Climate

Fairwinds is situated minutes north of Nanaimo overlooking Nanoose Bay and the Straight of Georgia. Located on the leeward side of Vancouver Island it receives less rainfall than other coastal areas. It is zoned as a drier coastal douglas fir zone with indicator species such as Gaultheria shallon (salal) and Mohonia nervosa (Oregon grape).

The community is situated in a natural rain shadow where a mild climate combines with nearby hills to create its own micro-climate.

With mild winters and dry summers, the area supports a coastal douglas fir ecosystem on the Nanoose Peninsula. Its numerous dry, rocky knolls are the setting of exceptional natural features including one of the few remaining Garry Oak ecosystems and arbutus groves. The many creeks and wetlands surrounding Fairwinds are home to riparian plants and add
ecological value.

Over the years Fairwinds has implemented several environmental features to help protect and highlight this special place.