My wife and I plan a trip to BC in late August when she will be 6 months pregnant. It is our first child and we want a nice relaxing trip as our final dose of sanity before the craziness of parenting kicks in. We chose BC because it is super hot in FL in August and it seems like a nice cool place to get away to.

From the forums I think we want to check out Tofino at either the Long Beach Lodge or the Wick and a little time in Whistler as well in a luxury hotel. I spent some time in Victoria and up and down the coast in while in the Navy years ago (albeit on a destroyer, not a ferry ) and want to share this beautiful part of the world with my wife.

My main question is since she will be pregnant I don't want too much car time. Does anyone know of any seaplane or other faster travel options to get between Whistler and Tofino? Or another comparable area around Vancouver Island and Whistler? Also, what ferry options are recommended between Tofino and Vancouver.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations, and any other ideas in the areas I may have not considered are welcome (especially considering our situation and time of year)

Bill

From a mom of 18 and 13 year old boys - congratulations on your wife's pregnancy! Lots of fun ahead.

Vancouver, Tofino and Whistler are great introductory spots to B.C. You don't say how much time you are planning on spending, and I think that will help determine your itinerary.

I'm assuming you'll fly into Vancouver, spend some time there, and then drive to Whistler for a few days. I love Whistler in the summer but my budget doesn't include higher end properties. Take a look at the web sites of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin Whistler and the Four Seasons Whistler. I have a friend who swears by the Chateau, and there are lots of positive comments on Fodor's re the Westin. I think the Four Seasons Whistler is a brand new property.

From Whistler you could drive about 1.5 hours to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver, and take the ferry to Nanaimo. You would then drive from Nanaimo to Tofino. Look at
www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/
for schedule information.

Tofino is very busy in the summer months and you'll want to book your hotel space NOW to avoid disappointment.

Or you could drive back to Vancouver and fly to Tofino. Look to www.tofino.worldweb.com/Transportation/Airlines/ and www.travel.bc.ca/transportation/float-planes/ as a starting point for a list of the airlines and float planes (possibly) that fly into Tofino (don't know if it's a complete listing).

I highly recommend the Tofino area but there are lots of other gorgeous spots to visit such as a resort at one of the Gulf Islands. However you'll still be spending time in a car and aboard ferries.

Have a wonderful time,

Linda

P.S. Once you've determined your itinerary, and if it includes ferries, you'll want to make reservations with B.C. Ferries. I think the reservation fee is about $17. That way you'll avoid hours of line-ups and overloaded ferries.

Thanks Linda. We plan to book this weekend, so I appreciate the quick respsonse and the recommendation to book now.

I think we'll have around 8-10 days. Was planning on 2 nights in Vancouver followed by 3 at Whistler and 5 in Tofino. Your travel ideas sound good, but do you have a specific Gulf resort you recommend? Also, is Victoria too out of the way for a one night stay with the rest of my plans? I remember how beautiful it was and would like my wife to see it but it's not essential if too much of a bother.

3 nights in Whistler is one too many-go for WCVI instead.
Forget Victoria unless you want to spend even more time sitting in a car.

Thanks for your input Sam. As I discussed what to do with my wife last night, we realized that in her pregnant state much of what we'd love to do at Whistler was out of the question as it is too strenuous (long hikes, horseback riding, rafting, etc). We'd thought about Victoria, but your car comment gives me pause. Hmmmm.

However, as I'm not up to speed on the abbreviations in this part of the world - does WCVI = West Coast Vancouver Island? So Sam, are you recommending another night at Tofino or a different location? Also, I looked at a guide book and found the "Gulf" Islands to which Linda referred - I've seen Salt Springs Island (I think) mentioned on these boards. Is that an option to consider, or again too much driving?

I appreciate you taking any time to respond....

I had though to include a line about your wife's '<i>condition</i>' but left it out
Yes that's what WCVI is.
Again Yes spend another night @ WCVI somewhere and have a quiet vacation.
Walks on the trails/beaches/a whale watching ride if the sea is calm.
Travelling to Victoria means another 5+ hours one way in the car and a few more returning to vancouver.
The Gulf Islands pale in contrast to WCVI and also mean more driving and more Ferries.Not to slag the Gulf Island I'm headed there Monday myself Bass fishin'.