MonicaRichards

Our family (Mom, Dad, kids ages 9 and 7) has a week to spend in Vancouver before an Alaska Cruise in July. How many days would you dedicate to Victoria? And I'm assuming if we book rooms in the "center" of both Vancouver and Victoria we can get by without a car? Also, recommended hotels? We like boutique hotels (well, the adults do) and the kids would like a pool but I know the two don't usually go together so they might have to just suck it up.

NWWanderer

I'd consider heading over to Tofino on the far west coast of Vancouver Island as your other destination rather than Victoria...it's a gorgeous place with lots of outdoor activities so would make a great contrast to Vancouver (as opposed to going to another city).

But if you want to see Victoria for sure then I would split your time 4 days in Vancouver, 3 days in Victoria (or even 5 and 2). I like the Laurel Point in Victoria--it's larger than a boutique but has that feel to it, especially the rooms in the south wing (and it has a pool). In Vancouver, I think the Metropolitan has a pool--that's the only boutique type place I can think of that might. If a pool isn't essential, I really like the new Loden Hotel.

You wouldn't need a car in either place but you might want one to take a day trip up to Whistler from Vancouver, and getting from Vancouver to Victoria and back will involve taking a bus onto the ferry if you don't drive.

MonicaRichards

Thanks NWWanderer. My husband has it in his head he really wants to go to Victoria, so there's that. Thanks for the hotel reqs! We've been skiing at Whistler so no need to go there without snow. We also have a cabin ourselves in the Sierras so the dramatic mountain thing isn't really necessary on this trip.

leuk2

Victoria is great. I'd give it three nights, possibly four. I would also recommend the Laurel point inn. The rooms have a great view. The newer part of the Hotel(Erickson Wing),The south part of the hotel is nicer,but more expensive. The north part of the hotel is older but still O.K. In the North wing you would want a room overlooking the harbour as opposed to the pool. Great location. Easy to walk around Victoria.

MonicaRichards

I think I'm sold! It looks fancy on the Web site, will the kids (who are well behaved but after all are kids) be welcome enough? Wouldn't want to ruin anyone's honeymoon.

NWWanderer

Oh, yes, lots of families there in the summertime, I wouldn't worry about it.

rivet

Thinking of your trip between Vancouver and Victoria on the ferry. A good book for your kids is Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson. The story starts on the ferry to Victoria.... hmm what a coincidence.

The Laurel Point is amazing but try for a renovated room. There is lots to look at from your large balcony - sea planes landing and taking off, water taxis, the ferry coming in from the US. Lots of easy dining in the area. It's handy to Barb's - a casual outdoor floating restaurant for fish and chips (picnic tables and paper plates). Or another favorite quick stop for seafood is Red Fish, Blue Fish, at the water's edge downtown where they cook halibut in a shipping container.

valtor

Yes, you are right, you don't need a car. In the cities you don't need, and between them, the bus will take you from the city, on the ferry to the next city.

I would stay two nights in Victoria and the rest in Vancouver.
Victoria is very nice, but smaller comapred with Vancouver.
One day to visit the city, and the second day go to Butchart Garden. There is a bus from the center of Victoria to there. Next to Butchart garden you can visit also the conservatorium with a lot of butterflies and parrots.