We will be spending 2 weeks in British Columbia next June and would appreciate assistance in planning our itinerary. We enjoy hiking, birding and general nature viewing. Right now our tentative plans are to spend 4 nights in Tofino (Middle Beach Lodge) and 3 nights in Vancouver. Can someone one or two other areas we should experience? Also, I see many references to day hiking in the Tofino area, but no mention of recommended trails. Please recommend and describe a few hikes? Thanks

Sorry - should have been can someone "suggest" one or two other areas we should experience?

I just noticed that you're into birding. If you're going to spend some time in Vancouver, you might be interested in going down to the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta (about a 40 minute drive south of Vancouver). It's located in the Fraser River estruary and is home to Canada's largest population of waterfowl. If you're really interested in birding, it's a must see. <BR> <BR>Here's a few links: <BR> <BR>http://persweb.direct.ca/blevins/reifel.htm <BR> <BR>http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaw...7/vanpix4.html <BR> <BR>http://www.ehabweb.net/greifel.html

One more link about the bird sanctuary: <BR> <BR>http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/hab...s-george_e.htm <BR> <BR>If you have a few more days after your 3 days in Tofino and your 3 days in Vancouver, perhaps head up to Whistler for a day or two. There's some excellent hiking at both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

I love the Tofino/Ucluelet area! There are a variety of trails and hikes, all very well marked, in Pacific Rim National Park. As well, there are some very nice hikes in Ucluelet -- one to Florencia Bay and another near the Amphitrite lighthouse called the Wild Pacific trail. If you're interested in going further afield, I suggest the boat ride and walk to Hot Springs cove, or take a water taxi to Ahousat where there is another trail across Vargas island. Try checking out http://www.onroute.com/feature/pacif...ng_trails.html for info on trails in the park. Enjoy!

I would add my vote for the hike to Hot Springs Cove. We did it a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it.