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Welcome to the Pacific Maritime Ecozone! As mentioned before, the Pacific Maritime Ecozone lies along British Columbia's coast and it borders Alaska. Here you will find one of the wettest weather, tallest trees, and deepest fjords(a long, narrow arm of the sea bordered by steep cliffs) in the country. With it being so close to the Pacific Ocean the climate is altered, having cooler summers and mild winters. The Summer temperatures average 13ºC, while Winters average -1.5ºC. The mountains block more of the precipitation that clouds would bring to the interior, so precipitation can exceed 4000mm a year in the North.
Location
The Coast Mountains rise steeply from the fjords and channels on the coast, and glaciers are found at higher elevations. These mountains are still young, and even where they are not very tall, as on the Queen Charlotte Islands and Vancouver Island, they are still extremely rugged. As part of the "Ring of Fire"(the linear zone of seismic and volcanic activity that coincides in general with the margins of the Pacific Plate) that surrounds the Pacific Ocean, magma is close to the surface here. Instead of dangerous volcanoes, hot springs are the rule.
Vegetation
The rainfall and mild temperatures lead to record-breaking trees, both in size and age. The vegetation varies with elevation, with mostly coniferous trees, some of the species found here are western red cedar, yellow cedar, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, western yew, coast Douglas fir, Amabilis fir, Grand fir, coast redwood, Sitka spruce, red alder, western white pine, shore pine, Engelmann spruce, and Garry oak. Other plants in the ecozone include Oregon grape, salmonberry, devil’s club, western bleeding heart, red huckleberry, sword fern and red elderberry.
Animals
The Pacific Maritime carries a variety of mammals, birds, amphibians/reptiles, and fish. Some of the aquatic and non aquatic mammals include; black-tailed deer, elk, black bear, grizzly bear, Snowshoe Hare, Grey Whale, and Pacific Pilot Whale. Birds include; northern pigmy owl, bald eagle, tufted puffin and downy woodpecker. Some of the amphibians are roughskin newt, western redback salamander, sharptail snake and western garter snake. Some fish are pacific salmon, pacific herring, and cutthroat trout.
Looking For Some Fun?
Victoria Island, British Columbia's capital might be the place for you!
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Maybe the Pacific Rim Region is a better place for you.
The Pacific Rim region stretches from Port Alberni, a vibrant community and extends southwest to the open ocean to encompass the coastal villages of Bamfield, Ucluelet and Tofino. Tofino is remarkable any time of year. Summer days are full of fishing and exploring; Autumn is a photographer and foodie paradise. Winter affords you a front-row seat to the edge of the world during powerful storms. And Tofino rejuvenates in Spring; celebrating the return of the grey whales, shorebirds, black bears, and the renewed vibrancy of the rainforest. Stay at the most comforting hotels, and suites right on the beach! You create your own reality here.
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