Hi there. Focus group of 1, from someone raised in the interior and lived in Vangroovy, but now here. All of my family are still back in Van, Nanimo and Okanagon, so I still visit quite a bit. Take my opinion with the intended grain of salt. Here's a few (perosnal) pro's and cons:
a) Rain: Do not under estimate the rain factor. It rains A LOT! And the rain varies from year to year. Just because one year was drought, the next may be perpetually soggy. I remember after just moving to Van from TO and at one point, after it had been raining and foggy for weeks straight, there was a break in the clouds and the sun peaked through. I actually left my office and went outside to stare at it because it had been so long since I'd seen the sun. People though I was insane. True story.
b) Temperate: Yes, you can stand on your deck in January in shorts, but it (can be) pretty much the same temperature in summer as in January. Always be prepared to carry warm clothing. Even a "hot" bluebird" day can turn chilly at night, hence the constant need to carry a fleece jacket, soft shell, etc, once the sun goes down.
c) Altitude: This is mountain country. Wherever you are, you're either ascending or in a valley. At altitude, weather changes fast. It can sock in to geographic features with unexpected results. I've been riding on a bluebird day, only to come around the buttress of a mountain range into a big tempertaure drop and weather change. Another story - my parents lived in Kelowna and I would (drive) across the Coquilla Pass (a take your breath away, holy s&% beautiful stretch of road) to see them every couple of weeks. On Canadaday weekend, I was driving back in a tee, shorts and flip flops ('cause the Okagnagon is a scortching desert), only to hit a white-out blizzard at the top of the Pass. It was white knuckle all the way into the Valley. So, again, you need to be prepared, wherever you go, no matter the time of year.
d) The great wide open: There is sooooo much ground to cover by bike there. But much of it is very isolated. Riding the back country route from Pemeberton? You will see more elk than cars. Riding into the high alpine in the interior? Bring lots of gas and stop for the grizlsy bears crossing the highway in front of you? On switchbacks? Better slow down for the mountain sheep standing in the middle of the road. No joke - you are far from help in much of BC. Cell phone coverage is spotty. CAA will take a lonnnnng time to find you. You need to plan ahead, pack accordingly and have a self-reliant attitude. Also, keep in mind that while the scenery is gorgeous, you're not traveling to great tourist destinations. You might ride 12 hours just to hit a chip truck or dive bar in a town of 1,200 people. But, every mile will be a Kodak moment. You also need to build in time. Lots and lots of time. Want to ride the islands (you cannot miss out on this!!)? You need to factor in ferries. Want to go to the OK Valley for some scorching heat and beaches? 6-hours, one way. Banff/Jasper? 8-hours. What you need to know about BC is that transportation is shaped by the environment. It doesn't have a series of superhighways and secondary highways and town lines, etc, all leading to the same places. It has a few arteries carved through an endless wilderness.
e) Social vs. solo: The incredible thing the GTA has going for it is the number of organized events. Dozens of meet-up rides, coffee shop nights most days of the week, rallies, moto-socials, tech nights, etc. Toronto is unmatched in the country for the number of people creating stuff for others to join in the fun. Van doesn't have the same senseof urgency or organization. There may be a few things going on, but TO is really distinct in this regard. There may be people doing things, but they are more low-key and doing it solo or with their friends. So be prepared to be a self-starter...
f) Mindblowingfffingawesomesh%tyourpantsbeauty: There are so many places to ride that will just absolutely leave an indelible mark upon your soul wrt scenery. But, be prepared, be willing to go long distances and be self sufficient. See d).
Well, I have more, but, it's late and my fingers are tired. PM me if you have questions.
BTW - if you bring a vehicle from outside BC, you have to get it certfied, which means being raped by any of the shops doing the testing.No matter how new your vehicle is, or your pads, etc are, they will bend you over a barrel and %$&^ every last cent they can out of you. Consider that your official BC welcome...that and a bag of weed...
