend at the time agreed, and just five months after I made the move, he joined me. That boyfriend is now my husband, and we’re raising our beautiful daughter just a short walk from the ocean.

It didn’t take long to notice the difference between East and West Coast living. I quickly embraced the slower pace and feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such natural beauty every day. From the giant trees in the quiet forest trails and stunning ocean sunrises, the island offers something beautiful in every season. Whether it’s the salty air on a morning beach walk, the  sunlight filtering through the mossy trees, or the sound of waves crashing against the rocks, there's a sense of calm and connection here that I had never experienced before. It’s this deep-rooted connection to nature that keeps me grounded and makes Vancouver Island feel like home.

When I first moved here, I worked in the automotive industry in marketing, eventually moving through a few different roles before starting my own social media marketing business six years ago. I put that on pause recently to stay home with Emsley, but the creative spark is still very much alive and I’m excited to share it through this blog.

My husband works away in camp, so when he’s home, we make the most of our time together by exploring the trails, beaches, and local food scene around Nanaimo and beyond. While Nanaimo may not always have the best reputation with locals from other parts of the Island, I see it differently. To us, it’s a vibrant city filled with rich history, welcoming people, and an amazing community of small businesses.

I can’t wait to take you along as I share my favourite local finds, from beach days with Emsley and hikes with our chocolate lab Freddie, to cold patio drinks with a view. I hope to show you why Nanaimo and the Island is such a special place to call home.

Asheleigh - Shawnigan Lake

I’m originally from England, but I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2015, I made the move to Vancouver Island and quickly knew it was where I wanted to stay. The combination of the ocean, mountains, and warm climate makes it an incredible place to live, and even after all these years, I still find myself appreciating the beauty and pace of life here.

I spend a lot of time outdoors, whether that’s hiking a new trail, visiting a quiet beach, or wandering through a small town I haven’t explored yet. My dog is my constant companion and is always up for an adventure, whether we’re walking along the waterfront, exploring local parks, or simply enjoying some fresh air. I also enjoy spending time with friends, from catching up over coffee to taking spontaneous day trips around the island.

At home, I value a slower pace. I’m an avid reader and enjoy cooking, often experimenting with new recipes. I make time for the people who matter most to me and believe in balancing activity with moments of rest. For me, a good day can be anything from exploring somewhere new to having a quiet evening with a book and a home-cooked meal.

I work as a social worker, a role that challenges me but also gives me a strong sense of purpose. It allows me to support individuals and families, advocate for those who need it most, and contribute to the community in a direct and meaningful way. The work can be demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Travel is a big passion of mine, and I’m always thinking about where I’d like to go next. I love experiencing new places, learning about different cultures, and seeing life from a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a trip overseas or a weekend away on the island, travel is something that inspires and motivates me.

Jenn - Cowichan Valley

Tucked away in the stunning Cowichan Valley, I’m an OR nurse by day and an all-in adventurer by, well… every other moment. My amazing teammate in life and I are raising two energetic young boys who keep us on our toes from sunrise to sunset. Add in our two dogs and a cat who are convinced they run the household, and there’s never a dull moment. We recently found our little slice of forested heaven, and we’re in the process of transforming it into a place where family and friends can gather, laugh, and make memories for years to come.

Life here is full and active. On any given weekend, you might find us hiking a nearby trail, packing up for a camping trip, or taking the boys on a spontaneous adventure to discover somewhere new. I love the sense of freedom that comes with being outdoors, whether that’s in the mountains, along the ocean, or right in our own backyard. The boys are growing up learning that adventure isn’t just for special occasions, it’s part of everyday life.

When I’m not scrubbing in at work, I’m usually knee-deep in a DIY project. I enjoy tackling everything from home renovations to building something useful (or just fun) for our property. Creating and problem-solving give me the same kind of satisfaction I get from exploring, there’s always something new to learn and accomplish.

My role as an OR nurse is demanding, but it’s deeply rewarding. Every day, I get to be part of a team that helps people through some of the most important moments in their lives. It’s challenging work that requires precision, focus, and compassion, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a real difference.

For me, balance comes from weaving together work, family, and the outdoors. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip, an afternoon hike, or simply enjoying a quiet night by the firepit, these moments recharge me. I believe life is best lived with a mix of hard work, adventure, and time spent with the people - and animals - who mean the most.

Carly - Sidney

I’m just your typical small-town farm gal from the charming community of Beamsville, Ontario! I grew up surrounded by fields, fresh air, and that good old-fashioned country lifestyle where neighbours know your name and life moves just a touch slower. But even as a kid, I had a curious heart and a restless spirit that always wanted to explore more of the world.

When I was 18 years old, I packed up my courage (and a few questionable fashion choices) and headed out west to work as a tree planter in northern BC. That summer changed my life. I fell head over heels for the rugged beauty of British Columbia, the towering mountains, the wild forests, and, of course, the vast, endless ocean. There was something about the way the salty breeze hit my face and how the peaks seemed to kiss the clouds that made me feel so alive. I knew right then and there that one day, I’d call this place home.

Now, I’m proudly living my West Coast dream. I’m what you might call the poster lady for ADHD, big personality, bigger energy, and a chatty nature that means I’ll strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere. My friends joke that I could make pals in a grocery store lineup, and they’re not wrong. I thrive on connection, and I believe that building a strong community is one of the most important things you can do in life, especially when raising little humans.

Speaking of little humans, I’m a proud mama to two boys who are super close in age (chaos and cuddles all day, every day). They keep me on my toes, challenge me to be present, and remind me daily to find joy in the little things. I have a deep love for fitness and moving my body whether it’s a sweaty workout, a hike in the woods, or chasing the boys through the park. Staying active fuels my soul.

My hippie heart is happiest when I’m grounded in nature. I follow the moon phases, I’m obsessed with ocean dips (even in the colder months), and I truly believe that connecting to the earth keeps you youthful, joyful, and at peace. Life feels better when you’re barefoot in the grass or sitting on a beach watching the waves roll in.

Then there’s my forever fiancé, Jon, my partner in love, adventure, and surviving parenthood. We spend most of our summer weekends camping at provincial parks, sleeping under the stars in our trusty tent. From late-night campfire chats (when there’s no fire ban) to early-morning hikes with coffee in hand, those are the moments we live for. Every trip turns into a little chapter in our family story.

I’m stoked to invite you along on our adventures, the beautiful, the messy, and everything in between. Whether it’s a glimpse into our camping trips, stories from our wild and wonderful daily life, or just sharing what lights me up, I’m here to connect, laugh, and hopefully inspire you to embrace your own journey. XOXO, Gossip Girl ✌️☮️

Thanks for joining us for this first peek into who we are! We’re so excited to bring you along as we explore Vancouver Island, from hidden beaches and small-town markets to patio brunches and rainy-day hikes. Whether you're a local looking for new ideas or planning your next island getaway, we hope you’ll feel right at home here with the VanIsleSisters.