Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Canada (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/)
-   -   4 Days in Vancouver then Whistler or Banff/Lake Louise (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/4-days-in-vancouver-then-whistler-or-banff-lake-louise-1105414/)

Collegsoccer27 May 7th, 2016 09:41 AM

4 Days in Vancouver then Whistler or Banff/Lake Louise
 
I'll be traveling to Vancouver in July. My plan is to spend 4 days in Vancouver and then deciding to spend 3-4 days in Whistler or Banff/Lake Louise. I've been to Vancouver a few times and it's my favorite city in all of North America. My plan is to do the Grouse Grind (been to Grouse Mountain but never done the Grouse Grind) and see the new tree tops at Capilano Suspension Bridge. I'd like to spend the rest of the time in doing easy hikes in North Vancouver and get in as much scenery/sightseeing. I'm a solo traveler and like to do guided tours/hikes. Any suggestions on Guided Hikes/Tour companies?

I would like to get some suggestion/opinions on whether to spend the rest of the time in Whistler or Banff/Lake Louise. My plans are to hike and sightsee either of those areas as well. Any suggestions on Guided Hikes/Tour companies?

Thanks!

sludick May 7th, 2016 11:38 AM

Unless you are planning to fly to Calgary for Banff/Lake Louise, or have some travel days built in addition to 3-4 days there, I'd say to stick with Whistler.

Collegsoccer27 May 7th, 2016 03:30 PM

Thank you for your response sludick. Any hiking suggestions for Whistler?

Francewithfive May 11th, 2016 06:16 PM

Take the gondola to the top of Whistler and hike from there. The scenery is incredible and the trails are well marked and maintained. They range from easiy to difficult. You may see marmots and even a bear or two. Check out the Whistler Blackcomb website.
Another few favourites of ours around Whistler are: Rainbow Lake, Joffre Lakes and Cheakamus Lake. There is a good boook called 103 Hikes which will give you hikes around Vancouver and Whistler. I use it all the time:
https://www.amazon.ca/103-Hikes-Sout.../dp/1553653742
There is also a walks version (which is really a lot of shorter hikes : https://www.trails.com/catalog_produ...familyid=10693
A great website for finding local hikes around Vancouver is: https://www.vancouvertrails.com
The Grouse Grind is something to check off your list but be aware that it is insanely busy all summer so locals like to do it early in the morning when the tourist buses aren't dropping off busloads of people in flip flops!! It's quite a scene!
I would skip Capilano Suspension Bridge in favour of the free and more beautiful Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge. The area around it has great hiking.
A few other hikes on the North Shore are: Whyte Lake and Quarry Rock. Each are about 2hrs.
If you are looking for all day hikes, then hiking The Lions is a must! Check out the website I gave you for more ideas.
I have no idea about guided tours since I live here and would never use one. Check out Trip Advisor and look for their highest rated companies.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:12 AM.