Having grown up in Nanaimo and lived in Vic for 2 years: my advice is go out and try it! You said it's for 18 months? No prob! One winter missed in Calgary is all it will take for you to fall in love.
You have the whole island to explore as well: Tofino/Sooke/Parksville. Easy enought to fly back to Calgary for a weekend visit if you get homesick... you can usually get a seat sale out of Vic for $89 sometimes.
They may not have alot of rec ice hockey, but tonnes of ball hockey (ex-bf used to find a game all the time going on.) Or check intramurals @ the university.
There's a few vineyards up Sidney way that might be pretty good IIRC.
Yah, if you want to go to Van, you're going to get dinged for money and time.... but if you've spent your whole life here, you've been spoiled already.
Plus there's a quick ferry ride to Seattle if you want to get some shopping in or see some NFL/MBL games.
Come to think of it.... why the heck am I still living in Calgary???!!!
DO IT!!!!!
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