If you want good weather, a great city and generally cheaper prices all round, then you might want to take a look at Calgary. We've got mountains to the west and Prairies in every other direction. For your 300nm you can pretty much fly in a straight line if you want. You could even fly to the states if you want some cross border experience.
Calgary is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada. Even during the winter it will be very clear out. Temperatures in the fall are around the mid to upper teens (celsius), sometimes a little warmer. Even if it does plunge to -20 in the winter, you just have to wait a day or two for a Chinook wind to warm everything back up again. While not as large as Vancouver, we still have plenty to do in your off time. Being in Alberta, you don't have to pay PST on anything either and gas is definitely cheaper than Fort St. John (my girlfriend was just up there visiting family).
Have a look at the
Calgary Flying Club.
Good luck where ever you decide to go.
goates