What Is Wind And How Is It Caused?
Wind is what happens when there is a difference in atmospheric pressure in two different areas. When two areas near each other have different levels of air pressure, air from the area of high pressure will travel to the area of lower pressure. The greater the difference in air pressure between the two locations, the greater the wind speed. The air going from a place of extremely high pressure to extremely low pressure will create a stronger wind than in scenarios where the difference is less extreme. Things like the Coriolis effect are also factors in wind speed and direction.
It should also be noted that wind is named for the direction it comes from. For example, a wind that starts in the north, and blows to the south would be known as a northerly wind.
Why Are Some Cities Windier Than Others?
There are several reasons why some cities are windier than others. These include air pressure differences, topography, nearby water, and the presence of cities.
Air pressure differences are described above. For several reasons, some cities are more prone to large differences in air pressure. These places experience some of the strongest winds in the country, while places with more consistent air pressure tend to experience weaker winds. However, there are always exceptions, as any city can experience days with heavy winds or light winds if any at all.
Coastal areas also tend to be windier than landlocked areas, as the difference in temperature between ocean and land can create powerful winds.
Topography can also be a factor. Things such as mountains can stop winds, with their sheer size. As a result, places that tend to be flatter tend to be windier than others. It should also be noted that manmade structures such as skyscrapers can act in a way similar to mountains, slightly lowering the wind speed in some larger cities.
What Are The Least Windy Cities In Canada?
With all of these factors, we can have an idea of some of the windiest cities in Canada, as well as some of the least windy cities in Canada, which are listed below.
Abbotsford, BC
With an average wind speed of 8.3 km/h (5.2 mph), Abbotsford isn’t exactly known for having very many windy days. Located east of Vancouver, this flat place relatively close to the shore might seem like the perfect place for high winds. However, having mountains both to the East and the North act almost as shields against high winds.
There are a handful of fun things to do in this city. Mill Lake and Discovery Trail are both beautiful locations. There are also plenty of places to visit and learn from like the Mennonite Heritage Museum. Those looking for a fun time might also enjoy Castle Fun Park, which has a massive arcade, and large Go-Karts racing.
Edmonton, Alberta
One of the largest cities in the country, Edmonton’s place on this list might surprise you, as Alberta is often seen as a prairie city. However, the nearby Rocky Mountains do shield the city, similar to how mountains protect Abbotsford. This keeps winds at an average of only 11.8 km/h (7.4 mph).
Being such a big city, there are plenty of things to do in Edmonton. Most notable is the massive West Edmonton Mall, which contains over 800 stores, minigolf, and one of the largest waterparks in the world. Other attractions include the Muttart Conservatory, TELUS World of Science, and the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM). You could also check out an Oilers or Elks game.
Kelowna, BC
With winds averaging only 5.4 km/h (3.3 mph), Kelowna has the lowest average wind speed of any city in Canada. Located in south BC, this city also has mountains to protect it from heavy winds, while also being far enough from the coast to not have it impact the wind speed.
Kelowna has many beautiful natural sights, including Myra Canyon Park, Knox Mountain Park, Okanagan Lake, Kasugai Japanese Garden, and Waterfront Park. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy The Vibrant Vine, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, and Cedarcreek Estate Winery. Animal lovers should check out Kangaroo Creek Farm, where animals are free to move around with no fences.
Peterborough, Ontario
With wind speeds averaging 10.6 km/h (6.6 mph), Peterborough is the least windy city in Ontario.
There is a surprising amount of things to do in Peterborough. You can have a fun time learning at The Canadian Canoe Museum, Whetung Ojibwa Art and Crafts Gallery, Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, Hutchison House Museum and Art Gallery of Peterborough. Animal lovers can check out the Riverview Park & Zoo as well as Canada’s Dinosaur Zoo.
Sherbrooke, Quebec
The city of Sherbrooke in Southeastern Quebec has winds of 9.5 km/h (5.9 mph). Its hilly landscape contributes to this lack of wind.
Those who are into history and seeing historical sights and museums will likely enjoy places like Sanctuaire De Beauvoir, Musee de la Nature et des Sciences and the Uplands Cultural & Heritage Centre. Those looking for a view can see Promenade de la Gorge de la Rivière Magog, Magog River Gorge, Magog River Gorge, and Lac des Nations.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
With winds of 11.7 km/h (7.3 mph), Thunder Bay has very little wind compared to most cities in the country. Despite being located west of Lake Superior, the lake effect doesn’t help increase winds here.
Probably the city’s most prominent landmark is the Terry Fox Monument, built to honour one of our country’s most famous heroes. Those who prefer to see nature probably prefer Mount McKay, Cascades Conservation Area, Marina Park, Centennial Botanical Conservatory, and the Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area.
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver doesn’t have nearly as much wind as you would expect it to. You’d think that a city so close to the coast would be very windy, but strangely, Vancouver’s winds are very calm, coming in at only 12.2 km/h (7.6 mph).
When in Vancouver, you can check out a Lions of Canucks game if the season is right. Those who want to see beautiful sights can check out Stanley Park, Queen Victoria Park, The Aquabus, Granville Island, and VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Other places to check out are the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology and Canada Place.
Victoria, BC
With winds of only 9.1 km/h (5.6 mph), Victoria is even less windy than nearby Vancouver. As stated earlier, although most of the time being close to the coast will make it windier, there are exceptions.
Some of the most beautiful places in this city include Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and scenic Marine Route. Places to learn include the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Legislative Assembly Of British Columbia, Miniature World, and Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada.