Is the Interlakes a good place to retire in BC?

If you’re thinking about retiring in British Columbia and the Interlakes area has caught your attention, you’re not alone.

Many of the couples I speak with are coming from the Lower Mainland. They’re established, practical, and looking ahead to the next chapter of life. They want more space, less noise, and a lifestyle that feels slower and more intentional — but they also want to be smart about the decision.

A question I hear all the time is:

“Is Interlakes actually a good place to retire, or does it just sound good on paper?”

The honest answer is this:
The Interlakes can be an incredible place to retire — for the right people.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what retirement in Interlakes is really like, including the upsides, the challenges, and who tends to thrive here long term.

Why retirees are drawn to Interlakes

The Interlakes region — located between 100 Mile House and Bridge Lake — appeals to retirees for a few clear reasons.

Space, privacy, and quiet

Many retirees are ready to leave behind traffic, density, and constant noise. Interlakes offers:

• Larger properties

• More privacy between neighbours

• A quieter, slower pace of life

For people who value calm and space, this is a major draw.

Outdoor lifestyle without the crowds

Retirement here often looks like:

• Fishing and boating

• Walking trails and nature close to home

• Gardening and acreage living

• Four distinct seasons

It’s not about “entertainment everywhere” — it’s about everyday enjoyment.

A strong sense of community

While the area is spread out geographically, many retirees are surprised by how connected the community feels.

People tend to:

• Look out for one another

• Get involved locally

• Build relationships more naturally than in the city

For retirees who value community over convenience, this can be very fulfilling.

What surprises retirees most after moving here

This is where it’s important to be honest.

Distance becomes part of daily life

Living in Interlakes means accepting that:

• Groceries, medical appointments, and services require planning

• Driving is part of routine life

• Convenience looks different than it does in the city

Most people adjust well — but only if they expect this going in.

Winter requires preparation, not fear

Winters are real here. Snow, colder temperatures, and road conditions are part of life.

What matters most:

• Reliable access

• Proper equipment

• A mindset shift

Retirees who prepare properly often say winter is quieter and even enjoyable — not something to dread.

Rural systems become your responsibility

Most homes rely on:

• Wells

• Septic systems

• Private access roads

These aren’t deal-breakers — but they do require understanding and maintenance. Retirees who are comfortable planning ahead tend to do best.

Healthcare and services: what retirees should know

This is one of the most common concerns — and understandably so.

Medical services

• 100 Mile House provides essential healthcare services

• Larger centres are within driving distance for specialized care

• Some fire departments have medical first responders, but not all

• Many retirees plan appointments in advance and coordinate trips

For most, this is manageable — but it’s important to be realistic and proactive.

Day-to-day services

You won’t find:

• Endless shopping options

• Same-day everything

You will find:

• Local businesses

• Trades and services that value relationships

• A slower, more personal approach

Client-style perspective: “It fits us — not everyone”

Many retirees who thrive in Interlakes say something similar:

“This works because it fits who we are now.”

They enjoy:

• Managing their own space

• Being outdoors regularly

• Living more intentionally

Those who struggle tend to expect the area to function like the city — and that mismatch causes frustration.

Who Interlakes is a great retirement fit for

You’re likely to love retiring here if you:

• Value peace, privacy, and space

• Enjoy outdoor living

• Are comfortable driving for services

• Like planning rather than rushing

• Want a quieter, community-oriented lifestyle

• Like winter

Who should think twice before retiring here

Interlakes may be challenging if you:

• Need daily city-level convenience

• Don’t want responsibility for property upkeep

• Feel anxious about winter conditions

• Expect everything to be close and immediate

This doesn’t mean “don’t move” — it means be honest about fit.

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Interlakes

Is Interlakes too remote for retirees?
For some people, yes. For others, the quiet and space are exactly what they want.

Do retirees move here full-time or seasonally?
Both. Many transition gradually before committing full-time.

Is it hard to meet people?
Those who engage locally tend to build community quickly. There are lots of people to play with.

What kind of homes do retirees usually buy?
A mix of smaller acreage, lake-access properties, and low-maintenance rural homes.

Final thoughts: the right lifestyle matters more than the location

Interlakes isn’t about “having everything.”
It’s about having the right things for the stage of life you’re in.

For retirees who value space, quiet, and an outdoor-focused lifestyle — and who are comfortable with rural realities — Interlakes can be an incredibly rewarding place to call home.

If you’re considering retirement in Interlakes and want to talk through whether it’s the right fit for you, I’m always happy to help you think it through — calmly and without pressure.

Amanda Oldfield
Amanda Oldfield Realtor – Exp Realty
96 Hwy 97, 100 Mile House, BC
250-318-5202