Meg

We have never been to Vancouver or Vancouver Island and were looking to spend 2 weeks on Vancouver Island this August. We could really use some help with some itinerary ideas. Is 2 weeks too long? What are the "must see" places.
Our children are ages 5 & 7. Ideas on where to stay that are nice but family friendly as well would be appreciated.
Tofino sounded worth the visit. I called Pacific Sands but they are already booked for August.
Should we split up the time instead and visit Salt Spring or Vancouver?
Would appreciate any input. Thanks!

chris_h

Pacific Sands in Tofino is really popular with families. But don't give up on Tofino! It is so worth a visit. Have you tried the Long Beach Lodge Resort (next door to Pacific Sands)? Then there is also the Cabins at Terrace Beach (formerly known as Roots Lodge) in nearby Ucluelet. On the way in to Tofino, drop by Coombs Bay and visit the Coombs Bay Market.

Caribgirl

Two weeks is not long. Vancouver Island is a great place with or without kids. Tofino is amazing and worth the loong drive. Have you looked into B& B's? August is very popular, so make sure to get your hotel, car and ferry reservations in order soon.
Don't forget Victoria, lots of fun family things to do there.
On your way around the island a great place to stop and let the kids stretch their legs is in Parksville. I didn't think the beach itself was that great, but the picnic area next to the "cool" (quote from one of my kids!) playground with all sorts of equipement plus water slides, etc, is great.
Unless fodors has erased all the old pre-registration postings, you should find quite a lot of info if you do a search.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'm not an expert on the area, but did have fun there with my kids and am really hoping to go again this summer!

Caribgirl

I forgot to mention the sandcastle competition in Parksville, I think it's held around mid to late August. The kids can vote on their favourite.
Also, check to see if the fireworks competition will be held in Vancouver on English Bay again this year.

Meesthare

There's also a sandcastle competition on Gabriola, some time in August. The kids would probably enjoy visiting the various Gulf Islands; they're all different, and each offers something of interest. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can see whales from the ferry as it travels through Active Pass. There's horseback riding on Salt Spring and Galiano - lots of fun and not too demanding for novice riders. Last year we went up to Quadra Island and did a day-long boat trip with one of the Native guides. There were some visiting kids from Switzerland on the boat and they loved it - we saw sea urchins, starfish - all kinds of things. Your kids will have a great time in BC.

Meg

Thanks for the ideas - much appreciated.
I'm not sure about Parksville/Qualcum area. Hearing mixed signals on whether its a desirable location to stay. If anyone can provide more input on this area it would be appreciated.
I contacted Tigh-Na-Mara and they have some cottages available. Has anyone stayed there or heard anything?
Thanks in advance!

April

Tigh-Na-Mara is good for a cabin in the woods (or condo) sort of stay, and I don't think you'd be disappointed. It is set above the beach though, as is Grey Crest. With small children, I think it might be better to be able to just walk out the door and and be on the beach. Have seen many families doing just that and seemingly having a fine time. I can't remember who would be best for that - check out Beach Acres Resort or Madrona Beach Resort.

With pleasant weather and the tide way out, it's a relatively mild spot where the kids can have fun with a sand bucket. Wherever you stay, Tigh-Na-Mara's restaurant is probably worth a visit.

Caribgirl

Hi Meg,

Sorry if I sent the wrong impression:
I don't think Parksville is a great place to overnight, but it works as a place to stop and have lunch if you're driving past it.

CaliforniaDave

Hi Meg:

I had to respond to this post because Vancouver Island is one of my favorite places in the world. We have taken our three children (ages 2-8)there twice in the last three years, most recently in 2001. My thoughts in no particular order:

1. We stayed at Tigh-Na-Mara for two nights in a large luxurious cabin and it was great. The beach is not spectacular but has an amazing low tide which allows little ones to walk way out. We were there for the sandcastle competition in Parksville and rented bicycles one day. Good place to stay.

2. Tofino is a "must see" if you love nature because of Pacific Rim National Park. Great boardwalk rain forest walks, and a wonderful walk to Schooner Beach where our children saw numerous starfish. We have stayed in both the Middle Beach Lodge and my favorite hotel in North America, the Wickininish Inn. Both are spectacular but pricey.

3. The second time we went as far north as Telegraph Cove and went orca watching. If you can stay in Telegraph Cove itself it is fun - little old colorful buildings right on the pier. We saw bears on our drive back to our hotel every day.

4. Victoria is fun for a few days with a good Royal Museum (ok for little ones because it is set up with atmosphere) and beautiful parks. Skip tea at the Empress hotel. Butchart Gardens is spectacular but no big kick for the kids.

5. I love Vancouver and especially Stanley Park, and I could go on for another page on what to do there. We always stay there for a few days.

6. Lastly, we stayed on Saltspring Island the last time at a place called the Cottage Inn. I highly recommend it - right on a small lake with canoes and a rowboat, and the Saturday Art festival in Saltspring is lots of fun. Driving all over the island craft shopping was fun. Make sure you make a reservation on B. C. ferries for your return ferry to Vancouver because it is always sold out.

I would be happy to answer any other questions about Vancouver Island or B.C. in general. I hope this has been helpful. David.

April

Just as a matter of awareness, you might want to familiarize yourself with the Cryptococcus fungus. I just heard of a pet possibly affected by it in the Parksville area.

Considering the cost and the ages of the children, I too would skip tea at the Empress. Maybe they would enjoy the boat ride over to Granville Island in Vancouver (and the toy store there - also a nice model museum), picking out polished stones at the Scratch Patch in Sidney on the island or looking at stars at the observatory. With two weeks, I would include Vancouver, Victoria and Tofino.