Lowdown - Family of four on a limited budget. (2 boys)
Place - British Columbia
Need - Help narrowing activity choices and suggestions of companies.
Time of visit - mid-June
Length of stay - 8 days
Breakdown - 3 Vancouver, 2 Victoria, 3 Tofino
Current interests - Victoria Ghost Tour, Victoria Double Decker Tour, Whale watching, Bear watching, Capilano Bridge, other suggestions...

We can probably only allot $600 for the week on activities. Tofino or Victoria for whale watching? I would really like to find a tour that includes sea lions, harbor seals and whales, preferrably Orca's. Suggestions on how to best maximize our activity choices? Companies?
Thanks

If you want to save $70+, I'd recommend NOT going to Capilano Suspension Bridge, but instead visiting the free Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge which is practically the same thing:

http://www.dnv.org/ecology/suspension_bridge.html

The ghost tour in Victoria isn't all that great. I've had visitors with kids who have done it and been very disappointed. However, especially the boys - the Bug Zoo was a real hit http://www.bugzoo.bc.ca/ Also check out this website for any other ideas http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/vi...tractions.html

Wow, I am appreciative but surprised by the comments. I only heard about the ghost tour because of rave reviews on Tripadviser.com but if it's not worth it then I could definitely use the $ elsewhere. I'll check out the other sites.

Regarding Lynn vs. Capilano - I have done some research and took notice of the debate regarding which is better. The only reason I still considered Capilano is b/c most of the forum comments I read were very old and I believe that Capilano has since created an entire network of treetop footbridges whereas Lynn Canyon is one solitary bridge? Am I correct? Still not worth the price? I understand that Lynn Canyon is more than just a bridge but in terms of two boys "exploring" a network of treetop foot paths vs. walking across A bridge I thought Capilano might be worth the $??

Again, I am grateful for all the advice from those who have been there, done that. I can only make an educated guess with the information you provide. Thanks

In victoria you have to go to the B.C. museum. It would be great for children. I don't know what it costs, but I don't think it is expensive. Taking a harbour tour on one of the harbour "ferries" would also be cheap and inexpensive. Lots of walking,cycling opportunities in each city. In Vancouver take the seabus to north vancouver and walk around the market at Lonsdale quay, and the boys can look at the tugboats next door( from a distance). How old are the boys?

It's hard to know really. The tree top bridges are certainly cool, so if you think they'd enjoy that, then perhaps the money is worth it. I was just thinking, since you were on a budget, Lynn Canyon would make more sense. You're right that Lynn Canyon has the network of trails, however, they have waterfalls, networks of staircases that go up and down the canyon and through the rainforest, and they also have access to the river. So basically, you have hands-on access to nature, whereas at Capilano, you're in the nature, but you're accessing it via the bridges alone.

leuk is right about the Royal BC Museum - it is world class and your sons will love it. A definite must!
http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/

ok, all of this is great information. Carmanah, by painting a picture of Lynn Canyon and all of its characteristics I can definitely see what you are talking about. Leuk2 and traveller69, thanks for the input on the BC Museum - I'll check it out.

Be sure to check the rates for renting bicycles in Vancouver to circumnavigate the seawall around Stanley Park and False Creek onto Granville Island if you like.

http://www.vancouverbikerental.com/

http://www.stanleyparkcycle.com/

If you want to see whales/sea lions and bears you can probably do all in one go out of Ucluelet, half hour from Tofino on the boat 'Archipelago Cruises' http://www.archipelagocruises.com/cruise.html
I have lived here all my life and found this to be one of the best things we have done on the coast. You did not mention how old your boys are, but there is also a wonderful little aquarium in Ucluelet, right near where the boat tour leaves from. You can touch, hold, feed some of the animals in there and the staff is so knowegable and enthusiastic. There is also the 'wild pacific trail' in Ucluelet which is an amazing trail that hugs the coastline with fantastic views of crashing waves on the rocks.
All of this can be done on one daytrip from Tofino if that is where you are staying. Just get an early start in the morning. A great place to stop for lunch, and reasonable (not for dinner though) is the brand new Black Rock hotel right on the oceans edge in Ucluelet. An amazing view and good food reasonably priced.

bookmarking - thanks