Canadians in Costa Rica - Great Article from the Calgary Herald

It's common knowledge that Canadians love Costa Rica.  My family and I are originally from Vancouver, BC - truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The problem is obvious though.  Depending on what part of Canada you come from, the weather ranges from mediocre to downright miserable for about 8 months of the year.

The great news is that Costa Rica's weather is perfect when Canada's weather is absolutely abominable.  Winters in Costa Rica are glorious, with almost zero rain from mid - November to mid - March.  In fact, the only really wet months we have are September and October, when we occassionally have to suffer though a full day of (warm) rain.  

That's when we return to Canada for what my father only half-jokingly calls our "winter vacation."  We've become so acclimated to Costa Rica's warm weather that we shiver away in jeans and fleece if the temperature drops below 21°C (that's 70°F for you Americans out there).

Another reason Canadians identify with Costa Rica is because of its outdoor lifestyle.  You don't visit Canada for the art or architecture. Its true that Canada has some world-class cities, with good galleries and nice buildings.  But if its refinement you're after, would you choose Montreal or Paris?  Toronto or Rome?  What makes Canada special is its extaordinary natural beauty - its mountains and lakes, pristine praries and majestic coasts.

Similarly, most travelers and investors in Costa Rica will tell you that the cities, while interesting, are not the big draw.  What attracts us to this little country are the jaw-dropping natural beauty and eco-conscious lifestyle.  With 1/4 of the country preserved in national parks, miles of unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, even if you're only sufficiently enthusiastic to relax poolside with a cold tropical drink.

Here's a great Calgary Herald article by Joanne Blain, whose description of her incredible trip to the Tamarindo Costa Rica area will give you a little more insight into why Canadians love Costa Rica.