Hi:<BR>We;re arriving in Vancouver on 7/16 and have about 10 days to travel. We'd like to rent a car and drive up the coast, but would like to stay out of really touristy areas and near places to hike. We were thinking of hitting Bowen Island first, then driving toward Prince Rupert, staying in places along the way. Does this sound like a feasible plan? Any recommendations for other places we should see? Thanks!<BR>Alice

Alice, just how do you intend to "drive up the coast" to Prince Rupert??<BR>Got any idea how far it is?<BR>

Bob's right - I think you should take a look at a road map to understand exactly what's involved in driving to Prince Rupert. However it is possible to drive up the East coast of Vancuver Island to the Northern tip where you can catch a ferry to Prince Rupert, (Reservations required - find BC Ferries on the net), and then return via Highway 16 to Jasper then through to Banff and return via the Trans Canada #1 to Vancouver. That trip would take all of 10 days but would give you a mini 'Alaskan' cruise without Alaska and a trip through the Canadian Rockies. Although Banff and Jasper are indeed 'touristy' they are that for a reason - they are magnificent.

The trip suggested above would be one heck of an adventure. Give 'er a shot if that is what you are looking for.<BR>Prince Rupert is often shrouded in fog, so I am told by folks who have been there.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Prince Rupert is a lovely little town with a lot to see and do. Fabulous seafood at the Breakers Pub!! We enjoyed our trip, by train, there very much.

Oops - thanks for the reply! You're right about the travel. We've decided to forgo Prince Rupert anyhow and instead head toward Cariboo area. Any rcommendations?