I am also a fairly new YYJ person and have lived in NYC, YOW etc. I love it here. I agree you will not fly to NYC or other points east for a week-end. You will likely view SFO and other places in the southwest USA as more natural destinations. I doubt you will use SEA for flying..... it is not a hub in the same way YVR is. You may use Bellingham for sun destination trips as it is only 30 minutes from the border. You will need to get used to the rain and lack of sunshine but if you don't mind getting wet sometimes, mowing the lawn in February can really grow on you.