Lin

My husband and I will be visiting for our first year anniverary in August and have already booked the first three nights of our trip in Victoria and the last two in Seattle but we are wondering whether to spend the three nights in between in Vancouver or elsewhere. Anyone have suggestions? We had been thinking of possibly going to Whistler. <BR> <BR>Thanks

sheri doyle

Lin, what do you like to do? If you are outdoorsy people, then it would be fun to go to Whistler rather than Vancouver. Personally, I'd spend a night or two less in Victoria (IMO, Victoria can be "done" in 24 hours), and subsitute three days in Tofino on the far west coast of Vancouver Island, but again it's a place that's best if you prefer outdoor activities. <BR> <BR>Sheri Doyle <BR>Pacific Northwest Journeys <BR>Seattle

Sue

I don't agree. Victoria is a great place if you know what to see. Butchart Gardens of course and spending a few hours walking Beacon Hill Park is nice (right in Victoria). You can go whale watching and even if there aren't any you'll likely see lots of sea lions in there natural surroundings. Take the silly harbour ferry around the harbour.A full half day is needed in the Royal British Columbia Museum and there is also a good Maritime Museum. You'll want to wander through the Empress Hotel and take the little tour through the Parliament Building. Also there is Anne Hathaway's Cottage in a sort of mini little British Village (in Victoria but you'll need a car). You should take a double decker bus tour (sit upstairs) and you will see some really beautiful homes and especially gardens. Then there is Craigdarroch Castle and don't forget the many wonderful shops and of course buying chocolate at the world famous Rogers Chocolates. Now does this sound like a 1 day trip to you? I think minimum 3 and if you want to drive up to Chemainus or maybe wander through the rain forests in Sooke then you can allow another day or two. <BR>

lin

Thank you both for the suggestions. We will have a car and definitely plan on taking some day trips. We were thinking of having dinner at the Aerie Lodge for our anniversary - I've heard great things about it. We also want to go kayaking, biking and hiking. We finally decided to book a few nights in Qualicum Beach before heading to Vancouver for a night. Is the water at the beach warm enough to swim in? Any recommendations for golf courses in Qualicum Beach? Sounds like we'll have plenty to do! Thanks again!

louise

Hi Lin, I agree, 3 days in Victoria is great. do eat Salmon, its the best in the world! A trip up to Whistler is really worth it if you have the time, the ride alone is well worth it and you can golf your heart out there. Enjoy and happy anniversary

April

Lin, <BR>I think you have a good tour planned. The Qualicum area is very relaxing so it should make for a nice break between cities. I assume you'll then take the ferry from Nanaimo to the mainland. <BR> <BR>The only golf course I know of at Qualicum Beach is the one by the highway, which looks nice, but apparently there are five. People do swim in the ocean but I don't think it would ever be warm enough for me. If it's not, you could take a short jaunt down to Parksville (Rathtrevor Park) where the water is often very shallow and might be warmer. <BR> <BR>By the way, bicycles are for rent at Victoria's inner harbour where the float planes dock.

sheri doyle

I still think three days is too long in Victoria, but that's just my opinion! I find it to be overly touristy and crowded in August, and prefer the more rural areas of Vancouver Island. In any event, be sure to take a day trip out to the Sooke/Port Renfrew area west of Victoria and hike some of the beaches out there. The Aerie will be perfect for an anniversary--they love to make a fuss over special occasions (so much so that people who aren't there to celebrate something are made to feel a bit out of place, I think), so be sure to tell them it's your anniversary! <BR>Where are you staying in Seattle, by the way? If you need restaurant suggestions, let me know.

lin

We will be staying at the Claremont Hotel in Seattle - do you know anything about it? Looks like a pretty good location. We would love some restaurant recommendations for Seattle! One place we were thinking of going to is Wild Ginger since we've read many good things about it. Also, any good brewpubs you could recommend?

sheri

Hi Lin, the Claremont is a very good budget choice in downtown. It's not new, but it's been renovated recently and doesn't feel dowdy. The location is great, very central. One caveat: unless the recent renovations changed this (and I don't think they did), the hotel isn't air conditioned, which may or may not be a problem later this month. <BR> <BR>Wild Ginger is definitely a favorite, as are any of Tom Douglas's restaurants (Etta's, Dahlia Lounge, Palace Kitchen). It's not a brewpub (in that beer isn't brewed on the premises), but I love the Belltown Pub on First--fun atmosphere, decent pub food, and non-smoking, which I think is great for a pub. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Roy Willis

If you go to Canada first, Seattle will be a let down. Victoria is great, like a step into old England. Vancouver we love and have been there twice and will go back as soon as we can. Grandville Island (downtown) is a must see market area. <BR>If you are driving between Seattle & Vancouver, be sure to take the detour and drive the length of Whitbey Island. You either arrive in or depart Seattle via Ferry but the ride is worth the trip. <BR>Also, in Vancouver, you can take a boat trip about 40 miles north and ride a steam train back. That is nice also.

Roy Willis

P S: In Vanacouver, try the hotel Sylvia. It is a great value for stayaing down town!