Tofino. I really don't much care for Whistler out of (snow) season. At any rate, to choose between the two, I'd say that west coast Vancouver Island is the hands down winner.

Vancouver is a supremely walkable city. Downtown is compact. Public transportation is also excellent.

For Victoria... the main tourist area you would want to visit is also very walkable. Personally though, I would vote for Vancouver for more than a day's visit.

Now, I haven't put together your timeline in my mind yet, so please excuse the obvious gaps. You'll need a car for the drive to Tofino. The drive across Vancouver Island, and your experience once there, will be a highlight of your vacation. Don't miss it.

To get from Vancouver to Seattle, I would recommend AmTrak. It leaves late afternoon, I think around 5 or 6 pm. It's a glorious ride and you get to see a lot of shoreline with eagles, etc. Driving down I-5, while not exactly tedious, is just not so scenic. You'll have to wait at the border, and will have to fit driving into a schedule around the Sabbath.

The train from Seattle to Vancouver leaves early morning. The rest of the schedule is buses - ok but you will be dealing with I-5.

You shouldn't need a car in either Seattle or Vancouver. In Victoria you'll only really need it for the drive to Tofino.

I agree with the above from Sludick. I love Victoria but would also agree that Vancouver will have more to see and is certainly a walkable city and much more for the kids there, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, Science world.

The ferries can be expensive to get to/from the island with a car. What you could do is take the ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo and rent a car there. Nanaimo is mid island and only a 2 1/2 hour drive to Tofino.

Drive to Tofino

Drive from Tofino to Victoria and drop the car (Not sure how much the drop fee will be)

Then take the ferry from Victoria to Seattle. This way you are not backtracking.

What they said . Vancouver is where i would recommend spending the bulk of your time. Don't miss the aquarium. it is expensive but worth it with kids.

If you end up heading to Tofino don't forget to stop in at the Coombs Market with the goats on the roof! It's a quirky little place that has the best little deli bakery! And it sells a lot of neat stuff! It's only about a minute off the port Alberni hwy junction.
http://www.oldcountrymarket.com/map.php

What AndreaC said.

We finally have our itinerary!

now we're looking for a non hotel accomodation in Vancouver - 2 bedrooms plus pullout sofa for kids. recommendations welcome for any such b&b / vacation rental in Kitsilano near Heather Park / Douglas Park.

Check VRBO and Airbnb.

http://www.kitsilano.ca/bed-and-breakfasts/

Hi 3Gentrip. I will be visiting Vancouver a week b4 you will be there. Any kosher restaurants there? What about kosher food establishments? Thanks for your help.

http://www.maplegrill.com/

Hi Monsey Traveller,

try this link:

http://koshervancouver.blogspot.co.il/2005/01/restaurantscurrent-kosher-dining-spots.html

please let me know what you liked, and especially what you didn't

We're going to be in Tofino from Aug. 7 until the 10th. Any special sightseeing recommendations?

In Vancouver from Aug. 10 until 13 (without a car); looking for recommendations for:
a. walking only in kistilano on aug. 11
b. sightseeing highlights in vancouver and victoria aug. 12 and 13.

thanks

Thanks for dining suggestions. Any place to recommend in Seattle?