Vancouver + Vancouver Island August Trip
Apr 4th, 2013, 03:14 PM
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Vancouver + Vancouver Island August Trip
Hi All,
We are thinking of a summer trip to Vancouver and environs for 10 or 11 days this summer. I am from Toronto and have never been to Vancouver - I think that it is about time that I go. The trip includes 2 adults and 2 kids aged 12 and 15. We like l hiking, cycling, dining, art museums(2 of 4), beaches and swimming. I am having trouble figuring out our plan. Right now I am thinking the following:
Vancouver - 3 nights
Whistler - 3 nights
Parksville - 2 nights
Tofino - 2 nights
Victoria - 1 night
I also love the look of Salt Spring Island but cannot fit it all in this trip. Is it worth dropping something else for? We don't want to be driving the whole trip from A to B - we want to relax a little as well.
Hotel suggestions would be so appreciated as they are hard to come by for family of 4, including older children . We would share one room or suite. Budget about 250 night.
Also thinking of getting our rental car after our time in Vancouver, for our trip to Whistler onwards, and flying home from Victoria.
Thanks so much.
We are thinking of a summer trip to Vancouver and environs for 10 or 11 days this summer. I am from Toronto and have never been to Vancouver - I think that it is about time that I go. The trip includes 2 adults and 2 kids aged 12 and 15. We like l hiking, cycling, dining, art museums(2 of 4), beaches and swimming. I am having trouble figuring out our plan. Right now I am thinking the following:
Vancouver - 3 nights
Whistler - 3 nights
Parksville - 2 nights
Tofino - 2 nights
Victoria - 1 night
I also love the look of Salt Spring Island but cannot fit it all in this trip. Is it worth dropping something else for? We don't want to be driving the whole trip from A to B - we want to relax a little as well.
Hotel suggestions would be so appreciated as they are hard to come by for family of 4, including older children . We would share one room or suite. Budget about 250 night.
Also thinking of getting our rental car after our time in Vancouver, for our trip to Whistler onwards, and flying home from Victoria.
Thanks so much.
Apr 6th, 2013, 08:06 AM
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No, I don't think Salt Spring's worth visiting at the expense of something else, given your itinerary.
I feel that the Gulf Islands are best experienced when you have proper time, at least 2 nights, in my opinion, and even then, Salt Spring - while the largest and the most populated of the island - is a poor beach vacation, contrary to what you'd expect, but it's a great weekend in the countryside if you want to visit art studios, cheese makers, etc. Galiano Island (my personal favourite) is better if you want a beach (look up Montague Harbour Provincial Park). Galiano is also full of waterfront access elsewhere and has a lot of wonderful wilderness areas - it's a different feel from Salt Spring.
I'd be inclined to cut back Whistler to 2 nights and add a 3rd night to Tofino... unless you're planning to tackle some alpine hikes in nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, etc. Tofino is where you'll be relaxing, hiking, and simply enjoying the sublime beauty of the whole place. It's truly unlike anywhere else you'll be visiting - the secret is to get out into the rainforest and ideally, Hot Springs Cove.
I haven't properly visited Parksville since I was a teen, so I won't comment there, but it is a popular beach vacation.
For accommodation in Tofino, it's a little over your budget for August, but so worth it: Ocean Village Resort. August is high season and accommodations usually start at $250 around Tofino at that time... but this is where I'd look first. There is the Best Western Tin Wis which might be a little bit less. Also, don't discount Ucluelet, the village a short drive from Tofino on the other side of Pacific Rim National Park. Accommodation can be cheaper there.
Vancouver, look into the Coast Coal Harbour, the Sandman Suites on Davie (not to be confused with the Sandman Hotel on Georgia), and the Blue Horizon Hotel.
For Whistler, the official Whistler-Blackcomb website usually has amazing summer hotel deals , so you should easily find something within your budget for that time.
I feel that the Gulf Islands are best experienced when you have proper time, at least 2 nights, in my opinion, and even then, Salt Spring - while the largest and the most populated of the island - is a poor beach vacation, contrary to what you'd expect, but it's a great weekend in the countryside if you want to visit art studios, cheese makers, etc. Galiano Island (my personal favourite) is better if you want a beach (look up Montague Harbour Provincial Park). Galiano is also full of waterfront access elsewhere and has a lot of wonderful wilderness areas - it's a different feel from Salt Spring.
I'd be inclined to cut back Whistler to 2 nights and add a 3rd night to Tofino... unless you're planning to tackle some alpine hikes in nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, etc. Tofino is where you'll be relaxing, hiking, and simply enjoying the sublime beauty of the whole place. It's truly unlike anywhere else you'll be visiting - the secret is to get out into the rainforest and ideally, Hot Springs Cove.
I haven't properly visited Parksville since I was a teen, so I won't comment there, but it is a popular beach vacation.
For accommodation in Tofino, it's a little over your budget for August, but so worth it: Ocean Village Resort. August is high season and accommodations usually start at $250 around Tofino at that time... but this is where I'd look first. There is the Best Western Tin Wis which might be a little bit less. Also, don't discount Ucluelet, the village a short drive from Tofino on the other side of Pacific Rim National Park. Accommodation can be cheaper there.
Vancouver, look into the Coast Coal Harbour, the Sandman Suites on Davie (not to be confused with the Sandman Hotel on Georgia), and the Blue Horizon Hotel.
For Whistler, the official Whistler-Blackcomb website usually has amazing summer hotel deals , so you should easily find something within your budget for that time.
Apr 6th, 2013, 01:12 PM
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Agree with you, BC_Robyn - add a 3rd night to Tofino and cut back on Whistler. Since I'm not a big fan of Whistler anyway, I'd probably just cut that back to a day trip. In its place, you could add nights to Vancouver and Victoria, or look into a drive up the Sunshine Coast.
There, you could perhaps spend 2 nights. It's really not a lot of driving, but there are ferries (which will cause delays) and scenic roads. We had the best time a couple of years ago, despite the May rains. August would be very nice. You could kiyak, hike, see some beautiful scenery. From there, you might take the ferry down from Powell River (but drive all the way to Lund) over to Vancouver Island - do a loop, you see.
A couple of links to look at:
http://www.sunshinecoast-resort.com/...FQTonAodD1cAcg
http://www.hellobc.com/?CC=US
https://www.bcferries.com/bcftravelcentre
There, you could perhaps spend 2 nights. It's really not a lot of driving, but there are ferries (which will cause delays) and scenic roads. We had the best time a couple of years ago, despite the May rains. August would be very nice. You could kiyak, hike, see some beautiful scenery. From there, you might take the ferry down from Powell River (but drive all the way to Lund) over to Vancouver Island - do a loop, you see.
A couple of links to look at:
http://www.sunshinecoast-resort.com/...FQTonAodD1cAcg
http://www.hellobc.com/?CC=US
https://www.bcferries.com/bcftravelcentre
Apr 6th, 2013, 03:16 PM
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Thanks for the responses. Maybe we will cut Whistler down to 2 nights and add another in Tofino. I have aa feeling it is pretty special there, and perhaps just do an overnight in Parksville and add a night to Victoria because I feel as if one night may not be enough there. Not sure. But we will leave the Sunshine Coast for another trip.
BC Robyn - Re Tofino - I have Ocean Village Resort bookmarked. So many of the Tofino places look lovely and yes, expensive. For our dates, the Ocean Village Resort only has either an upper or lower studio available. Any comment on these accomodations in particular? Also looked at the Pacific Sands which looks lovely and family friendly. It is over our budget but wondering if it is worth the splurge. Middle Beach never got back to me when I sent a request. I have a feeling that they sold alot of Groupons or something recently.
Re Vancouver - the Coastal looks good. I am also looking at the Listel which is a little less expensive and has 2 quuens in the rooms instead of doubles. My kids are adult sized and I wish to have bigger beds, and avoid sofa beds altogether if possible (or at least make certain they are queen sized).
Parksville looks pretty straighforward as far as accomodations go.
Re Whistler - do we want main village or upper? I am leaning toward the latter.
Re Victoria - any hotels or inns particularly nice? The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has just renovated and looks good : http://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com/.
BC Robyn - Re Tofino - I have Ocean Village Resort bookmarked. So many of the Tofino places look lovely and yes, expensive. For our dates, the Ocean Village Resort only has either an upper or lower studio available. Any comment on these accomodations in particular? Also looked at the Pacific Sands which looks lovely and family friendly. It is over our budget but wondering if it is worth the splurge. Middle Beach never got back to me when I sent a request. I have a feeling that they sold alot of Groupons or something recently.
Re Vancouver - the Coastal looks good. I am also looking at the Listel which is a little less expensive and has 2 quuens in the rooms instead of doubles. My kids are adult sized and I wish to have bigger beds, and avoid sofa beds altogether if possible (or at least make certain they are queen sized).
Parksville looks pretty straighforward as far as accomodations go.
Re Whistler - do we want main village or upper? I am leaning toward the latter.
Re Victoria - any hotels or inns particularly nice? The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has just renovated and looks good : http://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com/.
Apr 6th, 2013, 04:20 PM
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Give Middle Beach a follow up call. If they have availability and can fit in your price range, they are well worth it. "Rustic upscale" - lots of little trails through the woods right at your door, the kids will feel they are in the wilderness even though they are right on property.
Sunshine Coast may well be a better fit for another trip. Parksville for 1 night at most is probably right. 2 nights in Victoria will give you time to see a good bit.
For Whistler, do some pre-work. It's a huge winter ski area - lots of condo/timeshares in a cluster. Off season, it's been difficult for me to see what to do. Thinking you might want to identify hiking trails and bicycle rentals, etc., ahead of time.
The drive cross-island to Tofino is about a half day beautiful drive. It's a good opportunity to stop for a picnic partway. Be sure to stop at Coombs Country Market to see the goats on the roof and pick up something for your picnic.
Sunshine Coast may well be a better fit for another trip. Parksville for 1 night at most is probably right. 2 nights in Victoria will give you time to see a good bit.
For Whistler, do some pre-work. It's a huge winter ski area - lots of condo/timeshares in a cluster. Off season, it's been difficult for me to see what to do. Thinking you might want to identify hiking trails and bicycle rentals, etc., ahead of time.
The drive cross-island to Tofino is about a half day beautiful drive. It's a good opportunity to stop for a picnic partway. Be sure to stop at Coombs Country Market to see the goats on the roof and pick up something for your picnic.
Apr 7th, 2013, 01:45 PM
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Whistler's wonderful in the summer time - it's a year round resort, not just a ski resort. Summer is when all the golfing, mountain biking, alpine hiking, swimming/canoeing/kayaking, etc. takes place. It's when you can sit on the patio at the top of the mountain and take in scenery not unlike the Alps. The hikes in the nearby parks are absolutely phenomenal - something you don't get a sense of just by staying in the village of Whistler... but even taking the gondola up to the top in the summer offers some stunning scenery.
This is the kind of scenery once you get to the top: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/po...ncial_park.php
For accommodation in Vancouver, the Listel is excellent. I stayed there for a staycation back in November and enjoyed myself immensely. They were doing renovations at the time, and they had just launched their new restaurant, Forage, which I think is a must.
For the Tofino accommodation, I've only stayed in the lower studio, which gives you an open patio where you can walk directly onto the grass and across the lane to the beach. If you have an upper floor, you'll have more of an A-frame ceiling which will feel more spacious, and you'll have a balcony, but you can't just run off to the beach without going back inside and out the front door, and down the stairs.
This is the kind of scenery once you get to the top: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/po...ncial_park.php
For accommodation in Vancouver, the Listel is excellent. I stayed there for a staycation back in November and enjoyed myself immensely. They were doing renovations at the time, and they had just launched their new restaurant, Forage, which I think is a must.
For the Tofino accommodation, I've only stayed in the lower studio, which gives you an open patio where you can walk directly onto the grass and across the lane to the beach. If you have an upper floor, you'll have more of an A-frame ceiling which will feel more spacious, and you'll have a balcony, but you can't just run off to the beach without going back inside and out the front door, and down the stairs.
Apr 10th, 2013, 06:17 AM
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You are going to LOVE Vancouver Island. We camp there for 4 weeks every summer. Here are just a few of things you must not miss: Horne Lake Caves near Qualicum Beach - your kids are the perfect age for this, my 13 year old daughter LOVED it: http://hornelake.com/caving-on-vancouver-island/
In Ucluelet (very close to Tofino), the Catch and Release Aquarium: http://uclueletaquarium.org/ - this small aquarium is AMAZING and you and the kids can touch and feel almost everything. Take a working boat trip from near Campbell River, it's a full day trip but you will never ever forget it - it's AWESOME: http://www.getwest.ca/the-uchuck While you're in Qualicum take a short drive and go take a look at these Free Standing Spheres that you can rent and sleep in - there is nothing in the world like them: http://freespiritspheres.com/index.htm There is so much more I could tell you but I'm running out of space here. Have oodles of fun! Naomi
In Ucluelet (very close to Tofino), the Catch and Release Aquarium: http://uclueletaquarium.org/ - this small aquarium is AMAZING and you and the kids can touch and feel almost everything. Take a working boat trip from near Campbell River, it's a full day trip but you will never ever forget it - it's AWESOME: http://www.getwest.ca/the-uchuck While you're in Qualicum take a short drive and go take a look at these Free Standing Spheres that you can rent and sleep in - there is nothing in the world like them: http://freespiritspheres.com/index.htm There is so much more I could tell you but I'm running out of space here. Have oodles of fun! Naomi
Apr 10th, 2013, 06:56 AM
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As above, I would shorten Whistler, maybe one night is enough. Great landscape driving there and all around but really just a crowded money pit that time of year.
That would leave you with more time in Tofino, there are so many adventures there, including going up the coast by boat, lots of options. It is so beautiful. We were there out of season so stayed in the Tofino Motel - large rooms all with views of the harbout, very reasonably priced and clean. Not fancy but really pleasant and you can walk around Tofino from there. Very much a budget option I guess, and it means driving to the beaches rather than living at the beach. It depends really on what kind of activities you are considering and how you feel about staying in resorts. There are lots of beaches and places to explore. Plenty of wilderness.
Qualicum is nice, Victoria is lovely; we enjoyed it (travelling with all adults) but I am not sure how you would entertain kids there once you had walked the pier and the city centre streets, your options are quite urban.
Have a great holiday!
That would leave you with more time in Tofino, there are so many adventures there, including going up the coast by boat, lots of options. It is so beautiful. We were there out of season so stayed in the Tofino Motel - large rooms all with views of the harbout, very reasonably priced and clean. Not fancy but really pleasant and you can walk around Tofino from there. Very much a budget option I guess, and it means driving to the beaches rather than living at the beach. It depends really on what kind of activities you are considering and how you feel about staying in resorts. There are lots of beaches and places to explore. Plenty of wilderness.
Qualicum is nice, Victoria is lovely; we enjoyed it (travelling with all adults) but I am not sure how you would entertain kids there once you had walked the pier and the city centre streets, your options are quite urban.
Have a great holiday!
Apr 10th, 2013, 09:22 AM
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Agree with the above posters about adding time to Tofino. It takes a while to get there, so you need to have plenty of time there to make it worth the trip. It is wonderful!
We stayed at Pacific Sands a few years ago and really liked it. Very nice apartments with fantastic views. Marshmallow toasting in the evening for the kids.
We stayed at Pacific Sands a few years ago and really liked it. Very nice apartments with fantastic views. Marshmallow toasting in the evening for the kids.
Apr 10th, 2013, 04:28 PM
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Just thought of another couple things, will try & keep it short. When you're in Ucluelet at the Aquarium, stop by for the BEST fish & chips at JIGGERS. It's one of those new modern Truck Food Vans. It's on an empty lot on the right hand side as you're driving through town. Stop and ask a local if you can't find it. Also a train ride in Port Alberni to historic McLean Mill (they put on a fun stage show where they get kids involved) and the train ride is VERY neat: http://www.alberniheritage.com/alber...-steam-railway You pass right by Port Alberni on the way to Tofino. It's well worth the side trip.
Apr 10th, 2013, 04:38 PM
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Sorry, ok just 1 more suggestion & I'll stop (can you tell that I LOVE Vancouver Island?!!-wish I lived there but I don't) but this is one to definetly remember for your trip back to the Island next year 
Hornby Island. Each summer they host the most fantastic Music Festival. Both folk/country and classical. They haven't announced the groups for this year yet but here is the link to save: http://hornbyfestival.bc.ca/index.php. You need to book accomodations well in advance. Half the music groups are outside (the first 4 or so nightly concerts) on an AMAZING scenic farm with accoustics and the bands are different each year and prices are incredibly reasonable. It's all family oriented with lots of room to sit on a chair or blanket, dance if you wish - it is AWESOME!!!! Hornby is a wonderful relaxed island with lots of hiking - check out their website.
Hornby Island. Each summer they host the most fantastic Music Festival. Both folk/country and classical. They haven't announced the groups for this year yet but here is the link to save: http://hornbyfestival.bc.ca/index.php. You need to book accomodations well in advance. Half the music groups are outside (the first 4 or so nightly concerts) on an AMAZING scenic farm with accoustics and the bands are different each year and prices are incredibly reasonable. It's all family oriented with lots of room to sit on a chair or blanket, dance if you wish - it is AWESOME!!!! Hornby is a wonderful relaxed island with lots of hiking - check out their website.
Apr 11th, 2013, 03:37 PM
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Thanks everyone for the fantastic suggestions. I am going to book flights soon (next week) and then will do hotels. I will let you all know the plans and my itinerary once these are booked and then probably ask for more ideas and comments!
The kids are really pumped to see Whistler as many of their friends have visited over the past couple of years so we will probably end up there for a couple of nights.
The Four Seasons Whistler has a buy two nights, get the third free offer that seems like a great deal so we may even end up there for 3 nights. Are there any places that are within an hour of Whislter that would be worth visiting so we don't end up in the village for the entire time?
The kids are really pumped to see Whistler as many of their friends have visited over the past couple of years so we will probably end up there for a couple of nights.
The Four Seasons Whistler has a buy two nights, get the third free offer that seems like a great deal so we may even end up there for 3 nights. Are there any places that are within an hour of Whislter that would be worth visiting so we don't end up in the village for the entire time?
Apr 29th, 2013, 01:25 PM
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Where did you end up booking in Tofino? Food is expensive in Tofino, but a place the kids will probably like is Tacofino, a very casual place with outdoor seating. Next to it is Tofino Chocolate which has amazing chocolate and ice cream cones to die for! Look for Groovie Movie, close to Ocean Village Resort but on the highway.
There are boogie boards and surfboards to rent at a number of places in the area. You must pay to park at the main Long Beach but it is good for all day in all the parks.
Chesterman Beach is where many of the surfers go and the parking is free there.
If you did end up booking Ocean Village, hopefully this still happens, but at 4PM a fellow comes with a truck full of fresh, I think live, crab that you can buy and cook up yourself.
You will not be disapointed. We go a few times a year and still get excited every time, at all times of the year.
There are boogie boards and surfboards to rent at a number of places in the area. You must pay to park at the main Long Beach but it is good for all day in all the parks.
Chesterman Beach is where many of the surfers go and the parking is free there.
If you did end up booking Ocean Village, hopefully this still happens, but at 4PM a fellow comes with a truck full of fresh, I think live, crab that you can buy and cook up yourself.
You will not be disapointed. We go a few times a year and still get excited every time, at all times of the year.
Apr 29th, 2013, 03:31 PM
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Hi live42day,
We ended up booking at the Pacific Sands. A friend stayed there last summer and raved about it for her family. We booked the least expensive suite (which is still pricey) but we got some good rates elsewhere for our travels so it will even out.
Very excited for the entire trip but especially Tofino. My husband and son wish to go for a family fishing outing so I am trying to find a good outfit either from Tofino or Ucluelet that is not a fortune. We really only need 3 or 4 hours out fishing, and would like to try and find something for around 100 an hour for the family. This is proving difficult. I found only one trip so far, an afternoon out with Salmon Eye from Ucluelet but this will run us 550+! So if anyone has any good suggestions in this regard I would be so grateful. Thanks for the Tacofino suggestion - it is on the list!
We ended up booking at the Pacific Sands. A friend stayed there last summer and raved about it for her family. We booked the least expensive suite (which is still pricey) but we got some good rates elsewhere for our travels so it will even out.
Very excited for the entire trip but especially Tofino. My husband and son wish to go for a family fishing outing so I am trying to find a good outfit either from Tofino or Ucluelet that is not a fortune. We really only need 3 or 4 hours out fishing, and would like to try and find something for around 100 an hour for the family. This is proving difficult. I found only one trip so far, an afternoon out with Salmon Eye from Ucluelet but this will run us 550+! So if anyone has any good suggestions in this regard I would be so grateful. Thanks for the Tacofino suggestion - it is on the list!
Apr 29th, 2013, 08:09 PM
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Pacific Princess in Ucluelet does fishing trips as well. You will not be the only ones on the boat, but it is less money if you go for an afternoon fish.
There are lots of surfers on Cox bay as well, which is where the Pacific Sands is. They also have a web cam (sufcam)
http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/...webcams/latest
There are lots of surfers on Cox bay as well, which is where the Pacific Sands is. They also have a web cam (sufcam)
http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/...webcams/latest
