Yes, BC. That would be a Thamnophis sirtalis fitchii. Looks very much like the specimens I can find in Eastern WA... actually, in the columbia river gorge I can find them just 40 miles east of Portland/Vancouver(WA) metro area.

Anyway, very handsome snake. Yeah 8 inches would be just a baby. You should see if you can transition him over to pinkies and when you do, watch him grow to monster size in no time.