Later this month, we will be arriving in Vancouver on a Tues evening and leaving on Thursday morning 9 days later (Plane tickets are purchased). In addition to seeing the city of Vancouver, I would like to go to Vancouver Island, go to Victoria and then maybe Tofino. We are 2 women (about 50 yrs old) and like a variety of activities but not much into shopping or art galleries. My friend (Toronto) and I (Virginia) meet every year for a trip-last year we went to Mardis Gras in New Orleans. Before that (when the kids were younger), our families went white water rafting, rented a beach house and a variety of other activies.

My very rough draft for an itinerary is: a couple of days in Vancouver, a couple of days in Victoria, a couple of days in Tofino. Would like to do some hiking (Pacific Rim Trail), whale watching, bike riding, Butchart Gardens, eat good food (seafood-esp. salmon, Japanese, Chinese). Wineries, street parties, outdoor markets, beautiful scenery, getting out on the water are all of interest. We will be renting a car to get around.

We are on a moderate budget so I know I won't be able to do everything. We try to stay at less expensive motels (don't need spas!). Don't need to do High Tea at the Empress. Would rather spend $ on good food and wine!

Can anyone advise me on timing- whether to go over to Vancouver Island first, then Vancouver City at the end? Any cool markets, street parties that would be fun? Where to be on the weekend and where to avoid on the weekend? What about some of smaller islands nearby-any especially scenic routes to drive or ferries?