British Columbia: Paradise on the Pacific
(Page 3 of 4)
This area has become known for the growing of consistantly
high quality fruits, berries and vegetables. The Fraser
River Valley, east of Vancouver, is especially rich
agriculturally. The rich soil, mild temperatures and
plentiful water insure maximum crop yields. Surprisingly,
the valley is so temperate, wine grapes have been grown
successfully.
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Temperature extremes are rare. The average summer
temperature near Vancouver is 59.8°, winter 38.2°.
You can expect frost from November to mid-February and snow
cover during this period is negligible.
Because of the northern position of the region
(approximately 50° lat.) the sunlight received in the
summer varies from 2-4 hours more than most parts of the
United States. In other words the growing season for most
crops is lengthened (over, say, Ohio) about 180 hours
during the summer months. This often produces "monster"
vegetables and fruits that mature several weeks earlier in
the season, conversely, the winter days are shorter than
lower latitudes, averaging about 8 1/2 hours of daylight.
The coast of British Columbia receives over 100 inches of
rainfall a year. The average is even higher on the western
mountain slopes. Most rain falls in the fall and winter.
Though there is usually sufficient moisture through the
summer, some eastern portions of the Fraser River Valley
require irrigation which is easily furnished by the many
clear mountain streams and rivers. The precipitation
generally takes the form of heavy fogs and light drizzle as
opposed to torrential downpours.
This region is considered safe from most natural disasters
such as hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and
thunderstorms that damage so many parts of the world.
Unlike the San Francisco Bay area, which is plagued by
frequent earthquakes and unstable faulting, only two quakes
have been recorded in the last 100 years in the Pacific
northwest. Both in Puget Sound, Washington.
THE "NATURAL" CITY: VANCOUVER
Vancouver has to be one of the most nature-loving cities in
the world! Within the city limits there are 128 parks.
Included is famous Stanley Park with 1,000 acres, much of
which is pure virgin forest. Conservation groups are very
active and have recently purchased 400 acres 25 miles out
of the city limits for use as a bird sanctuary. Many
controls (on fishing and lumber industries) are being
instituted to preserve the beauty and resources of the
area.
