I'm from Victoria...born and raised. My family still lives there (Colwood/Langford...now known as "The West Shore") right in the edge of Royal Roads forest.
My Dad goes fishing regulary for salmon and owns a boat. I used to fish with him almost every weekend growing up.
LOL people still ask me why I moved to Calgary...reason at least it is sunny in the winter. Yes it can get as low as -40C but it is sunny. Not the 40 days and night of rain and clouds that I am used to in Vic'. Used to wear on me desperately.
While I am in Calgary, it is still about 3 hours south of Edmonton. If the OP's friend were to come down here I would be more than happy to help out.