nanthompson2

Later this month, we will be arriving in Vancouver on a Tues evening and leaving on Thursday morning 9 days later (Plane tickets are purchased). In addition to seeing the city of Vancouver, I would like to go to Vancouver Island, go to Victoria and then maybe Tofino. We are 2 women (about 50 yrs old) and like a variety of activities but not much into shopping or art galleries. My friend (Toronto) and I (Virginia) meet every year for a trip-last year we went to Mardis Gras in New Orleans. Before that (when the kids were younger), our families went white water rafting, rented a beach house and a variety of other activies.

My very rough draft for an itinerary is: a couple of days in Vancouver, a couple of days in Victoria, a couple of days in Tofino. Would like to do some hiking (Pacific Rim Trail), whale watching, bike riding, Butchart Gardens, eat good food (seafood-esp. salmon, Japanese, Chinese). Wineries, street parties, outdoor markets, beautiful scenery, getting out on the water are all of interest. We will be renting a car to get around.

We are on a moderate budget so I know I won't be able to do everything. We try to stay at less expensive motels (don't need spas!). Don't need to do High Tea at the Empress. Would rather spend $ on good food and wine!

Can anyone advise me on timing- whether to go over to Vancouver Island first, then Vancouver City at the end? Any cool markets, street parties that would be fun? Where to be on the weekend and where to avoid on the weekend? What about some of smaller islands nearby-any especially scenic routes to drive or ferries?

nanthompson2

A first cut:
Tuesday night: stay in Vancouver since we both have different arrival times
Wed-Friday (or Sat.): Drive (and take ferry) to Tofino, stay 3 or 4 nights
Friday (or Sat.)-Monday: drive to Victoria, stay 2 or 3 nights
Monday-Thursday: back to Vancouver for 3 nights(our flights out are on Thursday morning)

The order of locations could be changed: Victoria-Tofino-Vancouver (city), or stay in Vancouver for a couple of days first, then on to the other 2 locations.

Thanks for any ideas!

nanthompson2

ok-looks like I talking to myself ;>
Itinerary is now 3 nights Vancouver, 3 nights Victoria, 2 nights Tofino, last night in Vancouver.

Staying at the Landmark Empire first 3 nights, the Huntingdon Hotel in Victoria, the Inn at Tough City in Tofino, then a hotel near the airport in Vancouver for the last night.

Hotel availability was limited in Tofino.

Any comments on these hotels and areas they are located? We may wait until getting to Victoria to rent a car.
Thanks!

Sam_Salmon

There is no issue with any of the hotels.

Always as for <b>Wild Salmon.</b>

live42day

I have stayed at the first two and they are both good. I have stayed at Landmark alot because the price is good and it is right in the middle of Robson Street and a great location. Same thing for Huntington in Victoria, great Location.
Tough city is downtown Tofino, overlooking the water. Walking distance to everything in Tofino. They have sushi downstairs. I have heard good things about it.

nanthompson2

Thanks for the reply!