We're flying into Seattle for the last 2 weeks of June. We're coming from the East Coast and have visited Seattle, the Cascades, Olympic National Park, Port Townsend, Neah Bay, Hoh rain forest, the coasts of Washington and Oregon, Crater Lake National Park Mount St Helens and the Canadian Rockies on previous vacations.
Our plan was to visit the Sunshine Coast (how long?), Whistler (is it worth a day?) Vancouver Island (Victoria for 2 nights and Tofino for 4 nights) DH is not crazy about cities but I would like to do a 1or 2 day visit to Vancouver as long as we don't have to drive in the city. (greyline tour or ?)
I've been researching prior posts from the past several years and my head is spinning. People have suggested starting in Vancouver instead of Victoria for the loop tour. Then I have read suggestions to visit the San Juan Islands instead of Vancouver Island. (on a previous trip we took the ferry from Bellevue to Victoria for a day trip and city hater DH loved Victoria)
I'd appreciate thoughts and suggestions as to the feasability of my initial plan and answers to the questions in my post. Thanks.
Seattle-Sunshine coast-Whistler-Vancouver Island-Seattle
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The drive to Whistler is quite scenic, and Whistler is a big, up-scale ski resort that doesn't hold much interest for us because we don't ski.
I'm sorry I can't comment on Vancouver Island.
In any event, it may help you in your planning to know that the last two weeks in June are usually not very summery in these parts. Our summer usually begins after the 4th of July and continues through Labor Day. September and October are usually quite pleasant.
HTTY
I'm not a big city person myself but I love Vancouver. If you stay in the downtown west side (which is not the same as West Vancouver) you'll have English bay on one side, Coal Harbour on another, Stanley park on another. Easy to get around using public transit. I've been to Whistler both summer and winter and IMHO it is poor mimic of European ski villages, overdeveloped condo chalets, tourist-trendy boutiques and overpriced restaurants. The gondola ride up the mountain is worthwhile, though, and there are paths for hiking. Or you could do Grouse Mountain in Vancouver--not nearly as high but still enjoyable.
If looking at accommodation in Vancouver use Robson and Denham streets as your reference point and you'll be in the area I've suggested.