Will be in Vancouver with a House Swap for 10-12 days starting 8/14. Would like to access the real Outdoors avoiding tourist locales, perhaps to Alaska or Canadian Rockies. Desire the views, hikes and the experience. Coming with wife and 2 young boys. Will spend most of time in Vancouver, but looking for a real Outdoors diversion. What would be he best approach? Thanks.

Well Craig, <BR> Open the door and walk out, it is all real.

Well said #1-LOL!!! <BR>Really Craig you have to see the City to appreciate the setting. <BR>Your ideas as they are are so nebulous as to be nonsensical. <BR>I've just returned from a bike ride, I saw Coho Salmon jumping in English Bay, Seals, rafts of Seabirds and in the AM I often see Eagles, this is all along the shore of the Bay, Spanish Banks to be exact. <BR>The Rockies are a long day's drive and Alaska is far away. <BR>Start at www.bcadventure.com <BR>For local hiking info <BR>http://sites.netscape.net/eagle4russ/homepage <BR>best general local site www.vancouver.hm <BR>As to 'Tourist Locales' Vancouver is an international tourism destination so you'll be part of it all whether you want to be or not.

If I'd never been in the area before I'd probably enjoy a leisurely drive to the Rockies, taking different routes each way. You might not avoid tourists but there's a reason for that - the Rockies are spectacular. <BR> <BR>But, as mentioned above, you don't need to go far to get out of the city and see some beautiful views. Head out on the upper levels highway, for instance.

Tourists flock to Alaska, and the Canadian Rockies (particularly Banff and Lake Louise), and Alaska is a dreadfully long way away, especially since what you're looking for makes up 99% of the province of BC, where Vancouver is located in. Most of BC is the "real outdoors" - most of it is uninhabited. <BR> <BR>www.britishcolumbia.com will give you an idea of what there is to do in this province. It's a huge province - perhaps larger than you imagine. www.vancouverisland.com is an equally good site.

Thanks to all for the help. Was not trying to slight Vancouver. BC wildness is understood. Just trying to get out into the wilds away from the peopleness for a while, to enjoy quiet nature. <BR> <BR>By the way, any kayaking day trips to suggest? <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Kayaks are endemic here <BR>http://www.ecomarine.com/ is one of the original companies. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>