...the coastal areas of Vancouver Island don't know the meaning of winter...

It's true that Vancouver Island's winters are relatively mild compared to other parts of the Frigid North but they're definitely not balmy. The water is cold so wintertime paddling is somewhat dangerous and best done by only hardy, well equipped kayakers. Vancouver Island is, however, a spectacular place. It's a giant island and mostly undeveloped. Its cities are located only on the southern and interior sides; the rest is wilderness playground.