boballenfrisco

My wife and I have scheduled our flight from Texas into Vancouver for 10 days in early July. It may seem like a leap of faith, but now I'm counting on my Fodor's Friends to help me make it a great trip. We know little about the area and this will be our first visit. We love to hike, boat, and explore the outdoors, but also enjoy the occasional wine tasting, museum, or unique restaurant.

My initial question is can I do everything from a single base out of Vancouver, or will we need to move once or twice. So far I'm thinking about 1) a couple separate day trips to Whistler and Squamish for hiking; 2) Whale watching; 3) Rent a motor boat to explore some of the river areas; 4) a trip to Hope to walk or bike the trails that were converted rail lines; 5) Stanley Park; 6) Explore the Water Front: 7) _______.

I would appreciate any feedback on my list. It's ok to tell me it's lame and offer other suggestions. Do you have thoughts on anything I've mentioned? I'm also looking for more to add. Should we include Vancouver Island/Victoria? Can we do that with one or two day trips, or would that require a move? We've done the California Wine country several times, so I was thinking we would not go east into the wine country. Is that a mistake? I hope I haven't booked to many days between our flight travel, but I was excited about our first trip to BC.

Thank you in advance for any advice!!!

Sam_Salmon

<i>"3) Rent a motor boat to explore some of the river areas..."</i>

Rivers here are generally shallow, swift & hazard strewn-the Fraser our largest river is similar but on a much grander scale-one of the most dangerous places I've ever boated actually.

This operation rents jet boats to sportfishermen maybe you can convince him to consider your request.

http://www.lodestaroutfitters.com/

The rest is doable <u>except</u> for a Vancouver Island day trip-too far/too much to see it's 500km long & 80km wide with a mountain range down the middle even visiting Victoria for a day means a 4 hour trip each way unless you fly.

Note that in addition to Whistler & Squamish local mountains offer some outstanding hiking.

http://www.vancouvertrails.com/

sludick

So an alternative to the motor boat/river idea - what about exploring a bit up the Sunshine Coast? You could do some kayaking, zodiac, maybe rent a boat. As a day trip you would be somewhat limited, given that you would need to abide by the ferry schedule (short trips), but still doable. Or include an overnight or two. It's absolutely beautiful.

Here are a couple of links for suggestions:

http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/p...ter-activities

http://www.hellobc.com/default.aspx

boballenfrisco

Thanks Sam and Sludick. Points well taken. Sounds like my boating time needs to avoid the rivers. I'm not normally excited about kayaking (feels too slow and my wife makes me do most of the paddling) But I'm guessing the scenery would take my mind off of my laziness. Appreciate the links, very helpful. I can't wait to explore the trails too.

Can you offer any suggestions of areas that would be a good central location for a place to stay and be a good jump off point? Or maybe a suggestion of an area that would just not be convenient? There are plenty of VRBO rentals, but I'd like to narrow down the search area some. Sounds like I might want to find a couple of nights up the Sunshine Coast. Did you say that required a ferry? Also, I was planning to rent a car for the entire trip, but is that a waste?

Thanks again for the great advice! Looking forward to any other ideas of great things to do.

sunbum1944

Check into kayaking at Deep Cove- it is a beautiful spot

http://www.deepcovebc.com/deepcovebcvisitorinfo.html

Maybe you can even boat here- not sure. I think it would be a nice place to stay as well but not very convenient I admit. Its very easy access to the road to Whistler though and some of the N Vancouver attractions.

You might be able to rent single kayaks - then wife would have to do her own paddling.

The Hello BC is a great website and even has suggested driving routes.

sludick

Yes, there's a couple of ferries, depending on how far up the coast you go. There's Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, then Earls Cove to Saltery Bay. The end is in Lund, where Highway 101 also comes to an end. Lots to explore. You would take your car on the ferry.

Link to BC Ferries:

http://www.bcferries.com/

- and the schedule: http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/


A bit more about the Sunshine Coast:

https://www.bcferriesvacations.com/sunshine-coast