The Mildest Winters in Western Canada

 

While frigid temperatures and snow are the winter weather rule in other parts of Canada, the Southwestern part of British Columbia - Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver, and the Gulf Islands - barely sees frost or snow.  During several winters I spent here, I only once had a snow day or better said: some snow hours.  Then all the white stuff was gone.

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Last month I helped a friend on Vancouver Island to carry the Orange and Lemon bushes into the glass house.  They were full of fruits, ready to be harvested.  And in her garden,  roses, hellebores, and heath flowers were thriving. 

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On a day trip via the ferry to Vancouver I discovered more blooming shrubs and flowers.  Here, as on the islands, the grass is green all year round, and one can often hear mowers cutting the lawn in December or January.  

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The first Daffodils also pocked out of the soil, ready to bloom in a month.

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Chicken in the middle of the City!

Despite the mild temperatures, rain occurs often, mostly in November, December, and January.  Thank goodness the ski areas of Whistler and Big White can be reached in two or three hours. 

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Spring in Sydney, Vancouver Island, Canada

 

Rhododendron, Camellia, and Azalea´s are the staple in Vancouver Gardens.

But there are some shrubs, not known in the rest of Canada: 
Pieris Japonica, Red Current
loved by Hummingbirds), Daphne, and Oregon Grape.

Hobby sailers are eagerly waiting for warmer temperatures

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Victoria and Sidney are plastered with early-blooming cherry trees 

and are a sea of pink.  Perhaps it is the place in Canada with the most Cherry trees...

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There is something magical about wandering around town soaking in the vibe of the city.  Especially in Spring.  The beginnings of cherry blossom buds, the green leaves of hellebores, and vibrant tulips.

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Flowering plants show lovely colors from February on:

Pink and white Heather, Hellebores, Daffodils, Crocus, and Aurikel

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Aviation Museum
Vancouver Island´s best-kept secret: For aviation enthusiasts, the British Columbia Aviation Museum is open seven days a week and features several aircraft and artifacts related to the history of aviation in Canada, with an emphasis on BC aviation history.  The museum displays restored aircraft, engines, and pictures, photos. and videos in addition to memorials of key figures of aviation history.

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Town of Bookstores

Sidney residents must share a love of the written word as evidenced by the town’s numerous bookstores, all located within a few blocks of one another.  Each bookstore offers something different, from new titles to children’s classics and rare and antique works. 

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Sydney Museum and Archives

The Sydney Museum features 8,000 artifacts and regularly updated permanent displays on local First Nations, industry, transportation, agriculture, and social history. Displays include a vintage kitchen, a vintage storefront, a rustic barn. and a schoolhouse. The entrance of the museum is not easy to find, visitors need to look out for the sign in front of Sidney Museum at the Town Centre/Old Post Office and then go down a flight of stairs. 

2423 Beacon Ave

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Wine and Ciders

In and around Sidney, there are numerous vineyards and distillers around to help quench your thirst, including Victoria Distillers’ new waterfront distillery in Sidney.  Or head out to the Sea Cider Far & Cider House in Saanichton, the Roost Vineyard Bistro in North Saanichton, or the Deep Cove Winery, also in North Saanichton.
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Sydney Whale Watching

The calm waters near Sidney make the region an excellent place for whale watching.  Watch from the privacy of your own boat, or book through Sydney Whale Watching.

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Salish Sea Museum

The outside of the building is unassuming as it is added to a hotel/condominium first floor.  However, it 

is a world-class Aquarium and learning center that shows the colorful world underneath the dark waters.

A fantastic job to bring all these diverse and fascinating sea creatures right to visitors!  Don´t miss it!

https://marvelous-canada.blogspot.com/2024/03/stunning-beauty-in-salish-sea-center-on.html

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Ferry to Sidney Spit
From downtown Sidney, visitors can enjoy a short ferry trip to Sidney Spit, an idyllic island perfect for camping, hiking, bird watching or simply hanging out on stunning beaches.  Accessible only by water from the end of May on, Sidney Spit is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.  
https://www.sidneyspitferry.com/

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Amazing: Lemons grow in Canada 

The mild climate allows even citrus fruit trees to grow 

(in glass houses from December to February).  Here is yesterday´s harvest:

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Cape Breton - the Nova Scotia Highlands

Take at least a week or two for this Canadian Landscape jewel. 

Not just three days as I did.  But I will be back in the fall for the 

Celtic Colours from October 6 - 14

an island-wide celebration of music, dance, food, and autumn colors

Cruise 180 miles on winding roads through the highlands of Cape Breton, 

in Nova Scotia and enjoy breathtaking views or hike the Highlands National Park.

The Cabot Trail, one of the most fascinating roads in the world, winds its way in wide curves over 200 miles through the beautiful highlands of Cape Breton. 

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Take a guided tour of North America’s first single malt whiskey distillery 

before enjoying a wonderful meal and relaxing at their hotel.

The Cabot Trail is a Paradise für Golfers- and for Whisky connoisseurs... 

in the Glenora Distillery

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“I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the 

Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all.” 

– Alexander Graham Bell

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Yes, and don't miss the Bell Museum in Baddeck to see the first phone.

This and many other places, even the National Parks, are worth a visit!

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Discover the Warmest Place in Canada

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A hidden gem that even many Canadians have never visited:  the Okanagan Valley with it's dry, semi-arid climate, reminding me of Northern Italy.  The hills and mountains around the 135 kilometers long Okanagan Lake are dotted with vineyards, rose gardens and apple orchards.  Winter temperatures go rarely into the minus degrees, yet there are skiing areas within an hour driving distance.  The Southern Okanagan Valley is the only desert-like place in the whole of Canada. 
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The Okanagan is for Wine Lovers 
Hundreds of wineries invite visitors for tastings, many have even cosy outdoor restaurants or patios and nothing is more relaxing than to sip a glass, overlooking the surrounding wine fields, orchards and golf courses and watching the sailboats on Lake Okanagan. 
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Even a Native Tribe owns an award-winning viticulture company, including tasting rooms, and last week I found a winery in West-Kelowna that offers delicious organic wines.

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Sailing is the Preferred Outdoor Sport
Marinas in the Okanagan are full of boats, many have long waiting lists and sailing the lake is a popular past time.  Non-sailors can book a boat with skipper for sightseeing or a romantic Sunset Tour.  The Okanagan Lake cruising region offers some of the best inland sailings in BC with excellent winds and clear blue skies.

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Floatplane Tours from Kelowna Harbour
At Hart Aviation you can experience the excitement of a floatplane or seaplane sightseeing tour over the breathtaking beauty of the Okanagan and its surrounding mountains, glaciers and alpine lakes. I chatted with the pilots about their Floatplane training classes and they mentioned an offer of a Fly n' Dine Tour to the Lake Okanagan Resort where you will enjoy the three-course "Wine Country Escape Meal".  After your wonderful meal, you can relax while traveling from the Lake Okanagan Resort to Kelowna in a stretch " Black Tie Limousine". A special evening for sure!  
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Golfers Paradise
I am getting the impression there is a golf course on every hill around the huge lake. Next to sailing, the best outdoor fun in the Okanagan seems to be golfing.  Amazing how many new golf courses are still built.  Each of them seems to compete not only with their greens but also with their clubhouses and restaurants with other golf clubs in the area.  Kelowna alone has over 20 golf courses, and many more are located around the whole Okanagan Valley.
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Now, that it is almost November, the Roses and other Summer flowers are still in full bloom, even so, the tree leaves are slowly changing colors.  But I can hike in a short-sleeve blouse in the warm sun.  Yes, the Okanagan is a hiker's paradise too, among many other sports- and countless event offers.  A perfect holiday destination for year-round pleasure - also I would not come here in Summer:  it's just too hot then!

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