Climate British Columbia

Climate is a fundamental element to consider when travelling in Canada. Canadians have learned to live with the seasons and to make weather-related arrangements. Despite the extreme conditions Canada is known for, such as snowstorms, with temperatures as low as -40 degrees, Western Canada experiences some mild, sunny days. However, it is important to be aware of the country's changing weather conditions and the microclimates of certain regions. The vastness of Canada shows that the average temperature in one province cannot be representative of the whole of that province. Global warming is also being felt, temperatures are not as cold as they used to be, heat and high winds are causing forest fires, and climate change is disrupting ecosystems.

The major climatic zones of Western Canada

Western Canada offers a very varied climate depending on the region. There are three main climatic zones.

The

Vancouver region

Rhythmed by the four seasons, the Vancouver region offers a contrast of landscapes and an exceptional palette of colours throughout the year

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Fall and spring are two notable seasons that mark a spectacular transition and affirm the beauty of the landscapes of Western Canada. Thanks to its geographic location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the Vancouver region enjoys a mild and humid microclimate. In winter, temperatures range from 0 to 15°C and the weather is very rainy. In summer, the days are very sunny, it can be hot during the day and cool in the evening. The general oceanic climate of the region and the warm currents of the Pacific provide a mild temperature all year round, with no extreme heat or cold. British Columbia is the least snowy province in Canada, which caused significant organizational problems in 2010 during the Vancouver Olympics. The snow cannons were firing at full blast because of the severe lack of snow.

Northwestern Canada

Northern British Columbia, Alberta, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories have a much harsher climate with cold, dry winters (-20°C average, -40°C maximum)

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Winters are longer and summers are shorter, with average temperatures above 10°C for only four months of the year. Summers are not very hot and often quite humid (15 to 20 °C on average). Not surprisingly, the population is concentrated further south when temperatures in the north tend to drop considerably. Beyond the Arctic Circle (66° 30'), between June 21 and September 21, the sun never sets. Planning a trip to the Yukon or the Northwest Territories in winter can sometimes be complicated. A road may suddenly be closed due to inclement weather, a snowstorm may cause you to give up your night in the tent, and temperatures may be too cold for your sled dog trip. You are subject to the laws of nature! All you have to do is adopt the philosophy of the area and take things as they come, without stress.

The

Rocky Mountains, Alberta and Eastern British Columbia

The climate is alpine, meaning cold and dry

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Snowfall is abundant. Winters are just as harsh, but summers are dry and the temperature is about 25°C. A warm wind from the Pacific crossing the mountains, the Chinook, also known as a "snow heater", can melt the snow and raise temperatures locally. It is not uncommon to go from freezing temperatures to around 20°C overnight. Locals like to say that there are two seasons in Canada, the building season and winter. Roads and infrastructure are so badly damaged by snow, frost and freezing temperatures during the winter that work is carried out for several months each year, during the warmer weather. So don't be surprised if you encounter road workers in parks and cities. Many areas are classified as avalanche terrain. The avalanche season runs from November to June in the mountains. The Rogers Mountain Pass, Rogers Pass

in English, is located within Glacier National Park. One of the most spectacular avalanche areas, the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, houses many avalanche exhibits. In winter snow tires are mandatory to travel within the parks.

In Alberta, the climate is rather temperate and the province is one of the sunniest in the country. In Calgary, there is an average of 330 days of sunshine per year.

Finally, the Okanagan Valley and more precisely the desert city of Osoyoos record the warmest temperatures in Canada, hence the surprising presence of vineyards in this part of the country.

Observable natural phenomena of the region

Most of these vast regions benefit from clear skies with little light pollution, making it easier to observe the stars and aurora borealis. Some areas are even classified as "starry sky reserves", such as Jasper National Park, which hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival every October, offering a wide range of night-time activities and opportunities to meet astronomers. The Northern Lights illuminate the night sky with bright colours throughout the year, but winter is the best time to see them, between November and January, when the weather is dry and clear. Scientists believe that the next five years will be particularly favourable for observing the Northern Lights because of a significant peak in solar activation. Some safe places are suitable for experimenting with these almost supernatural phenomena, such as Yellowknife. The capital of the Northwest Territories is home to a site dedicated to the Northern Lights: Aurora Village. Located on the 56th parallel in northern Alberta, the city of Fort McMurray is one of the best places in Canada to see the Northern Lights. Many companies offer tours guided by specialists and scientists. Relatively unknown to tourists, and not much more so to Canadians, Muncho Lake Provincial Park in northern British Columbia is an excellent viewing site, located away from urban lights and often with clear skies. Finally, all over the Yukon province, at the right time (here we often talk about November to April), it is possible to observe these fluorescent light snakes.

Climate change and its effects on the territory

Climate change and global warming are affecting this great region of Canada in a somewhat incongruous and certainly unexpected way. In the winter of 2006-07, British Columbia experienced snow and rain storms, resulting in flooding. The flora and fauna are disoriented by these climatic variations and wild animals see their hibernation disrupted, resulting in a longer cohabitation with humans. In summer, conditions are not always more stable... For example, Alberta experienced devastating floods for some municipalities in the summer of 2013. Other significant events occurred in 2018, caused by a worrisome heat wave, resulting in a record number of forest fires, particularly in British Columbia and the province of Alberta. The retreat of glaciers continues, with the Athabasca Glacier thinning by about 5 metres each year and could completely disappear by 2100 according to scientific studies. World meteorological organizations are trying to warn the population by announcing worrying forecasts for the coming years, weighing like a sword of Damocles on the territory.