FACS

We're flying into Seattle for the last 2 weeks of June. We're coming from the East Coast and have visited Seattle, the Cascades, Olympic National Park, Port Townsend, Neah Bay, Hoh rain forest, the coasts of Washington and Oregon, Crater Lake National Park Mount St Helens and the Canadian Rockies on previous vacations.
Our plan was to visit the Sunshine Coast (how long?), Whistler (is it worth a day?) Vancouver Island (Victoria for 2 nights and Tofino for 4 nights) DH is not crazy about cities but I would like to do a 1or 2 day visit to Vancouver as long as we don't have to drive in the city. (greyline tour or ?)
I've been researching prior posts from the past several years and my head is spinning, as to which order to go and the best way to get to Vancouver Island.
I'd appreciate thoughts and suggestions as to the feasability of my initial plan and answers to the questions in my post. Thanks.

tomfuller

The shortest ferry ride is the one from Port Angeles to Victoria. This link may answer some of your questions.
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regio...s/?townid=3996
There is a HOHO bus that goes through Stanley Park in the west end of Vancouver.
You did not mention Mt. Rainier. Try to see it if you haven't seen it before.

FACS

Tom-each time we have been in the vicinity to see Mount Rainier or Mount Hood they have not been visible. Then one day I looked into my side mirror and started yelling stop...Dh thought I was trying to prevent an accident but I just wanted to take in the view...finally and get a photo.
Thanks for the link.

BowenLinda

So, you are thinking of: Seattle to Victoria (o/n 2 nights), drive to Tofino (o/n 4 nights) as a start...

Two nights in Victoria gives you one full day. Victoria is a very walkable, small city so I guess that's enough time to get a taste of it. It can be very touristy but I find it charming and it offers lots more than just the d/t area. I'd want an extra half day or so to visit Buchart Gardens.

The Tofino/Ucluelet area is gorgeous and I like the drive. Lots to do and 3 full days will give you a decent overview. I wouldn't cut a night, to me 4 nights is a good minimum.

I like the Sunshine Coast but I would substitute one of the Gulf Islands (perhaps Denman or Hornby, but then I'm an island gal at heart). Or drive further north from Nanaimo to Port Alice, and take the ferry system to Sointula and Alert Bay for a completely different view of Vanc Island and BC.

I'm a big Whistler fan, in any season. Lots won't agree with me, but Whistler in the summer is terrific. Great easy (to difficult, you choose) walking/hiking, golfing, gondola-ing to the peak, relaxing... I'll be there in July for 3 nights.

FACS

Thanks Linda for the suggestions, I'll research those options.

sludick

<Our plan was to visit the Sunshine Coast (how long?)>

BCFerries used to publish some itineraries along with fare packages, but I didn't see them. If you are only going along the Sunshine coast and not over to Vancouver Island, I'd suggest 2-3 nights depending on what you wanted to do. We did not book at Ruby Lake, but did stop to take pictures and found that was the location we passed up. Maybe consider it: http://www.rubylakeresort.com/

Also check into accommodations in Sechelt Inlet, we wanted to visit the waterfalls and other things there but are sorry we missed. http://www.vancouverisland.com/regions/towns/?townid=2

We stayed 2 nights at Lund Hotel - that is where Hwy 101 finally ends. It's a historic place and worth at least a night: http://lundhotel.com/ You can see the shrimp boats leave in the morning, and then in the late afternoon return, dock out away from land where they rendezvous with an airplane to transfer extremely fresh shrimp for Vancouverite's dinner.

If you go up there, be sure to stop for lunch or dinner at the Laughing Oyster http://www.laughingoyster.ca/ We stopped for a lovely lunch one day and then returned for a casual buffet/amateur musician night. It's one of our best memories.

<Whistler (is it worth a day?)>

No, IMO

<Vancouver Island (Victoria for 2 nights and Tofino for 4 nights)>

Victoria is good for a day. Butchart for 1/2 day in addition. Then on to Tofino (stop at Coombs to see the goats on the roof and shop for picnic supplies). Stay for at least 2 nights, 3 if possible.

<DH is not crazy about cities but I would like to do a 1or 2 day visit to Vancouver as long as we don't have to drive in the city. (greyline tour or ?)>

Vancouver is compact and very walkable, with excellent public transportation. Do away with the car and enjoy the convenience.

FACS

Thanks Sludick...I may have further questions

sludick

You could do a loop also. Drive up the Sunshine Coast, then take the ferry from Powell River across to Vancouver Island. From there, drive down the island. One thought is to drive over to Tofino, then come back and take the ferry at Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay (West Van) or down to Victoria, and take the Swartz Bay ferry back to the Tsawwassen terminal.

I am thinking that you may run into "liquid sunshine" in June, so be prepared for that. We did a similar trip at the end of May/early June one year and made good use of our rain gear. But more of a gentle rain and not downpours. Did experience some wind/rain on the island though.

http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/

BC_Robyn

The beauty about Vancouver is that it's a city for people who love escaping the hustle and bustle of a city. It's full of parks, beaches, wilderness, and nature. If you don't like cities, I wouldn't cut out Vancouver but spend your time in its nature:

Stanley Park
Lynn Canyon Park
Lighthouse Park
Queen Elizabeth Park
Spanish Banks Beach
etc.

KD0bbs

I second what BC_Robyn said. Stanley Park was one of the most wonderful park experiences I've had in a long time, Vancouver is a very active person city.

I'd say most of the time I spent in Vancouver was outside appreciating nature, whether on bike in Stanley Park or by foot in the rain at Lynn Canyon it definitely worth the time. Didn't even get a chance to make it up to Whistler I was so busy in the city - no regrets there! But I wouldn't mind visiting again.

immimi

sludick - you are such a great ambassador and intrepid PNW
traveller - staying at the Lund Hotel - your'e the first
person I've even heard of doing that! We have our annual
fish and chips on the deck while watching the prawn boats
or goeduck fishers.

The float planes swooping down to off-load the seafood are
oten taking them to YVR for a direct flight to Japan - big
bucks to be made for sure!

An aside on the charming Laughing Oyster resto - the owner's
daughter is a trained opera singer and when her DH - also a
professional singer - is on tour with a company she comes home
and works for her dad. Lots of stories.

immimi

that should be 'geoduck'...once seen never forgotten much like
the clam itself!

sludick

immimi - we are real fans, most certainly! It's a hike from Florida but well worth the time and effort.

We'll be back in September, but unfortunately probably won't be able to get back to the Laughing Oyster then. Too bad - I can still taste those wonderful pan-roasted oysters. I am not at all surprised to hear that musical talent runs through the owner's family, he seemed to be as much a musician as chef.