CA is amazing for everything described above, and doable from the SV, but it is muchless convenient than I imagine Vancouver Island is. Living in Seattle I can be actively engaged in any of the above with a 45 minute drive or less. From the SV, you are likely looking at a trip to Tahoe for any good climbing, hiking or skiing. It's doable, just not as convenient. (Note: I hate to appeal to authority, but I lived outside Sac for 4 years and Seattle the last year, and it is definitely easier here.)