Active Year round and in search of the ideal climate.

Escaping the harsh Ontario winter, we came to Vancouver Island to housesit for friends.  While visiting, we were amazed by how nice the weather was in January and February. In spite of it being the rainy season, we loved how green everything was. We were charmed by the winter flowers, and by the blooming of the early Rhododendrons in February. Hiking and walking are doable all year round.  While visiting that winter, we caught the bug, fell in love with the area, met some wonderful people and suddenly found ourselves buying a home in Arbutus Ridge.

We have enjoyed meeting so many people through the Arbutus Ridge Ramblers group. There is a hike every Friday, year-round.  It is amazing how many hikes are available so close to Arbutus Ridge.  Vancouver Island woods are exceptionally beautiful all year round – the various shades of green, the pink hues of the arbutus tree bark and the fragrance of the woods – good for all the senses.

Cycling on the island is a good challenge. Our favourite cycling is on one of the great trails- the Trans Canada, the Galloping Goose or the Lochside.

We enjoy the change of seasons. The glorious Spring when everything is in bloom, Fall with the trees ablaze in colour, the comfortable (not humid!) summers with the water so alive and the shorter, wetter days of the Winter. 

Some leave for the winter, but up to this point, we have enjoyed the winter season, which provides time to do lots of inside projects and cozy up in front of our wood-burning fireplace.  We have traded in our winter parkas for lightweight waterproof hooded raincoats.  Winter drizzle will never get in the way of a great walk.  We enjoy so many outdoor activities and social time year-round at Arbutus Ridge – the place we now call home.