teachervacation

Senior Solo Summer trip for teacher! Narrowed down to these two possibilities -
Seattle - Victoria clipper rent car Ucluelet, Tofino 2 nights, definitely whale watching
then turn in car and take island link ferry/bus to Whistler 2 nights. back to Seattle
perhaps a night before in Seattle or upon return open to float plane back to Seattle from Whistler or reverse the order?
vs.
Via Canada train to Jasper spend a few days, back. Don't want to be in tour group, wait for 30 people to get back from lunch etc.
more info. for you kind individuals who will help me make the right choice... both knees replaced past two summers, so it's celebrate recovery, but not going to be hiking...swimming in hot springs, nice pool with a view makes me happy! Why Whistler? favorite place so far was Squaw Valley trip up gondola, swim in pool at top of mountain.
Trying to keep it as reasonable as possible...teacher salary still paying deductibles on the knees!
Thank you.

tomfuller

I've done the Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper several times both solo and with my wife. I/we stayed at the HI Hostel about 4 miles out of town near the north end of the Icefield Highway. I didn't try the hot springs but they do look nice. http://www.hotsprings.ca/#!miette-hot-springs/c1bpw
There are several rental car places within walking distance of the Jasper train station.
I did enjoy my hike down through the Maligne Canyon.

thursdaysd

I've done the ferry from Seattle to Victoria, and the scenic Via Rail ride to Jasper. I stayed in a nice and cheap (cheaper than the hotels, anyway) B&B in town. Definitely rent a car to drive the Parkway, it's actually cheaper than a day tour.

See: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ils-to-jasper/

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...mmm-mountains/

teachervacation

Thank you so much for the responses. Would you be able to recommend the ferry from Seattle to Victoria? Thanks again.

thursdaysd

The ferry was fine and the easiest way from Seattle. Don't remember that it was especially scenic, but am not sure what you mean by "recommend" it. What are you worried about?

teachervacation

Was it difficult to get from Seattle airport to Victoria Clipper ferry? Distance from ferry landing in Victoria to car hire? lodging? Thanks again.

thursdaysd

I was staying in Seattle, so I took a bus to the area of the terminal. I did not rent a car in Victoria, I walked to my hotel. (I am also a solo senior female traveler.)

However, google maps offers several different light rail plus bus combinations. You can find the address of the ferry terminal on the ferry's website.

mdinbc

If you arrive in Victoria on the Clipper, you will be right downtown and so won't likely need a car until you are ready to leave downtown area.

Victoria has many downtown hotels for diffent budgets. It is a lovely and walkable downtown. I know there is a car rental downtown for when you are ready to venture futher, try National Car rental website.